HEARTWORN HIGHWAYS (1974)

Cast

Plot

The re-birth of country music in the 70s is certainly a worthy subject for a documentary. The relationship between the music, the whiskey and the guns meld together seemlessly in this eloquent and elegant film about the small town lives that breathed new life into a dying art - the country and western song. The flashiness of David Allan Coe (who's prison shows make you cringe) contrasts with the simple charm of Townes Van Zandt (who struggles beautifully to juggle a Coke can, a bottle of booze and a rifle) demonstrating the breadth and scope of the lifestyles and talent that brought forth the reign of what we've come to call 'alt.country'. Live performance footage, candid moments and interviews all make for a brilliant little music doco, like a hillbilly Buena Vista Social Club. Look out for such classics as "I'd Rather Be Sunburned On My Vacation Than Vaccinated On My Weekend."