I don't know a lot about Woody Guthrie--which is probably true of most folks today. So, seeing "Ain't Got No Home" is a nice introduction to learn about the guy. I also appreciate that the film, while eulogizing him, isn't a total whitewash and talks about the good and bad things about him.
Although you'd assume the film would begin with Woody's birth and childhood, it does not. Only after discussing a bit of his life as an adult does it back up and discuss these things. The show is an overview of his life as well as his art and activism. I did find it really strange how Guthrie spent much of his life singing and writing about the downtrodden, union members and the like--yet he also pretty much abandoned his first wife and kids. While the show did talk about this, it was odd how there never was a mention of his famous son, Arlo--very, very odd! The film follows him in great detail but seemed a bit sketchy about his later life--probably because Guthrie became a bit of a recluse due to his illness. Overall, rather interesting and worth seeing--and is pretty typical of an episode of "The American Experience".
Although you'd assume the film would begin with Woody's birth and childhood, it does not. Only after discussing a bit of his life as an adult does it back up and discuss these things. The show is an overview of his life as well as his art and activism. I did find it really strange how Guthrie spent much of his life singing and writing about the downtrodden, union members and the like--yet he also pretty much abandoned his first wife and kids. While the show did talk about this, it was odd how there never was a mention of his famous son, Arlo--very, very odd! The film follows him in great detail but seemed a bit sketchy about his later life--probably because Guthrie became a bit of a recluse due to his illness. Overall, rather interesting and worth seeing--and is pretty typical of an episode of "The American Experience".
