Warren Zevon

In the summer of 2002, Warren Zevon, a singer and songwriter whose darkly witty songs had earned him a sizable cult following (and whose hit single "Werewolves of London" briefly made him a pop star), was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a virulent and inoperable form of lung cancer. Initially informed that he had as little as three months to live, Zevon decided to deal with his dire condition in the best way he knew how -- by heading into the studio to write and record a final album in the time he had left. Zevon called upon a number of friends and former collaborators to assist him on the project, and a camera crew from the VH1 cable network was on hand to document the proceedings as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Don Henley, Dwight Yoakam, Jackson Browne, and many others stopped by to lend their talents to the making of The Wind. VH1 (Inside) Out: Warren Zevon -- Keep Me in Your Heart also features footage of Zevon visiting his doctors, sharing moments with his children, visiting old friends for the last time, and appearing on television with his pal and longtime supporter David Letterman. Billy Bob Thornton, a friend of Zevon's who appears on The Wind, narrates the documentary. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

There's certainly no shortage of behind-the-scenes conflict when it comes to television, and this episode of HBO's Emmy award-winning late-night talk show satire exposes the gritty backstage battles that have become the stuff of legend among television fanatics. In addition to Artie's (Rip Torn) stress concerning a ubiquitous Entertainment Weekly writer prowling the set, an argument between John Ritter and Gene Siskel nearly comes to blows and a nippy dog attempts to take a bite out of nearly everyone with whom it comes in contact. Guest stars include John Ritter, Joshua Malina, Peter Tolan, Maureen Mueller, Elizabeth Ashley, Gene Siskel, and Warren Zevon. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide