Bound for Glory (1976)

Set in the gritty heart of 1936 Pampa, Texas, "Bound for Glory" tells the compelling story of Woody Guthrie, a local sign painter marred by the scarcity of work and the weight of a struggling family. Despite the financial hardships, Woody finds solace in the chords of his guitar and the melodies of his self-penned songs, much to the worry of his wife, Mary Guthrie. Inspired by tales of abundance, Woody embarks on a journey to California, with dreams of earning his keep by painting signs and serenading the locals with his music. His journey is one of resilience, hitching rides, and riding the rails, all in pursuit of a better future. However, the promised land of California is not as plentiful as it seems, yet the indomitable spirit of the working class resonates with Woody. His life takes a transformative turn when he crosses paths with Ozark Bule, a union organizer and popular singer, in one of the labor camps. The raw reality of the workers' plight and the influence of Ozark fuels a new direction in Woody's songwriting, delving into politically charged themes reflecting the struggles of the working class. Ozark's influence lands Woody a spot on a local radio broadcast, eventually leading to a regular radio program alongside another singer, Memphis Sue. However, this newfound fame comes with its own tribulations. Woody is forced to navigate the murky waters of entertainment, pressured to appease the radio station owner and the show's sponsors, whilst staying true to his political messages. Wrestling with this dichotomy, Woody is torn between his desire to voice the struggles of the masses and his duty to provide a stable home life for Mary and their children. "Bound for Glory" is a vivid portrait of Woody Guthrie, one of America's greatest folk singers, who left his dust-ravaged Texas home to discover the resilience and suffering of America's working class in the 1930s. This film brilliantly explores the intersection of art, politics, and personal obligations, creating an unforgettable narrative of one man's journey through the harsh realities of the Great Depression.

Bound for Glory is a drama movie featuring R. A. Rondell.

It is possible to rent Bound for Glory on Spectrum On Demand.