Heartworn Highways is filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes history that adds depth to its legacy. Filmed in the mid-1970s, it captured the outlaw country movement before it had a name. The film’s loose, intimate style came from director James Szalapski’s decision to shoot mostly in homes, kitchens, and backroad bars rather than staged performances, giving it a raw authenticity rare for music documentaries of the era. One notable moment —Townes Van Zandt singing “Waiting Around to Die” to his friend Uncle Seymour — has become one of the most revered scenes in music cinema. The film was barely released at the time and only gained recognition after Van Zandt’s death, eventually becoming a cult classic that helped define the mythic image of outlaw country as honest, unpolished, and deeply human.

During production, James had no idea that any of the artists he filmed would ever make it to the big time. This uncertainty allowed the weaving of some of the most genuine, and intimate footage ever to be featured in a music documentary. Though some artists like Larry Jon Wilson, Peggy Brooks, and Gamble Rodgers would never make it to the mainstream, luckily for us, we get to experience passionate and wonderful performances, immortalizing their contribution.

The film is presented in collaboration with The North Country Fair and Norsk Maltwhiskylag Tromsø. Tor Thomassen will perform a short concert before the screening.

“There’s only two kinds of music: the blues and zippety doo-dah.”

HEARTWORN HIGHWAYS
HEARTWORN HIGHWAYS
USA 1981
Regi: James Szalapski
Medv: Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, David Allan Coe, Rodney Crowell
Spilletid: 92 min
Språk: Engelsk (engelsk tekst)
Aldersgrense: 15 år
Omtale: Court Ropp

Trivia
In the jam sessions, the musicians would pass a cat around like a guitar or a drink.