The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg (17 Sep. 1997)

The life and work of Allen Ginsberg, the greatest of the Beat Generation poets is put in focus in this film

Director:

Jerry Aronson

Stars:

Joan Baez, William F. Buckley, William S. Burroughs

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Joan Baez	...	Herself
William F. Buckley	...	Himself
William S. Burroughs	...	Himself
Allen Ginsberg	...	Himself
Abbie Hoffman	...	Himself (archive footage)
Jack Kerouac	...	Himself (archive footage)
Ken Kesey	...	Himself
Timothy Leary	...	Himself
Norman Mailer	...	Himself

Storyline

This explores the life and work of the greatest poet of the Beat Generation. Along with the usual biographical details, we also get to experience the poet's readings of his work such as his masterwork, Howl. We also examine his work as a musician and a political activist who, amoung other causes, worked to end the Vietnam War.

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Plot Keywords:

poet | beat generation | 1960s | gravestone | london england | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | History | Music | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 September 1997 (USA)

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$1,475 (USA) (20 August 2004)

Gross:

$2,668 (USA) (20 August 2004)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Letter to Allen"
Written and Performed by Patti Smith

User Reviews

...he will wear his hair long until everyone else does, then he will cut it short.

One of America's greatest poets, and a leader of the Beat Generation; this is the story of Allen Ginsberg, and his close friendships with William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac.

We see his search for love, and his coming out as gay, with support from those around him, who were mainly hetero, but supportive.

Ginsberg challenged the conformity of the 50s, which allowed the protests of the 60s to develop. He and his group joined with Timothy Leary and transformed him.

Ginsberg's role in the infamous protests at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago shows him as brave face of calm in a violent time.