We have learned from May Pang this evening via email that the documentary about Harry Nilsson, entitled, "Who is Harry Nilsson (And Why is Everybody Talkin' About Him)?" is finally getting a New York debut and about to be released on DVD.
I saw this movie at the Seattle International Film Festival a few years ago and loved it. It was so good I assumed it would be out on DVD in short order, but haven't heard anything for a few years. So this is great news!
Harry Nilsson wrote "Me and My Arrow", "I Can't Live", "Lime and the Coconut" among many other hits. He was one of John Lennon's best friends. John thought Harry had the voice of an angel, so he helped him produce the album, "PussyCats". But Harry also got John into a lot of trouble (remember the Troubadour incident.)
Quoting from May's email, "It will be debuting finally in NY at the Village Cinema on Sept. 10th. There will be a Q & A session after the viewing of the film on the 10th with John Scheinfeld and David Leaf. John is the director/writer and producer. He has asked me to participate in the Q & A session in NY. He has edited the film since I saw it last at the Santa Barbara Film Fest which must have been 4- 5 years ago. It will come to LA the following week.There will be a DVD that will come out this Fall with extra footage that didn't make it in the documentary."
See this website for more details: "For the Love of Harry". The LA showing is set for September 17 at the Laemmle Sunset 5.
The release date for the DVD is October 26th. You can pre-order at Amazon.com. (See the trailer below).
The movie chronicles Harry's life from childhood on, introducing you to the musical genius that thrived within that led him to the creation of so many wonderful songs. Viewers will learn how he came to know John Lennon and many others in the "inner circle;" and how he developed the illness that eventually took his life. It is a touching and very well-written documentary that is inspiring and educational with a ton of historical significance in rock and roll history.
Comments
I've been trying to get hold of this film for quite a while now, so I'm very glad to see it's finally being released on DVD.
I'm looking forward to it too. Thanks May/Shelley for the news.
Incidentally, the songs you mention are called Without You and Coconut, not I Can't Live and Lime and the Coconut.
Further, the song 'Without You' was not written by Nilsson. It's a Badfinger song written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans.
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=17779
BTW, Just streamed the movie on Netflix. Very enjoyable.
Thanks for the great post! I went to the debut as soon as I left my rehearsal studio and it was wonderful! I was very impressed with it!
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