Topic: do you know where I can find this mance Lipscomb documentary?

[ryan]

Hi everyone,
I have searched high and low for the documentary on Mance entitled A Well Spent Life.? Do any of you have suggestions on where I can find this video or dvd?? I've heard nothing but good things about it, what are your thoughts on it?
thanks a million,
Ryan

[Slack]

HI Ryan,

Have you tried here?

http://www.lesblank.com/more/wellspent.html

[ryan]

Thanks Slack!!
I appreciated you taking the time to get me that link.  I ordered one just now.
Take care,
Ryan

[Johnm]

Hi all,
I just noticed that Les Blank's documentary on Mance Lipscomb, "A Life Well Spent", is available from Down Home Music as part of the sale noted elsewhere on the site.  It is 44 minutes long and a wonderful movie, and they're selling it for $29.95.  Here's a link to the page that describes it:  http://www.downhomemusic.com/?page_id=933 .
All best,
Johnm

[Stuart]

Highly recommended!

[Bunker Hill]

As you've all probably gathered, I never throw anything away - here's the 1972 London premier of this and another Les Blank film.

(click image to zoom)

[JohnLeePimp]

Here's a interview snippet with the director

[Parlor Picker]

I remember seeing those films at some obscure little cinema somewhere in London in the early seventies. Can't remember where though...

[Johnm]

Hi all,
"A Well Spent Life" is included on a 2-disc set devoted to Les Blank's films put out by the Criterion Collection a couple of years ago.  The set also includes a documentary Les Blank did on Lightnin' Hopkins.  You can do a google search to find the Criterion Collection and then search their catalog to find the set.
All best,
Johnm

[TenBrook]

Thanks for the update John. It's also worth noting that there is a streaming site and Roku channel (likely available for other streaming devices as well) called Kanopy that partners with libraries to allow users to use their Library account to watch 5 films a month. Kanopy has a large amount of Les Blank films, including 'A Well Spent Life'.

https://www.kanopy.com/product/well-spent-life

[Stuart]

Also worth noting is that Criterion has sales during the year, sometimes 50% off list. Their newsletters aren't as frequent as some and can be quite informative if you are interested in film. Plus, they tip you off to the sales. Sign up is at the bottom of their home page.

https://www.criterion.com/

https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/3381-les-blank-s-cin-ma-vitalit

[jostber]

A recent post in Paste Magazine on the great blues songster:

Listen to Mance Lipscomb Sing the Blues on This Day in 1964

https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/12/listen-to-mance-lipscomb-sing-the-blues-on-this-da.html

[Johnm]

Hi all,
"A Well Spent Life" is currently available to be watched on the Criterion Channel, a movie streaming channel.  If you sign up for the channel, it has a cost, but I believe there is a free 14-day introductory period.  If you scroll to the right through the featured movies at the top of the page you'll come to it.  Google criterion channel to find the site.
All best,
Johnm

[Forgetful Jones]

Thanks for the heads up John. I was able to watch it without registering for a free trial period. I googled "A Well Spent Life," and clicked on the link for the Criterion Channel. There it was ready to play. Definitely worth 45 minutes of your day. I especially like his version of St. James Infirmary towards the end of the film.

[Johnm]

I'm glad you were able to see that movie, Forgetful Jones.  I appreciated seeing Mance Lipscomb, where and how he lived, not just performing, but getting a sense more of who he was as a person.
All best,
Johnm