Helen Reddy 1974 Interview

In 1974, Helen Reddy was one of the biggest musical stars in the world. With hits such as Delta Dawn, Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress), Angie Baby and her anthem I Am Woman, Reddy was dubbed the Queen of 70s Pop and went on to have further chart success as well as success in movies (Pete's Dragon, Airport '75), television (The Helen Reddy Show, The Midnight Special) and later theatre (Bloodbrothers). This interview is from the 1974 documentary Accomplished Women - which can be seen in its entirety (featuring interviews with other notable women of the 1970s) at archive.org.

---

Sons of Perdition (2010)

The only outcome of religious fundamentalism is control of the masses and Sons of Perdition, a documentary about teens who will not be controlled, is an interesting watch. It illustrates the true horror behind the fictitious Big Love compound and the patriarchal rule behind the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It's not the most absorbing film but my heart goes out to these sons (and daughters) trying to make for themselves a better life.

---

100 Films and a Funeral (2007)

100 Films and a Funeral is a dry yet interesting documentary about PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, an independent film company (part of Polygram Records) that soared in the 90s and crashed in the almost 00s. After producing films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Fargo and Trainspotting PFE went off the mark with dreck such as Poseidon and imploded. This story does much to explain the difference between film as an art and film as a business.

---

For the Love of Dolly (2006)

For the Love of Dolly, more than being a love song to the titular singer, is a love song to the five fans who have devoted their lives and homes to her. Although Dolly Parton appears in the documentary it is through the use of digital video filmed by fans and not interviews; in fact, only one Parton-performed track is used in the movie at all (Hello God over the final credits). The fan profiles are both poignant and uplifting - two adjectives I would also use to describe the beloved singer/songwriter herself.

...For the Bible Tells Me So (2007)

For the Bible Tells Me So is a heartfelt documentary (with a comical nod to Michael Moore's Farenheit 9/11) about Christians that have (or have had) adult gay family members and how they have (or have not) overcome feelings of homophobia. The film is poignant and forthright and a must-see for all despite it's us against them stance on biblical interpretation; fundamentalists will just rant how the interpretation presented in the film is wrong and they are right. Despite that flaw, it shines when detailing the hypocrisy of the church's love thy neighbor mantra and the humanity of the profiled families.

...Show Business: The Road to Broadway (2007)

Show Business: The Road To Broadway is an excellent documentary about the creation of four Broadway shows (Wicked, Avenue Q, Taboo, and Caroline, Or Change) from inception to Tony Awards. The excellent interviews (by the likes of Idina Menzel, Boy George, Rosie O'Donnell, William Goldman, and Jeffrey Marx) are funny, human and enlightening. And, if you watch the DVD of this must-see film for anyone with an interest in theatre, it contains many extra features including more interviews and clips - for the musical diva in you.

Moon Over Broadway (1997)

Moon Over Broadway is a fascinating look inside the creation and production of the Broadway comedy, Moon Over Buffalo. Carol Burnett is not portrayed in the best light and neither are director Tom Moore nor playwright Ken Ludwig - all three showing a lack of ability in their respective jobs. It's Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker's willingness to let actions speak that make this film a must see for theater, documentary and Burnett enthusiasts.