To Hear Your Banjo Play

Pete Seeger narrates this short documentary about the banjo, folk music, and square dancing, with several other leaders, including Woody Guthrie.

It's a fun little time for those of us who love the banjo; I spent ten years trying to learn to play it. My fingers were too clumsy, and I started too late, alas, but it's still a joy to see this short. It's co-directed by Williard Van Dyke, whose all-too-short list of movies are a lot of fun. And to watch the speed at which these fellows pick out notes, the manner in which old women sing the songs, and the joy with which the young people dance towards the end contribute to a superior time.