SIMON AND GARFUNKEL: SONGS OF AMERICA (TV)
Summary
A documentary following musicians Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel on a concert tour as they contemplate the state of America, interspersed with footage of important events of the day. While on a concert tour in California, Simon and Garfunkel muse about their role as performers and on the state of America. Simon talks about his ideas of what artistry is, and about the nature of illusion in the arts. As Simon and Garfunkel rehearse the songs "At the Zoo" and "America" for their upcoming concert, they talk about how they both advocate simplicity and a cooperative lifestyle, discussing the impact of Woodstock in its capacity to bring people together for a common cause. They also talk about their distaste for warfare and its effects on people. Simon remarks that while the messages of their songs are "obvious," it is only because the ills of the world, including the Vietnam War, hunger, and poverty, are so prevalent and persistent. While staying at the Berkshire Wilshire Hotel, Simon and Garfunkel prepare for their concert, reflecting on how the world is "crumbling" and full of "confusion." They also discuss their opinions about being entertainers; Garfunkel wants to move on to what he sees as better things, but Simon feels as though he could effect change with his songwriting. Garfunkel talks about his nervousness when he speaks to an audience and what he projects onstage. Simon discusses the reasons why he writes songs. Both of them feel that America is beginning to understand the diversity that it encompasses, and that through a cooperative spirit has the potential to become truly great. They perform their concert in front of an audience of enthusiastic fans. Interspersed throughout the documentary is footage of important events and historically significant scenes, including: clips from old film serials such as the Lone Ranger and Flash Gordon, footage of John F. Kennedy's campaign and presidency, film featuring Martin Luther King Jr. leading the Civil Rights Movement, footage of Woodstock intercut with film from the battlefields of Vietnam, clips showing widespread poverty and unrest, and footage of protest movements such as Cesar Chavez and the Poor People's March. Also included are recordings and footage of live performances of Simon and Garfunkel's music, including the songs "America," "So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright," "Bridge over Troubled Water," "At the Zoo," "Scarborough Fair," "El Condor Pasa," "Punky's Dilemma," "Mrs. Robinson," "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)," "Mystery Train," "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her," "The Boxer," "Homeward Bound," "The Sound of Silence," and "Song for the Asking." Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: CBS
- DATE: November 30, 1969 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:52:33
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: 110028
- GENRE: Public affairs/documentaries
- SUBJECT HEADING: Public affairs/documentaries
- SERIES RUN: CBS - TV, 1969
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Robert Drew … Executive Producer
- Charles Grodin … Producer, Director
- Paul Simon … Producer
- Art Garfunkel … Producer
- Mike Jackson … Producer
- Jack Goelman … Researcher
- Marion Swaybill … Researcher
- Ken Vose … Researcher
- Robert Ryan … Host
- Paul Simon … Guest
- Art Garfunkel … Guest
- Cesar Chavez
- John F. Kennedy
- Martin Luther King Jr.