John Denver Movies
Blessed with a soaring tenor and a knack for writing upbeat songs promoting nature, love, the simple life and American values, John Denver was among the top mainstream country/pop of the early to mid '70s. At the peak of his popularity, Denver made a bid at becoming an actor playing an average Joe who finds himself face to face with God (as played by George Burns) in Oh God! (1977). Though consistently upstaged by the deadpan, cigar-chomping Burns, Denver held his own and showed a knack for acting. But despite the promise of this film, Denver did not act again until 1986 when he played a supporting role in Michael Pressman's made-for-TV holiday movie, The Christmas Gift (1986). Denver had a starring role opposite Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn in Foxfire (1987); he made his final film appearance as an actor the following year in Higher Ground (1988). When not performing, Denver worked with charitable organizations, including the fight against world hunger --he was appointed to the Presidential Commission on World Hunger by President Ronald Reagan. Denver was worked with pro-ecology, and wilderness protection. His hobbies included space exploration -- Denver was awarded a NASA commendation for his contributions, photography and aviation. He was a skilled pilot and often flew from his Colorado home to Northern California to visit his daughter. On Oct 12, 1997, Denver was killed when the ultra-light plane he was flying over Monterrey Bay crashed into the sea. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 2008
Pete Huttlinger served as a longtime sideman to country-music superstar John Denver. He uses his knowledge on this educational release to help the viewer learn how to play ten of Sdenver's most beloved songs including "Thank God I'm a Country Boy," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," and "Back Home Again." ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 1999
Hal Linden hosts this musical special and salute to the American way of freedom and liberty. Many special guest stars appear in this video, including performances by The Beach Boys, Tony Danza, John Denver, and Martin Sheen. Also featured are Lee Greenwood, best known for "God Bless the USA", Curtis Mayfield, the immortal Woody Guthrie, The Young Rascals, and footage of other performers. Robert Guillaume, Stanley Kramer, and Mike Love also appear. ~ Leslie Birdwell, All Movie Guide
- 1999
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Henry John Deutchendorf started his career in music as a guitar-strumming folkie who got his first big break as a member of the Chad Mitchell Trio in the early 1960s; with the dawn of the 1970s, as John Denver he became one of the biggest and most recognizable figures in popular music, and this made-for-TV drama examines his life and career both on and off-stage. Born the son of an Air Force pilot (Gerald McRaney), John Denver (Chad Lowe) sought the approval of his father, who didn't think much of his son's desire to become a musician. But once Denver heard his calling, he hit the road, first with the Chad Mitchell Trio and later as a solo act. Along the way, Denver met Annie (Kristin Davis), whom he would later marry and who would inspire one of his best-known songs. After several years of struggle (buoyed by Peter, Paul, and Mary's hit recording of his song {&"Leavin' On a Jet Plane"), Denver finally found commercial success with the song "Take Me Home, Country Roads" in 1972. But Denver's new success did not win him the love of his father, and his busy touring schedule took a toll on his marriage; when Denver's career fell into a slump in the '80s, he found himself alone without a wife, and began developing a serious problem with depression and alcohol. Based on John Denver's autobiography, Take Me Home: The John Denver Story features 15 of his original recordings on the soundtrack; originally produced for CBS, the film was first aired April 30, 2000. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chad Lowe, Kristin Davis, (more)
- 1998
The Chad Mitchell Trio were one of the many vocal groups who rose to prominence during the folk music boom of the early '60s, and they proved to be a springboard for greater success for John Denver (who was once a member of the group) and Roger McGuinn (who was the trio's accompanist before founding the Byrds). In 1987, founding members Chad Mitchell, Mike Kobluk, and Joe Frazier reunited for a special concert at the behest of the World Folk Music Association, and the positive response led to a reunion tour. This performance was recorded November 14, 1987, with the group in fine form and John Denver stopping by to lend his vocal talents to the proceedings. Selections include "Mighty Day," "Lizzie Borden," "Can't Help but Wonder Where I'm Bound," "The Great Historical Bum," "The John Birch Society," and many more. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Originally aired on PBS, Nature: John Denver -- Let This Be a Voice follows the late Denver piloting a private plane above American scenery. The singer was known for his great appreciation of nature's splendor, and the soundtrack is supplemented by several of his songs. Ironically, Denver died in a plane crash shortly after the filming. ~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
A family has many wild experiences while visiting the western United States. While there, they encounter a Native American trader and a fearsome albino bear. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Denver, James Read, (more)
- 1996
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Tommy Anthony teaches the fundamentals of solo guitar work in Songxpress: Classic Acoustic for Guitar. Armed only with his instrument and a few choice tunes, the instructor breaks down the basics of fingerpicking patterns. In accordance with up-to-date technology, Songxpress incorporates web site downloads into its lesson. Anthony showcases classic chords during his close-ups. Beginners can learn a handful of catchy acoustic ditties, including "American Pie," "Take Me Home, Country Road," and "More than Words." ~ Sarah Ing, All Movie Guide
- 1995
- NR
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John Denver performs a wide variety of hits from throughout his career in this special video concert, which was released shortly before his untimely death. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1991
- NR
