A Well Spent Life

Many people consider Texas bluesman, Mance Lipscomb, to be the greatest blues guitarist and songster of all time. This film is a glowing portrait of the man, as a legendary musician but also life-long husband and sharecropper. Les Blank’s energetic editing style intertwines these different strands of Lipscomb’s personality, crafting an ambivalent work of Americana reported to be Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s favourite film. Instead of growing bitter, tough times made Lipscomb sweet.

Screens with The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins (1968, 31 min). The great Texas bluesman Lightnin’ Hopkins is captured brilliantly in this deeply moving film. Blank reveals Lightnin’s inspiration and features a generous helping of classic blues.