A Última Valsa (1978)

A film account and presentation of the final concert of The Band.

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Writer:

Mardik Martin (treatment)

Stars:

Robbie Robertson, Muddy Waters, Neil Young

3 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
The Band	...	Themselves
Rick Danko	...	Self - Bass / Violin / Vocal
Levon Helm	...	Self - Drums / Mandolin / Vocal
Garth Hudson	...	Self - Organ / Accordion / Saxophone / Synthesizers
Richard Manuel	...	Self - Piano / Keyboards / Drums / Vocal
Robbie Robertson	...	Self - Guitar / Vocal
Eric Clapton	...	Self - Performer
Neil Diamond	...	Self - Performer
Bob Dylan	...	Self - Performer
Joni Mitchell	...	Self - Performer
Neil Young	...	Self - Performer
Emmylou Harris	...	Self - Performer
Ringo Starr	...	Self - Performer
Paul Butterfield	...	Self - Performer
Dr. John	...	Self - Performer

Storyline

Thanksgiving, 1976, San Francisco's Winterland: the Band performs its last concert after 16 years on the road. Some numbers they do alone, some songs include guest artists from Ronnie Hawkins (their first boss, when they were the Hawks) to Bob Dylan (their last, when as his backup and as a solo group, they came into their own). Scorsese's camera explores the interactions onstage in the making of music. Offstage, he interviews the Band's five members, focusing on the nature of life on the road. The friendships, the harmonies, the hijinks, and the wear and tear add up to a last waltz.

---

Plot Keywords:

year 1976 | metaphoric title | national film registry | band | interview | 

---

Taglines:

It Started as a Concert. It Became a Celebration. [original theatrical]

---

Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Music

---

Did You Know?

Trivia

Martin Scorsese made this film for free.

---

Goofs

During Garth Hudson's solo in the song "Stagefright", the entire song cuts forward approximately 25 seconds.

---

Quotes

[singing]
Eric Clapton: Further on up the road / Someone's gonna hurt you like you hurt me / Further on up the road / Someone's gonna hurt you like you hurt me / Further on up the road / Baby, just you wait and see.

---

Crazy Credits

During the United Artists opening logo the sound of the filmmakers getting ready to shoot the first sequence of the film (Rick Danko playing pool, which it leads right into) can be heard.

---

Alternate Versions

The DVD features an outtake of the jam session onstage towards the end of the concert.

---

Connections

Spoofed in Moondog Airwaves (2015)

---

Soundtracks

Introduction to the Canterbury Tales
(poem)
Written by Geoffrey Chaucer
Performed by Michael McClure

User Reviews

Life-Changing

If you're not completely in love with The Band before watching this movie, you certainly will be after. This is one of those life-changing-you-laugh-you-cry-you-can't-stop-thinking-about-it kind of movies. The music is unbelievable and the interviews are entertaining at the least. It's more personal than Woodstock and, in my opinion, the music is infinitely better than any other rock documentary made to date. Apart from the intensely talented men of The Band, musical greats like Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, and (of course) Bob Dylan play some unforgettable performances. Do yourself a favor and watch it. It's a concert performed by inspiring, talented musicians; it's what we all need in this time of musical uncertainty.

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

USA

Language:

English Middle English

Release Date:

26 April 1978 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Última Valsa

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$16,151, 7 April 2002

Gross USA:

$322,313

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$340,687

Company Credits

Production Co:

FM Productions, Last Waltz Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1