Jerry Lee Lewis Movies

On the heels of his 2006 release Last Man Standing, seventy-something rock-and-roll piano man Jerry Lee Lewis stages a rollicking series of concerts featuring special guest appearances by such musical superstars as Tom Jones, Merle Haggard, Kid Rock, John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, Chris Isaac, and Norah Jones. Recorded live in New York and Los Angeles, this intimate collection of concert clips proves that while rock-and-roll may age, it truly never dies. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

The Ed Sullivan Show was the definitive variety show on television for over two decades. This compilation is comprised of a series of musical performances by some of the greatest names in rock history including a half-dozen appearances by Elvis Presley as well as songs by The Beatles, Sly & the Family Stone, and "The Killer" Jerry Lee Lewis. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Some of the best rock & roll acts of the day appeared on the TV series Hullabaloo during its run from 1965 to 1966, and this home video release presents two half-hour episodes in their entirety. Gary Lewis hosts the first episode, with his father Jerry Lewis also stopping by; Gary and his group Gary Lewis and the Playboys perform, as well as Paul Revere and the Raiders, Barry McGuire, and Joanie Sommers. In episode two, Sammy Davis Jr. is master of ceremonies (and sings a few tunes as well), introducing his guests the Supremes, Sonny and Cher, the Lovin' Spoonful, and the Strangeloves. As a bonus, the video features additional performances from Marvin Gaye, Dusty Springfield, the Young Rascals, and the Searchers. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Directed by D.A. Pennebaker (Don't Look Back), this is a close look at the life and career of Jerry Lee Lewis, a man whose life seemed to mirror the flavor and content of the songs he chose to sing. Full-length performances are woven with segments detailing his rise and ultimate fall from rock stardom, culminating with his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin. Lewis performs 13 of his classic hits, captured during a 1969 performance. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide

Until its last 10 minutes or so, this filmed biography of controversial recording star Jerry Lee Lewis plays like a live-action cartoon. As played by Dennis Quaid, "the killer" is a very mixed-up individual: a saintly sinner, a world-wise naif, a skilled performer with zero sense of discipline, a loving husband who uses his wife for a punching bag. The story takes place during the years 1956 through 1958, as Lewis rises to the top of the charts with such hits as "Crazy Arms," "A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," and the title tune. Along the way, he falls in love with his second cousin Myra (Winona Ryder), eventually marrying the girl. When it is revealed that Myra is only 13 years old, Lewis is condemned as a molester and pervert by the public (his disastrous tour of England during this crisis is depicted in hilarious Tex Avery fashion). After establishing a brisk, satirical tone through most of the proceedings, the film plummets into heavy dramatics in its final portions, jarring disastrously with all that has gone before. Otherwise, Quaid is terrific as Lewis (expertly lip-synching to the original records,) and Ryder is equally good as the long-suffering Myra. Featured in the cast are Alec Baldwin as Jerry's cousin Jimmy Swaggart (the same!), Michael St. Gerard as Lewis' great rival Elvis, and Steve Allen as himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

This 1987 documentary presents the life story of influential singer, songwriter, and musician Jerry Lee Lewis, whose pioneering brand of country-blues-boogie shook the world of rock & roll. Nicknamed "The Killer," and a cousin of notorious televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, Lewis displayed a prodigious eclectic musical talent, absorbing and reworking blues, gospel, Al Jolson, rockabilly, and Hank Williams. This biography features interviews with Lewis and a lineup of performing artists and celebrities including Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Roy Orbison, Dick Clark, and Mickey Gilley. Highlights include concert footage of Lewis performing some of his greatest hits, such as "Great Balls of Fire," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Breathless," and "Crazy Arms." ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide

This music documentary is produced and directed by the same filmmaker who brought Monterrey Pop to the screen. It features performances from a 1969 Toronto rock 'n roll festival. The film shows performers Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Eric Clapton, Bo Diddley, Alan White, Klaus Voorman and John Lennon and Yoko Ono with the Plastic Ono Band. Although many other people appeared in the 12-hour-long festival, the filmmaker chose to record the whole performances of these few, rather than give highlights of the entire festival. Festival-goers booed and walked out on a performance by Yoko Ono and her brand new Plastic Ono Band. Film reviewers at the time were similarly affected. Latterly, though, both her performance and this film have grown in interest and watchability, particularly given the rarity of such thorough documentation of these key performers' work in concert. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide

This video profiles the life and work of Ricky Nelson through the use of film, interviews and songs focusing on his work on The Ozzie and Harriet Show, singing career and the fatal plane crash in 1986. ~ All Movie Guide

This video is a look back over the life and death of Ricky Nelson. The son of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson was a child star before he became a teen idol pop star. He died tragically with his band in a 1985 plane crash. This retrospective features clips from the television show Ozzie and Harriet, as well as performance footage spanning 40 years. Friends John Fogerty, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis are interviewed. Songs included are "Hello Mary Lou," "Garden Party," "I'm Walkin'," and "Travellin' Man." ~ Karla Baker, All Movie Guide

A compilation of tunes from various concerts by Jerry Lee Lewis is presented here. Some tunes include "What's I Say," "Tutti Frutti" and many others. ~ All Movie Guide

This sell-out performance in the U.K. in 1983 features the Killer doing hits like "Tutti Frutti," "Good Golly Miss Molly," "Great Balls of Fire" and many others. ~ All Movie Guide