Les Blank: Always for Pleasure

An uncompromisingly independent filmmaker, Les Blank made documentaries for nearly fifty years, elegantly disappearing with his camera into cultural spots rarely seen on-screen—mostly on the peripheries of the United States, but also occasionally abroad. Seemingly off-the-cuff yet poetically constructed, these films are humane, sometimes wry, always engaging tributes to music, food, and all sorts of regionally specific delights. This collector’s set provides a diverse survey of Les Blank’s vast output, including fourteen of his best-known works and eight related short films.

Movies in release order

1. God Respects Us When We Work, But Loves Us When We Dance 1968 · ★ 5.7
2. The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins 1968 · ★ 7.9
3. A Well Spent Life 1971 · ★ 6.7
4. Spend It All 1972 · ★ 7.0
5. Dry Wood 1973 · ★ 6.5
6. Hot Pepper 1973 · ★ 6.8
7. Always for Pleasure 1978 · ★ 7.4
8. Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers 1980 · ★ 7.5
9. Sprout Wings and Fly 1983 · ★ 6.1
10. In Heaven There Is No Beer? 1984 · ★ 6.5
11. Gap-Toothed Women 1987 · ★ 7.1
12. Yum, Yum, Yum! A Taste of the Cajun and Creole Cooking of Louisiana 1990 · ★ 6.8
13. Sworn to the Drum: A Tribute to Francisco Aguabella 1995 · ★ 6.1
14. The Maestro: King of the Cowboy Artists 1995 · ★ 6.1