Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison

Movie spotlight

Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison

2008
Movie
60 min
English

Cash's concert at Folsom State Prison in California in January 1968 touched a raw nerve in the American psyche and made him a national hero at a troubled time in American history. Using the stark images of rock photographer Jim Marshall, graphic techniques, archive footage and interviews with Merle Haggard, Cash's daughter Rosanne, band members Marshall Grant and WS 'Fluke' Holland, alongside former inmates of the prison, the film documents this explosive concert, the live album that followed and a transformative moment in the lives of Cash, the inmates of Folsom Prison and the American nation in the troubled year of 1968.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users93%
Director: Erich van DykGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the legendary 1968 Johnny Cash concert at Folsom Prison. It delves into the historical context of the performance, Cash's own connection to prison populations, and the impact of the album and song on American culture. The film features interviews with those who were there, musicians inspired by the event, and insights into Cash's motivations.

Critical Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim for its insightful look into a pivotal moment in music history. Critics praised its archival footage, interviews, and its ability to capture the raw energy and significance of the Folsom Prison concert and its subsequent album.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its historical depth and analysis of Johnny Cash's iconic performance.

  • Highlights the powerful connection between Cash and the incarcerated audience.

  • Commended for its effective use of archival material and compelling interviews.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved the documentary, appreciating its detailed exploration of the Folsom Prison concert and its lasting cultural impact. Many viewers found Johnny Cash's performance and his empathy towards the inmates particularly moving.

Fun Fact

The 2008 documentary heavily features footage and context surrounding the original live album recorded at Folsom State Prison on January 13, 1968, which itself was a groundbreaking event in music history.

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