Hank & Jimmie
A Story of Country

Director John Martin has followed up his acclaimed documentary on legendary Canadian jazz guitarist Lenny Breau, with a startling examination of the life and music of Nova Scotia's most famous contribution to country music, the late Hank Snow. Focusing on Hank's often rocky relationship with his only child Jimmie Rodgers Snow, Martin reveals darker aspects of the American Dream that Snow kept carefully hidden throughout a long, hard-wrought career at the pinnacle of country music success.

For his earliest years touring Nova Scotia with his family, band and instruments packed into a sedan and doing trick-riding horse-back riding at country fairs, Snow worked with a single-minded vision and determination to rise through the ranks of country music to the zenith of success. His driving ambition extended to his family, and son Jimmie struggled within the shadow of the reflected fame and expectations. A country music singer in his own right, and a wild rebel who partied with the likes of Elvis in the bars of Nashville, he eventually put musical ambition behind him when he become a born-again Christian and evangelist preacher.

Relations between father and son were frequently strained and Hank & Jimmie: A Story of Country artfully charts both musical and human relationships. It's a powerful and touching portrait of two remarkable men.

Hank & Jimmie: A Story of Country, which received its world premiere at the Atlantic Film Festival, was also screened at the upcoming 2000 Hot Docs Film Festival and on CBC on May 9, 2000.