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John Denver is joined by guest stars Clint Black, Kathy Mattea, and Patty Loveless in this video (originally aired as a TV special in 1991) that offers a down-home sampling of the joy and beauty of the Christmas season. Songs include "Christmas for Cowboys," "A Change in the Air," "Til Santa's Gone," "Christ Child's Lullaby," and "Grandma's Feather Bed." ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Denver
In this thriller set against the majestic backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, the late John Denver stars as a retired FBI agent seeking to clear the name of a close friend. Disillusioned with his job as a G-man, Jim Clayton retires from the FBI and goes into the airfreight business with his best friend. When Clayton's pal is murdered and branded a bootlegger, the former agent embarks on his most treacherous mission to date - clearing the name of an innocent man. Martin Kove, John Rhys-Davies, and Richard Masur co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Denver, Martin Kove, (more)
- 1987
Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn, stars of the Broadway drama Foxfire, recreate their stage roles in this TV-movie adaptation. Tandy plays a 79-year-old Georgia mountain woman, whose highly prized independence is threatened when she sells her land. Cronyn plays Tandy's husband, who though long dead offers her comfort, criticism and advice in spectral form. The story's continuity straddles both past, personified by Cronyn, and present, represented by the domestic travails of Tandy's folk-singer son John Denver. Co-written by Cronyn and Susan Cooper, Foxfire first aired as a Hallmark Hall of Fame special on December 13, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1987
- PG
Narrated by John Denver, it is love at first sight for French-Canadian skier John (John Eaves, world freestyle ski champion) when he crosses paths with Suzy (Suzy Chaffee, U.S. Olympic ski team member) on the ski slopes. Determined to win over the girl of his dreams, John travels from slope to slope in an attempt to find Suzy. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Eaves, Suzy Chaffee, (more)
- 1986
In this holiday drama, a widowed architect tries to mix business with pleasure when he takes his daughter on a business trip to a strange town in Colorado. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Denver, Jane Kaczmarek, (more)
- 1986
Originally broadcast as an installment of ABC's Disney Sunday Movie anthology, The Leftovers marked the TV acting debut of singer John Denver. He is cast as Max Sinclair, the director f a foster-care facility for older orphans who, for various reasons, no one has ever adopted. Described themselves as "the leftovers", the six kids form a strong bond, refusing to be farmed out to separate families, even though orders have come down for Sinclair to vacate his facility within five weeks. Amidst the seriocomic intrigue, Max falls in love with widow Heather Drew (Cindy Williams), the facility's housekeeper--and an orphan herself. A few potential stars can be glimpsed among the supporting players, notably a pre-Urkel Jaleel White as wisecracking "leftover" Jake. The Leftovers debuted on November 16, 1986. ~Saw Film/TV Guide/Internet/Marrill/Expert ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
Part of the Muppet Video Series, which features episodes starring the beloved felt puppets, Muppet Video Series: Children's Song and Stories With the Muppets compiles new material with clips from previously aired Muppet Show episodes. Kids join Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Animal, and the gang for a day of storytelling and song-singing. Guest stars Julie Andrews, Charles Aznavour, John Denver, Judy Collins, and Twiggy help make the party hop. ~ Betsy Boyd, All Movie Guide
Adapted by Larry Gelbart from the novel by Avery Corman, the film stars John Denver as Jerry Landers, the assistant manager of a grocery store who is chosen by God (George Burns) to spread the Word to the rest of the world. Not surprisingly, Jerry is soon labelled a basket case: even his loving wife Bobbie (Teri Garr) doubts her husband's sanity. But there's enough evidence on Jerry's side for a panel of prominent clerics to demand that the hapless fellow prove in court that he's the agent of God. Donald Pleasence was supposed to have an extended supporting role in the film, but the first cut ran too long, and Pleasence's dialogue was eliminated -- but not Pleasence himself, who retains his prominent billing and is seen doing precisely nothing in several scenes. Netting $30 million on its first run, Oh God was followed by two lesser sequels, both featuring Burns. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Burns, John Denver, (more)
This 90 minute program captures a 1975 TV specials starring the beloved actress and singer Doris Day, which features a number of duets with singer-songwriter John Denver including Sunshine Medley, Exactly Like You, and Follow Me. The special also includes comedy sketches with funnyman Tim Conway, and dance numbers in which Day joins the Lockers dance troupe for some exciting numbers. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Doris Day, Tim Conway, (more)
- 1975
This holiday release pairs footage of a warm, crackling fireplace, with beloved Christmas music performed by singer songwriter John Denver. Some of the tracks featured include Silent Night, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, The Christmas Song, and more. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
Winston Hibler, who produced many of those Disney "True Life Adventures" of the 1950s, was at the controls of The Bears and I. Patrick Wayne plays Bob Leslie, a Vietnam veteran who heads to the Canadian Rockies when he's discharged. Here he adopts three bear cubs, whose mother has been killed. Leslie also helps an Indian tribe reclaim the land that is rightly theirs. The Bears and I was based on a book by Robert Franklin Leslie. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This musical documentary of Jesus' life, filmed mostly in Israel, takes a nondenominational but conservative religious approach to the story. Johnny Cash and Larry Murray wrote the script, and the film was produced by June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash. The music includes songs by John Denver, Kris Kristofferson, Joe South, and Christopher Wren. However, most of the singing, and all of the narration is Cash's. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Elfstrom, Johnny Cash, (more)
