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| Movie Review: Pete Seeger: The Power of Song Alternate Title: To Everything There is a Season
Story: Today, May 3rd, is Pete
Seeger's 88th birthday and what a glorious life it has been.
This tribute film directed and produced by Jim Brown
sings the praises of the life of this amazing man. Brown had the complete
cooperation of Seeger and his family in the making of this film and
so we are privileged to see archival film clips of Seeger over the last
six decades. The documentary reflects on the legacy of Seeger
as songwriter and social activist. It is a wonderful 90 minutes of our
own history as well as we watch Seeger's involvement in every important
social and political cause of the 20th century. He was black listed
in the 50's and did not appear on radio or TV for over 17 years. The
good old Smothers Brothers were brave enough to help break that long,
dry spell. Talking heads such as Bob Dylan, Bruce
Springsteen, Tom Paxton, Joan Baez and the very humorous Arlo
Guthrie are woven throughout this homage to Pete Seeger in
word and song. All political activists and music lovers should
put this film on their must see this when it is available. For more
on Seeger, his life, his work, his passion, go to: http://www.peteseeger.net/xx Acting: Not applicable in a documentary
Predilection: I am a BIG Pete Seeger fan.
Critters: A bee and a cat.
Food: Seeger's devoted wife of 62 years. Toshi, is
seen making food in the kitchen.
Blatant Product Placement: Peace in our time.
Soundtrack: The sound track was music to my ears.
For a snippet of one of his best songs, go to:
http://www.peteseeger.net/PS-We%20Shall%20Overcome.mp3
Theater Audience: A full house during the Tribeca
Film Festival. My movie buddy and political activist friend Bumper Sticker
Ruth (long story on that moniker) thought we recognized other protesters
from marches not too long ago. On my way home I walked through Union
Square where there was a peace demonstration opposing Bush' veto on
an Iraq deadline. I joined in protest to honor the life of Pete Seeger.
WE SHALL OVERCOME!
Weather: The four season were depicted clearly as
metaphor.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: The HUAC era scares me and makes me
squirm.
Drift Factor: No drifting but lots of toe tapping.
Tissue Usage: I always well up when I hear We Shall
Overcome.
Oscar Worthy: Why not?
Big Screen or Rental: Director Jim Brown in a Q &
A after the film said that he was not sure how this film would be distributed.
It might go directly to DVD or it might be seen on TV. Look for it.
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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