Hank Williams: The Show He Never Gave

On January 1st 1953, at the age of just 29, Hank Williams passed away. The country music sensation touched the hearts of fans and fellow musicians alike and continues to do so today.

His personal life was dotted, like so many of his contemporaries, with such personal tragedy and pain that he sought refuge in drugs and alcohol, which ultimately led to his demise. This grainy yet entertaining film from the early 1980s (based on a popular stage show) looks at Williams in the final hours of his life.

His story is told through his songs and interspersed stories, as he performs in an imaginary concert to a small bar room crowd. Really story for fans of the singer and his music, non-fans may find it interesting, emotional and a little hard-going at times. Sneezy Waters stars as Williams and presents a vulnerable yet warm character that is intensely watchable. This budget release is a nice homage to a man whose death at such an early age robbed the world of a true music legend.

Extras: None.

Released on DVD on 25th August 2008 by Network.

Written by Phil Allely.