Heartworn Highways

In 1975, James Szalapski decided to make a film about country music. Instead of going to the big names, he was put in touch, via a mutual acquaintance, with bassist Skinny Dennis, a notorious hell-raiser who left little musical legacy when he died a short while later, but who was much loved by his friends, who included many of the most talented up-and-coming singer songwriters of that time. Among them was Guy Clark, whose house was a meeting place for geniuses such as Townes van Zandt, Steve Young, Rodney Crowell and even Steve Earle, then completely unknown but starting to make his musical career. It's this network, centred on Clark, that occupies the heart of this film. Szalapski films them going about their normal lives: none of them are rich, none of them are famous, and crucially none of them expect to become either of those things by appearing in this film. But their wholly authentic love for their music, and their wholly exceptional abilities, enliven one of the most genuinely intimate (and musically sublime) documentaries you are likely to see. Szapalski also films a selection of other rootsy artists, but it's with Clark and his friends, all utterly obscure at that time, where the film's heart beats loudest. The new DVD contains extra performances cut from the original; many are good in isolation, but it's to Sazpalski's credit that the material he chose for inclusion suits the finished film better than that he omitted. A fine film, and (with Townes now dead) a poignant one as well.

James Szalapski's documentary--filmed in 1975, but not shown until several years later--captures a pivotal point in country music when the the glossiness that had taken over the industry gave way to a back-to-basics movement centered in Austin and Nashville. Young songcrafters such as Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Rodney Crowell, Steve Young, and a young Steve Earle are shown in loose, relaxed performances while The Charlie Daniels Band and David Allan Coe are filmed performing at a Texas holiday concert and at Tennessee State Penitentiary, respectively. Along with presenting personal portraits of these artists, Heartworn Highways effectively preserves an image of two very musical cities and their colorful inhabitants as they were in the middle of the artistically fertile 1970s.

Shot in 1976, "Heartworn Highways" is a laid-back documentary look at several fringe talents in Country and Western music, who represent something of an alternative to the mainstream of that genre. Pic's strengths lie in its superb stereo recording of the music and its imparting the folksy charm of the performers, but absence of narration or traditional interview material leaves the viewer with little historical background and no way to "place" the artists within the current musical scene.

Director-cameraman James Szalapski does not attempt to dramatize or inflate the importance of his subject, preferring a matter-of-fact approach. The eccentricities of singers Townes Van Zandt and ex-con turned "Rhinestone Cowboy" David Allan Coe come through without any coaxing and yield some light comic elements to interrupt the standard performance-film format.

Besides slice-of-life peeks at rustic types in Nashille's Wigwam Tavern, pic's highlights include a very entertaining and elaborate talk-preamble to a song by Gamble Rogers, several moving folk-like ballads by Guy Clark and a strange performance at Tennessee State Prison by Coe. Music takes on a rock orientation in concert footage of the Charlie Daniels Band.

Both sound and 35mm blowup quality are excellent.

My review was written in April 1981 after a Times Square screening.

Put it on, sip some Bourbon, enjoy. Then go listen to the soundtrack. First known recordings of a young young Steve Earle, I believe. Amazing music and interesting to see the way of life for these dudes. I got turned on to this from seeing clips on youtube of TVZ, but watch the whole movie its so worth it.

GREAT Movie. Whiskey, guns and real country music. This documentary really capture the spirit of these excellent musicians, the outlaws of the southern music industry, and is a must see for any fan of country music. I have been listening to the music of these guys for years, but I wasn't aware of this movie until yesterday - I watched it and for me it sums up all that is fascinating about these artists and the music they are playing.

If you are not a big fan of country music it is still a great documentary about a bunch of crazy, drinking, smoking, legendary musicians and their way of life in the 70's. Also, I believe it will give you new insight to what this music is all about and it leaves you wanting to find out more about these guys and their country music.