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Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

Play trailer 2:16 Poster for Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President Released Sep 9, 2020 1h 35m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 40 Reviews 79% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
A portrait showing how Jimmy Carter's lifelong passion for music gave him an unexpected edge as a presidential candidate. Through folk, soul, gospel, jazz, and rock 'n' roll, Carter tapped into a force that transcended divides.
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Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

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Critics Consensus

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President warmly -- and tunefully -- highlights a rarely explored facet of the 39th U.S. President's tenure.

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Critics Reviews

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Brad Wheeler Globe and Mail Director Mary Wharton's notion is to portray the aw-shucks politician's embrace of rock music as a sign that Carter was open to fresh ideas, younger generations and strange new aromas. Rated: 3/4 Nov 2, 2020 Full Review Eric Kohn indieWire "Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President" is more of a side-dish to his legacy than the feature-length format can sustain. Rated: B- Sep 11, 2020 Full Review Mark Feeney Boston Globe Even more than the music itself, or Carter's passion for it, this alertness to sharedness is what ultimately makes the film moving as well as so pleasurable. Rated: 3/4 Sep 11, 2020 Full Review Bill Brioux Brioux.tv ... Heartening and toe-tappin’ look at America’s 39th president. Oct 11, 2022 Full Review Cory Woodroof Nashville Scene The documentary drives home the fact that moral leadership isn't something to scoff at, that the iron hand doesn't age as well as the guiding light. Sep 8, 2021 Full Review John Serba Decider A decent enough watch, sincere and admirable and unflashy, right on brand for Jimmy C. Feb 16, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alice At the time, I was too young to pay much attention to politics or social events in my country. In addition to being reminded how great a Humanitarian Jimmy Carter is, I was impressed by how strong Rosalyn Carter was. I did not recall her in such a way. I also enjoyed the music history related to Jimmy Carter at the time. This documentary was enjoyable and informative we loved it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/26/20 Full Review LaVann Great storytelling presenting so much I didnt know about President Carter. What a great film!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/13/20 Full Review Audience Member Not sure what was so good, especially since I was around during that time and saw inflation skyrocket and 2 neighbors lose their homes among other things. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member I think there are a few things that are clear about Jimmy Carter. 1. He is a very good human being. 2. His Presidency was marred by problems and has not been viewed in the eye of political history as a successful one. This movie looks at Carter and his Presidency through the lens of Gospel and Rock N' Roll. Through looking at the his musical influences and his love of artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Mahalia Jackson, and Greg Allman the film gives a good look at the "soul" of President Carter. This one is a well made documentary. Good interviews, with musicians, family, and the man himself. Terrific news and historic footage from Carter's political ascension in Georgia and beyond. The film does a good job of looking at Carter's life against the backdrop of racial segregation and prejudice Carter grew up and succeeded against. This one is worthwhile for history buffs, musics buffs, and documentary buffs. I liked it a lot. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member I loved this documentary. It's great! He was the President in my college years and the first I voted for. That being said, I was unaware of most of the story, even though I knew almost everyone involved. The variety of musicians from every music genre surprised me from Johnny Cash, Dizzy Gillespie, Paul Simon, Aretha, the Allmans to Bono, Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Buffet and more. What a contrast of integrity and compassion between the 39th & 46th POTUS. He may not have been the best President, but IMHO, he's the best person who was President. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Loved it. Our greatest President and perhaps our greatest human being. A wonderful documentary detailing life before being liberal became an ironically negative word. Thank you CNN films. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/04/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis A portrait showing how Jimmy Carter's lifelong passion for music gave him an unexpected edge as a presidential candidate. Through folk, soul, gospel, jazz, and rock 'n' roll, Carter tapped into a force that transcended divides.
Director
Mary Wharton
Producer
Chris Farrell, Dave Kirkpatrick
Screenwriter
Bill Flanagan
Distributor
Greenwich Entertainment
Production Co
Sim, Thunder Moccasin Pictures, Not Just Peanuts
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 9, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 2, 2020
Runtime
1h 35m
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