Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave

Sneezy Waters loosely resembles Hank Williams senior (the "Hillbilly Shakespeare"), and certainly sounds like him. The performance is solid and worthy of applause. The film itself , a Canadian production, is exceptionally well shot, and conveys the story of a dream about a show that the famed country singer never performed. We are in fact looking at Hank Williams' final thoughts regarding his own reflections on his life. We area also given insight to his personal life, his strengths and weaknesses.It's a magnificent film, which is why I have to give some negative points about the current version that's available, but the DVD authoring could have been a bit better. We're given a full screen presentation of what looks like a 16mm print of a 35mm film. The image definition isn't that good, and the sound is professional enough, but it leaves the viewer to wonder if there isn't a more high fidelity print somewhere waiting to hit the blu-ray market.I've seen this film several times, and always come away with a sense of loss at the end of it. One wishes Hank Williams had conquered his demons in some other way, and had found someone to better guard his health. But, history has left us his legacy, and this film to pay homage to that legacy.Either way, check it out at the library, or buy yourself a copy here, an enjoy the theatre that is a tribute to the legendary Hank Williams.

I really loved the script for this movie because it allowed me to feel Hank's pain as well as see the genius the man was. The sound track is excellent and any Hank fan will love it for sure. This movie goes inside the man on stage, seeing his pain and knowing from our own experience how difficult it is to cope with it males it all that more appealing to me.When I was young, Dad would put on some country station on the radio; Hank would really have us kids mocking his yodeling. What the heck did we know?!!!! Now I hear those songs and it makes me think of Dad; Hank makes a lot more sense to me now; his beautiful yodeling brings me back to a better time.

I grew up on Hank William's songs which were played constantly in my early childhood home. Sneezy did a phenomenal job!! My first thought was that it was deliberately filmed through cheesecloth for the effect....making it look as if it were filmed at the time Hank performed. It was such an outstanding tribute to Hank that I did not care why it was not super sharp crystal clear. I'm 74 now and I have loved Hank's performances and the old music ever since I was a tiny little girl. I have been completely transported back in time and truly mesmerized tonight watching this poignant film. I cried at the end ....even though I knew he died very very young and I thought it was from heart failure.So very sad that so many many gifted performers are plagued by insecurities, loneliness, low self-esteem or whatever it is or was that would drive them to drugs and alcohol for relief. Losing this treasure was a tragic loss.

Interesting story on what a last show might have been like, on a small stage in a bar setting. As Hank did in real life, the actor/performer talked a lot about Hank's life and related those stories to the songs he wrote. Though there is a lot of controversy over Hank's death (did he pass away in the car or in a hotel?), this video takes the former approach with Hank doing some reflecting on his life and songs. The music is very well done though I suspect if other viewers are like me they will want more and they won't like some of our favorites being cut short. Sort of like Hank's short life leaving us wanting more. However, if they did these full length, this video would be several hours long. This is a good tribute to one of the most prolific song-writer/performers in the world. Worth watching many times over.

This is not a typical Hollywood bio-pic like "Ray," or "I Walk the Line." This movie is a filmed version of a stage play. There's really no plot, and very little acting. It's more like a one man show. The set-up is that Hank is on his way to his last gig on Earth, and while traveling he imagines what his New Year's Eve show could be like. Through Sneezy Water's dialogue, he touches on all the well known parts of Hank's career, which sets up a song performance of a related Hank song. The production of the film (the grain of the film, few sets, etc.) looks like it was shot on a small budget. I didn't think Sneezy was that impressive as Hank. He wasn't bad, he just wasn't great - and he certainly was older than the age when Hank died. I found myself forwarding through the dialogue and listening to the music. Hank certainly had a vast catalog of songs! Speaking of music, it was good to see the musicians actually able to play their instruments, or at least fake it convincingly. For me, this production would work much better as a stage play, similar to "Always Patsy Cline," or "The Millionaire Dollar Quartet." As a movie, it's just not as entertaining.

Maybe I overreacted because my expectations were low, but I thoughtthis was a very impressive, touching and original piece of tiny-budgetindie filmmaking.As a drug-sick, alcoholic Williams takes a last limo ride, he imaginesa concert in a small time honk-tonk, reaching out and touching peopleone on one in a way his fame had long made impossible.Corny at moments, but with a terrific heart, and a wonderful leadingperformance by Sneezy Waters I found myself ready to forgive itsshortcomings, and embrace its strengths.Certainly I loved the music far more than I expected, and Iam no big country music fan.Note while neither of the DVD versions are very good transfers, at leastthe 2005 White Star has decent contrast. The cheaper 2008 Echo Bridgehas a lower bit rate, and a washed out quality that's hardto watch. Go for the White Star, even if it's a few dollars more.

DVD came in case that was scotch taped closed. Something that looked like dried on crumbs was stuck to back of case. DVD skipped twice during opening credits but movie was clear all the way through.

An amazing film, just like it says on the cover, the nearest we will ever get to a Hank Williams concert. His sense of humour, pain, both physical and emotional are here for all the world to see. The atmosphere of the film made it a compelling watch, and there was a slight eerie feel, the ' Doctor / Driver ' brought to this film. If you love Hank Williams or even if you don't, you will enjoy every moment of this film, and the wonderful songs.

First saw this on tv many years ago & enjoyed it very much now as I did then

I haven't watched this DVD - Hank Williams isn't a favourite of mine, this was for my husband - he really likes it.

Could'nt watch it as it was region one, which cant be viewed over here. :(

Hank Williams fan Absolutely brilliant