Bill Monroe Movies

The undisputed father of bluegrass music, Bill Monroe did not appear as an actor in films. He did, however, perform occasionally on film and on movie soundtracks. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

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The Best of the Johnny Cash TV Show, 1969-1971: 2007; Add The Best of the Johnny Cash TV Show, 1969-1971 to Queue Add The Best of the Johnny Cash TV Show, 1969-1971 to top of Queue

The Best of the Johnny Cash Show captures a number of memorable performances from the variety show hosted by the country music legend. This collection includes performances by Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Neil Young, Ray Charles, Pete Seeger, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Starring:: Kris Kristofferson

High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music: 1994; Add High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music to Queue Add High Lonesome: The Story of Bluegrass Music to top of Queue

A must-see video for die-hard Bluegrass fans, as well as a mandatory "Bluegrass primer" for those who are just becoming interested in the uniquely American roots of country music. Bluegrass as a musical form was derived from a combination of African and Scottish/Irish traditions. The video explores these origins and provides an engaging and fascinating look at a musical evolution, featuring over 100 songs and bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe, that Stanley Brothers, Mac Wiseman, Jimmy Martin, Flatt & Scruggs and many others. ~ Kathryn Tamms, All Movie Guide

Starring:: Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, (more)

Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music: 1993; Add Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music to Queue Add Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music to top of Queue

Bill Monroe was inarguably the single most important and influential figure in the history of bluegrass music. Fusing the fiddle and madolin sounds of the Eastern Kentucky Hills with the guitars of rural blues and adding a streamlined speed and emotional passion to the music, Monroe was truly the father of bluegrass and a brilliant musician by any standards. This program features performances by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, with interviews and performances from a host of special guests, including Dolly Parton, Lester Flat, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Garica, John Hartford, Marty Stuart, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, Tim O'Brian and noted bluegrass authority Paul McCartney. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Starring:: Bill Monroe

The Mandolin of Bill Monroe, Vol. 1: One on One with the Master: 1992; Add The Mandolin of Bill Monroe, Vol. 1: One on One with the Master to Queue Add The Mandolin of Bill Monroe, Vol. 1: One on One with the Master to top of Queue

The Mandolin of Bill Monroe, Vol. 2: A Detailed Analysis: 1992; Add The Mandolin of Bill Monroe, Vol. 2: A Detailed Analysis to Queue Add The Mandolin of Bill Monroe, Vol. 2: A Detailed Analysis to top of Queue

The Mandolin of Bill Monroe 2: Detailed Analysis features respected professional musician Sam Bush breaking down some of the songs made famous by Monroe so that the viewer can more easily replicate Monroe's style. The video includes detailed explanations of how to play songs like "Blue Grass Breakdown," "Frog on a Lily Pad," "Back to the Old Home," "Rawhide," and "Get Up John." ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

The Money Pit: 1986; PG; Add The Money Pit to Queue Add The Money Pit to top of Queue

Adapting the themes of the 1948 film Mr. Blandings Builds his Dream House, this comedy stars Tom Hanks as Walter Fielding, who with his love Anna (Shelley Long) decides to buy a suburban New York home for next-to-nothing. Both Anna and Walter are willing to fix what ails the house and since they are both successful professionals, that should not be too difficult. Unfortunately, what ails the house might be terminal as the rest of the film chronicles the battle between the couple and the disintegrating structure. Construction workers come in to make matters either worse or better -- or both. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide

Starring:: Shelley Long, Tom Hanks, (more)

The Nashville Sound: 1972; Add The Nashville Sound to Queue Add The Nashville Sound to top of Queue

Some of the leading names in country music are on hand for this documentary shot in "Music City U.S.A." Filmmakers Robert Elfstrom and David Hoffman traveled to Nashville, TN, in 1969 for a country disc jockeys convention that coincided with the 44th anniversary celebration of the famed radio show the Grand Ole Opry. Many of the biggest stars of the day appeared to greet radio staff from around the nation and perform before the Opry's microphones, with Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Porter Wagoner, and many others captured live on-stage. The filmmakers also interview fans on the street as well as label representatives both big and small who are promoting their product. Offering a different perspective on the Nashville music scene, we also sit in on a recording session with Doug Kershaw and a rehearsal with the country-rock band Tracy Nelson and Mother Earth. Finally, the filmmakers also follow one Herbie Howell, a singer and songwriter from Georgia who has arrived in Nashville in search of his big break. Co-director Elfstrom would make two other films with Johnny Cash, the documentary Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music and the spiritual drama The Gospel Road. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar: 1965; Add Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar to Queue Add Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar to top of Queue

In this musical comedy, an enterprising young husband decides to help out his wife by staging a benefit with Country and Western singers when the Italian opera company she had scheduled suddenly cancels. Mayhem ensues when two bunglers get confused and show up dressed in Italian costumes. Songs include: "Young Love," "Don't Let Me Cross Over," "Hello Walls," "Columbus Stockade Blues," "John Henry," "Born to Lose," "Honky Tonk Angels," "Abilene," "Ain't that a Shame," and "Careless Love." ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide