LEADBELLY

Great Movie and also Historical and Relevant

Loved this movie!!

I rented this just to see a dear friend of mine who has since passed away in 1995, he played as the guy who was at the bar and had a drinking problem, however in real life he was an Excellent Guitar player, and he was even teaching Black students in Austin, TX to play musical instruments!

Story of a volcanic but brilliant musician who exploded with life at every turn who brought some of his troubles on himself but who was cruelly and brutally treated most of his life, often because of the indomitable and irrepressible spirit he had that would stand still for being treated badly. A heartbreaking but inspiring story of someone who's ultimate triumph, even playing in England, was left out of the story to focus mostly on the tragedy that most of his life was.

I was disappointed in the movie. It was slow moving and I just didn't care for it at all.

A bit cheesy. Did some justice. Still lacking the mystique but not the tragedy. Needs remade..... any takers?

You can't help but be emotionally moved by this incredible story. This film should bring out the musician in all, relates to all who have been down on their luck, and if you can't relate, then just listen.The soundtrack in this film is so awesome, it defies description. The only problem is that the arrangements and performances were so good, you might be a bit disappointed if you've not heard some of these songs before, if and when you finally hear the originals.It's hard to say if this is a good or bad thing, but you'll probably never hear a better rendition or arrangement of every single song in this movie! This movie is best viewed by the aspiring blues guitarist who just can't seem to understand "the blues". You will be inspired and then some!This reviewer is not concerned with the historical accuracy of this movie, other than the inescapable fact that all known recordings of Lead Belly aren't anywhere near as good as what you will hear in this film. That doesn't really prove anything though, since his prime years were well before recording technology. He still wrote the songs! Opinions vary as to other details of his life.It's hard to focus on anything but the music, but this really was an amazing film in many other ways. You just can't stop rooting for Hudie, who seems unstoppable until about 2/3 through. Then it gets kind of depressing, but still very moving.

For a movie made in 1976 I guess it was okay. I am familiar with Leadbelly and his music so I was hoping for a little bit more form the story line and acting. But it was okay.

I took a break about half way through this movie, and from what I've read it isn't very accurate with respect to Mr. Ledbetter's life. I believe someone had an idea of what kind of movie they wanted to make about a legendary blues artist and used some of Lead Belly's life to fit the bill. I also listened to some of the original recordings and didn't hear much similarity between those and what I'd heard in the movie. I'm usually a sucker for the movies about musicians, even with the liberties usually taken with the facts, but this one seems just a little too canned. I won't be finishing the movie.

Why this story is important is completely left out - but what was told was done fairly well.

I found out about Leadbelly from listening to Peete Seeger records back in the 60's. This movie was very entertaining, and scary. A very well made movie. If your interrested in Leadbelly you should watch it.

Oh, man, what a story and what a person! Despite the tragedy of his life and the hurdles he confronted and the humiliations he suffered, Mr. Ledbetter, Leadbelly, just kept on through it all. The film shows how he took responsibility for his life and how his gift helped him live it despite the times he lived through. Thus, he reacted to the way things were with the clear-sighted realism of intelligence and understanding and the not-so clear sighted reality of emotion. I love these movies about real-life people, and this is one of my favorites since I'm a musician for fun. After watching the movie, I did research on him myself and found that he overcame most everything and played out (pun intended) the rest of his life sharing his music with young and old alike. His courage, tenacity, and strength come through without complaint.

Great movie that lets us see the root of some of our favorite songs today and the injustice that we have in our history.

I thought this was a well-done movie, good acting. The music isn't original Leadbelly, but it's very good as well. My only problems with it were the songs were many and seemed full-length, which made the movie drag on a bit. The other thing- the movie makes it seem like Leadbelly spent most of his life behind bars, which is far from the truth. Leadbelly spent about 11 years in prison, a 7 year stint and a few years later, a 4 year. Both times he received pardons. I still enjoyed it though. TC from "Magnum PI" is great as Leadbelly.

Follows his life from start to meeting Lomax. They could have edited almost a quarter of the movie out without missing anything. At times its interesting and at times its time to Fast-forward. The music seemed to often be an afterthought which was a disappointment.

If you love the story/struggle of early 20th Century Black musicians, this is a must-see. Leadbelly's contribution to American music is unmistakeable, and this film helps paint the picture of the man and the American atmosphere responsible for it. The really important dynamics of race and money in America really comes to life in this movie and Leadbelly's adventurous life is played out behind a wonderful soundtrack of music that really comes alive in this context.If you are a Black movie collector, you need this in your collection. If you liked "Ray," the movie about the life of Ray Charles, you really need to see this movie.

Leadbelly tells the true story of the Texas itinerant bluesman Leadbelly to a perfect T. A welcome addition to the list of characters is the justly famous musician Blind Lemmon Jefferson.Overall, this is a moving story about and a virtual vintage time capsule of the life of poor black and white folks in Texas in the 1920's and 1930's. A tale told about white and black Americans, about music and struggle, told honestly with any stereotypes or hidden agendas.If you like authentic down home blues, and you are a member of the human race, this is a MUST SEE movie. Roger Mosely is magnificent, and the story which is told is completely authentic and true.

The cast was the greatest cast I have seen in a long time- everyone was perfect for their part. I particularly liked the beginning of the story where we are told that the interview with Leadbelly will be at the Smithsonian in Washington. All through the the picture, I felt that I was on a journey with Leadbelly and could not wait to get to the next town.Again, such a splendid group of actors. I'm going out and buy me a guitar.

I think this is a very good and realistic movie. I taped it several years ago but my copy looked faded and I wanted to keep a copy in my libary so I ordered a dvd from Amazon. However the dvd from Amazon looks to be the same quality as my tape almost as if the dvd had been made from my tape.

I have always enjoyed the music of Leadbelly and ever since I saw this movie I've been searching for it on DVD. The production value on the DVD is lacking which may be due to the master being in a poor condition. It's a shame that this movie has not been given a good remastering. I don't regret my purchase