JOHNNY CASH AT FOLSOM PRISON (Bestor Cram, U.S.). 87 minutes. Friday (June 19), 7 pm, Friday, June 19. Bloor. Rating: NNNN
Are there any live performances held in higher regard than Johnny Cash’s 1968 concert at California’s Folsom Prison?
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Okay, maybe Dylan going electric, but that has to be it. Bestor Cram’s documentary – produced for last fall’s special-edition CD – reconstructs that performance through stills, audio excerpts and the recollections of surviving attendees, including sidemen Marshall Grant and W.S. Holland.
Cram also examines the ultimately tragic story of Glen Sherley, a Folsom inmate catapulted into the spotlight when Cash performed his song Graystone Chapel in the show.
The film could be tighter – there was really no need to include animated versions of several songs – but as a deeper look at a section of Cash’s life and legend that you only think you know, it’s pretty good stuff.
