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Les Blank considered this free-form feature documentary about beloved singer-songwriter Leon Russell, filmed between 1972 and 1974, to be one of his greatest accomplishments. Yet it has not been released until now.
“A poetic exploration of a moment, a place and an artist.” – New York Times
“Takes its place among the best rock docs” – Chicago Reader
Hired by Russell to film him at his recording studio in northeast Oklahoma, Blank ended up constructing a unique, intimate portrait of a musician and his environment. Made up of mesmerizing scenes of Russell and his band performing, both in concert and in the studio, as well as off-the-cuff moments behind the scenes, this singular film—which also features performances by Willie Nelson and George Jones—has attained legendary status over the years. It’s a work of rough beauty that serves as testament to Blank’s cinematic daring and Russell’s immense musical talents.
Film restoration in 2015 by Harrod Blank, Anthony Matt, Eugene Lehnert, Eric Alvarado, Kevin Wilson, Alex Berman, and Jack Rizzo at Prime Focus NY. Produced by Les Blank Films.