Direction: Les Blank

Direction Les Blank

Cast Lightnin' Hopkins

Synopsis The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins (1969) presents an intimate look into the life and music of the legendary Texas blues artist, Lightnin' Hopkins. This documentary features engaging interviews and a captivating performance by Hopkins, offering a deep dive into...

Direction Les Blank

Synopsis Chulas Fronteras (1976) explores the vibrant musical traditions of the Mexican community residing on either side of the Texas-Mexico border, with a particular focus on migrant farmworkers. The documentary delves into the origins of this music, but primarily highlights how...

Direction Les Blank · Skip Gerson

Cast Alfred Franklin · Hattie Franklin · Elnora Lipscomb · Mance Lipscomb

Synopsis A Well Spent Life (1972) delves into the life of Mance Lipscomb, a Black Texas sharecropper, guitarist, and singer, born in 1895. Recorded by Arhoolie Records in 1960, Lipscomb's story is revisited a decade later by a film crew eager...

Direction Les Blank

Cast Werner Herzog · Klaus Kinski · Claudia Cardinale · Jason Robards

Synopsis Burden of Dreams (1982) delves into the extraordinary journey of renowned German filmmaker Werner Herzog as he confronts immense challenges in the Amazon rainforest while attempting to bring his ambitious epic, Fitzcarraldo, to life. The documentary captures Herzog's relentless determination...

Direction Les Blank

Cast Antzonini Del Puerto · Kathleen Bendel · Harrod Blank · Mary T. Brown

Synopsis Garlic Is As Good As Ten Mothers (1980) delves into the rich and pungent history of garlic, exploring its significance and cultural impact. The film features engaging conversations with chefs, garlic enthusiasts, and historians, each sharing their unique perspectives and...

Direction Les Blank

Synopsis Always for Pleasure (1978) delves into the vibrant essence of New Orleans, commencing with a funeral procession where Allen Toussaint elucidates the tradition of arriving slowly and then cutting loose. The documentary then shifts to the culinary scene, offering a...

Direction Les Blank

Cast Leon Russell · Eric Andersen · Malissa Bates · David Briggs

Synopsis A Poem Is a Naked Person (1974) is a documentary that initially remained unreleased in 1974, with screenings limited to non-profit institutions and accompanied by the personal appearances of director Les Blank. Following Les Blank's passing in 2013, his son...

Direction Les Blank

Cast Werner Herzog

Synopsis Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe (S) (1980) is a documentary that precisely encapsulates its title. The renowned German film director, Werner Herzog, had made a wager with the up-and-coming director Errol Morris. The bet was that if Morris successfully completed...

Direction Les Blank

Synopsis Dry Wood (1973) presents a vivid depiction of the vibrant black Creole community residing in the Louisiana Delta. The documentary immerses viewers in the rich cultural tapestry of the region, highlighting the lively rhythms and soulful melodies of Zydeco music...

Direction Les Blank

Cast Lightnin' Hopkins

Synopsis Lightnin' Les (S) (1969) is a captivating documentary that delves into the life and music of the legendary blues musician Lightnin' Hopkins. The film begins with a unique anecdote where Hopkins spontaneously composes a song and performs it for the...

Direction Les Blank

Cast Clifton Chenier

Synopsis Hot Pepper (1973) is a captivating documentary that delves into the life and music of Clifton Chenier, a renowned Zydeco artist. Hailing from New Orleans, Chenier proudly adopted the title of the "King" of Zydeco, a unique musical genre that...

Direction Les Blank · Maureen Gosling

Direction Les Blank

Cast Carrie Adell · Catherine Anderson · Natacha Aubier · Miranda Bergman

Direction Les Blank

Synopsis Del mero corazón (1979) offers a concise exploration of Tex-Mex music, delving into how this genre articulates the emotions of love found and love lost. The documentary highlights the heartfelt nature of the music, showcasing its ability to convey deep,...

Direction Les Blank

Cast Dizzy Gillespie

Synopsis Dizzy Gillespie (S) (1965) captures a pivotal moment in jazz history, showcasing the legendary trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie leading his renowned post-war big band, which included jazz luminaries like pianist John Lewis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, and bassist Ray Brown. This concert...

Direction Les Blank · Gina Leibrecht

Cast Richard Leacock · Valerie Lalonde

Synopsis How to Smell a Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy (2014) presents a heartwarming journey as Les Blank and co-filmmaker Gina Leibrecht travel to Normandy, France, in the year 2000 to meet with the renowned...

Direction Les Blank

Cast Tommy Jarrell

Synopsis My Old Fiddle: A Visit with Tommy Jarrell in the Blue Ridge (S) (1994) is a heartwarming follow-up to Les Blank’s initial documentary about the renowned Appalachian fiddler and storyteller, Tommy Jarrell. This film offers a serene tribute to the...

Direction Les Blank

Synopsis The Maestro: King of the Cowboy Artists (1995) delves into the extraordinary journey of Gerald "The Maestro" Gaxiola, a man who, after a diverse career as an aircraft mechanic, traveling salesman, and bodybuilder, found his true calling in the world...

Direction Les Blank · Chris Strachwitz

Direction Les Blank · Skip Gerson

Cast Lightnin' Hopkins

Synopsis The Sun's Gonna Shine (S) (1969) is a poetic portrayal of the pivotal moment when Lightnin’ Hopkins, at just eight years old, chose to abandon his life of cotton picking and embark on a journey to become a professional singer....