Living Proof: The Hank Williams, Jr. Story (1983) (TV)

Director:

Dick Lowry

Writers:

Michael Bane (book)
Stephen Kandel (writer)

Release Date:

7 March 1983 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Music

Plot:

TV movie based on the singer's life, under his mother's thumb, competing with the ghost of one of the most famous singers in C&W music history, and aspiring to rise above it all. |

Plot Keywords:

Country Music | Accident | Suicide Attempt | Divorce | Drunkenness

Cast

Richard Thomas	...	Hank Williams, Jr.
Lenora May	...	Lisa
Liane Langland	...	June Bradshaw
Ann Gillespie	...	Becky
Merle Kilgore	...	Himself
Clu Gulager	...	J.R. Smith
Allyn Ann McLerie	...	Audrey Williams
Barton Heyman	...	Bobby Deane
Noble Willingham	...	Dr. Graham
Jay O. Sanders	...	Dick Willey
Christian Slater	...	Walt Willey
Jonathan Hogan	...	Dennis
Mickey Jones	...	Mickey
Naomi Judd	...	Redhead
Connie Freeman	...	Therapist

Runtime:

89 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:L

Company:

Melpimene Productions

The Legend of Bocephus

In 1964 George Hamilton was oddly, yet effectively, cast as Hank Williams Sr in 'Your Cheatin' Heart'.In 1983 Richard Thomas was oddly, yet effectively, cast as Hank Williams Jr in 'Living Proof:The Hank Williams Jr Story'.Young Hank had to deal with being the son of a country music legend, who was also one of America's greatest songwriters, and living in the giant shadow of his dimunitive father.Hank Jr toured endlessly from early childhood.As a young child He was often dressed like a Mini-Me of Hank Sr. while on stage and would sing Hank Sr's greatest hits.As he grew into a young man, he was conflicted over honoring his father's memory and a desire to follow his own path in music.In the film, Thomas is able to capture this quite well.He never attempts to mimic Hank Jr's mannerisms but, seems to draw from his own emotion to recreate Hank's.Touchingly done is the accident which nearly killed him in 1971.This tragedy disfigured his facial features (His beard and sunglasses hide many of the resulting scars).He went through an extended period of physical recovery and, many reconstructive surgeries to repair his ravaged face.Thomas was able to make this process believable and infuse theses scenes with Hank Jr's resolve and strength.After his recovery, Hank Jr became his own man.His music, while a respectful nod to the greatness of his father, is his own.The film is well scripted and acted.You will also notice and young, unknown, and very fetching Naomi Judd as a groupie who seduces our young hero.This film is well worth your time.