Johnny Cash! The Man, His World, His Music (1969) User Reviews

Johnny Cash making it real

[ramblinjack1 · 8/10 · 21 March 2009]

TV documentary of Johnny Cash in the late 60s. It shows Johnny and family and friends, hunting at home, performing in concerts, on his bus, after concerts, in the studio (at one time recording with Bob Dylan), performing at prisons,visiting old friends & relatives, and at his home, relaxing. Features June Carter Cash, Momma Maybelle Carter, The Carter Sisters, Carl Perkins, Bob Dylan, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Carl Perkins, W.S. Holland, Bob Wooten, Marshal Grant and many more.

Performances: Ring of Fire, Folsom Prison Blues, Two Feet High & Risin', Foggy Mountain Top, (The Carter Family), Blue Suede Shoes, (Carl Perkins), Remember the Alamo, Great Speckled Bird, You Are All I Need, Jackson, Orange Blossom Special, 1000 Miles Behind, (w/ Bob Dylan) Ballad of Ira Hayes, Ballad of Big Foot, Were You There, Cisco's Fillin' Station, Busted, The Walls of a Prison, (Tune of Laredo), (You Know) That Was the Last Thing On My Mind, (Carter Family), Big River, Long Black Veil, Devil To Pay. (w/Carl Perkins) A MUST SEE!

Fly-on-the-Wall Account of the Singer's Life On and Off Stage

[l_rawjalaurence · 5/10 · 7 January 2015]

Filmed during Cash's tour of the United States in the late Sixties, director Robert Elfstrom offers a carefully airbrushed account of the star's life on and off stage. While attracting huge audiences wherever he goes, as well as winning awards, he remains eminently normal - the kind of man who willingly signs autographs, listens to pieces of doggerel composed by adoring fans, and poses for innumerable photos taken in the pre-smartphone era.

In sequences shot in his tour bus Cash is shown interacting with his immediate family (including June Carter Cash) as well as his crew. As they travel along endless stretches of road, Cash reminisces about his humble past while enjoying his present life, and thanks God for having helped him achieve success. He is also shown putting together his latest recordings; like any artist worth his salt, he is meticulous about every aspect of his work, including orchestrations, pronunciation, and sound.

In truth, the documentary is not especially interesting per se; although it offers fascinating insights into aspects of American popular cultures during the late Sixties, especially country music. With contributions from other great artists of that time, including Bob Dylan and Carl Perkins, JOHNNY CASH! THE MAN, HIS WORLD, HIS MUSIC can be described as mildly diverting.