My Darling Vivian

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2:29

My Darling Vivian

Released Jun 19, 2020

1h 30m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

The story of Vivian Liberto, Johnny Cash's first wife and the mother of his four daughters.

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Critics Consensus

My Darling Vivian adds an overdue corrective to the public story of Johnny Cash's private life -- and a strong testament to the woman at its center.

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Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

But the whole point of this illuminating and often moving film is that all of these people have a tale to tell - and one that's not as simple as Hollywood would have it.

Jul 13, 2020

Full Review

Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

Overall, I sort of wondered "Why?" Why am I watching this movie now? It's interesting... But there's sort of a lack of urgency to it.

Jun 24, 2020

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Tim Cogshell

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

This movie really gets interesting when we get past all of that and we see her from the time of that divorce until she is 71-years-old.

Jun 24, 2020

Full Review

Jennie Kermode

Eye for Film

Here, Johnny drifts in and out. There's enough focus on his story, with enough rare details, to intrigue his fans; but it's when his dazzling presence is removed that we can see Vivian shine.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 11, 2020

Full Review

Charles Koplinski

Reel Talk with Chuck and Pam

A heartfelt testament from four daughters to their resourceful, strong mother, this tribute to Johnny Cash's first wife, Vivian Liberto is an effort to bring this woman out of the shadows.

Rated: 3.0/4.0

Nov 27, 2020

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Gisela Savdie

Letra Urbana

With documentation never exposed before, the film recognizes the place Vivian deserves in history. [Full Review in Spanish]

Aug 28, 2020

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Laura G

Fantastic. Well done.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

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dave d

What a wonderful documentary film on a woman who has never been covered properly until this point. You'll never look at June Carter the same way that's for sure. "My Darling Vivian" dives deep to profile Johnny Cash's first wife, Vivian, through the eyes of their four daughters. There may not be a more deserving doc for a more overlooked person. While it's filled with a lot of interviews, the filmmakers also had access to hundreds of pictures and videos and the mothership: Love Letters! It's a hard film not to like. Tears will flow! Wow did the mainstream ever torture poor Vivian by their outright dismissal of her existence. Final Score: 9.3/10

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This was an incredibly touching, and at times painfully sad, documentary about a person I was always curious about but had never even seen a photo of. Obviously, Vivian Liberto played an important role in Zjohnny Cash's life, and the lives of his daughters. Yet, to the public, it was almost as if she didn't exist. The documentary skillfully mixes old photos and home movies with interviews of her children, giving a voice to this mysterious beautiful woman. I would definitely recommend.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A lovely tribute to Vivian Liberto Cash Distin, Johnny Cash's first wife and the mother of his four daughters. This oral history is told by their daughters and is touching, heart wrenching, wistful, and filled with love. Vivian's is a worthy story and this is a must-see doc. I loved it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This was a beautiful movie! Soo many aspects no one would have known to this was created. Her daughters are just gorgeous as she is and soo touching with them there to talk about her too. She was a strong and brave woman. Just shows the girls get that from her.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The most beautifully gut wrenching piece of history of an amazing woman with too much pride to allow anyone to know her difficulties ... until the very end. I've never felt more emotion for someone I've never met....And everything those girls went through... so much to absorb while still bringing a laugh through tears.. How thoughtfully put together and with so much grace for all involved. She deserves this truth.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

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Matt Riddlehoover

Director

Matt Riddlehoover

Producer

Dustin Tittle

Producer

Josh Moody

Cinematographer

Matt Riddlehoover

Film Editing

Ian A. Hughes

Original Music

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My Darling Vivian: Trailer 1

2:29

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Synopsis

The story of Vivian Liberto, Johnny Cash's first wife and the mother of his four daughters.

Director: Matt Riddlehoover
Producer: Matt Riddlehoover, Dustin Tittle
Distributor: The Film Collaborative
Production Co: Element Twenty Two, This Heart of Mine
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 19, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 8, 2020
Runtime: 1h 30m

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