Living Proof: The Hank Williams Jr. Story (1983)

So much average

Really Surprised!

Let's be realistic.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

Hank Jr has always been a favorite. After reading and seeing Living Proof it left no doubt in my mind he is no longer "Standing in the Shadows of a Very Famous Man" HE IS THE MAN! We can all take a page out of Hank Jr's book, get up and be who you are not who someone wants you to be. Once he became his own person he became on of the best country singers we have and ever will have.Richard Thomas "was" Hank Jr. in the movie. When I first read he was to play the role, I couldn't see it. I had read the book and was going to pass on the movie. Not because I didn't like Richard Thomas, I thought it wasn't possible for him to "be" Hank Jr. I am glad now I saw the movie and would gladly see it over again. I believed he was Hank Jr. may heart ached for what he was going through. I thought I was going to know what to expect but this movie passed my Greatest Expectations. Thank you for the telling the story, writing the book and making the movie. Hank Jr isn't Jr anymore to me.

Better or worse; same song...same verse. Richard Thomas is unlikely cast as Hank Williams Jr. and actually makes the best of it. This TV docudrama depicts the rise of Bocephus as he overcomes alcoholism, a near fatal accident and most of all the long shadow of his beloved father. Factual or not, believe it or not this is an interesting story about a colorful character taking his own place in the history of Country Music. Fine supporting cast featuring: Clu Gulager, Allyn Ann McLerie, Merle Kilgore and Ann Gillespie. Of note is the small roles of Christian Slater and Naomi Judd. Of course Thomas "lip syncs" the singing voice of the real Hank Jr.

Richard Thomas is at his very best. This is a must see for Thomas fans as well as Hank Williams,JR. fans. I had never listened to his music but after Thomas' excellant portrayal of this tormented man I headed straight for the music stores.

In 1964 George Hamilton was oddly, yet effectively, cast as Hank Williams Sr in 'Your Cheatin' Heart'.In 1983 Richard Thomas was oddly, yet effectively, cast as Hank Williams Jr in 'Living Proof:The Hank Williams Jr Story'.Young Hank had to deal with being the son of a country music legend, who was also one of America's greatest songwriters, and living in the giant shadow of his dimunitive father.Hank Jr toured endlessly from early childhood.As a young child He was often dressed like a Mini-Me of Hank Sr. while on stage and would sing Hank Sr's greatest hits.As he grew into a young man, he was conflicted over honoring his father's memory and a desire to follow his own path in music.In the film, Thomas is able to capture this quite well.He never attempts to mimic Hank Jr's mannerisms but, seems to draw from his own emotion to recreate Hank's.Touchingly done is the accident which nearly killed him in 1971.This tragedy disfigured his facial features (His beard and sunglasses hide many of the resulting scars).He went through an extended period of physical recovery and, many reconstructive surgeries to repair his ravaged face.Thomas was able to make this process believable and infuse theses scenes with Hank Jr's resolve and strength.After his recovery, Hank Jr became his own man.His music, while a respectful nod to the greatness of his father, is his own.The film is well scripted and acted.You will also notice and young, unknown, and very fetching Naomi Judd as a groupie who seduces our young hero.This film is well worth your time.