I’m not sure what’s going on with this new Hank Williams’ biopic called ‘The Last Ride’ which was being filmed recently in Arkansas. But here’s a photo of one of the stars Kaley Cuoco.
And here’s another shot of Henry Thomas who stars as Hank Williams.
I’ve heard some comments from some people who aren’t holding out much hope for this flick. I hate to say it but I can’t imagine what this sweet faced Kaley can possibly be doing in the film. And as others have mentioned Henry Thomas looks in pretty good shape, strong and healthy looking, compared to what we know was Hank’s condition at the time.
Let’s trust Harry Thomason who’s directing and hope for the best.
Advertisement
Don’t be fooled by a photo taken during a rehearsel !
Morris Henderson who is ” still alive ” one of the funeral directors at Hanks funeral in 1953 has seen some actual shots during filming. His soft spoken reply was; That’s Hank !
He was thrilled with the story & looked forward to seeing the film ” Lord Willin “.
Rodney:
Thanks for the comment.
This is good news.
As I’ve said the people in charge of this are first rate professionals.
I’ve got a link in one of my posts of Henry Thomas singing. I think that aspect may be OK too. But everybody is going to have an opinion on that as well as appearance.
There hasn’t been any news about the movie in recent months, at least none that I’ver been able to find. I don’t know what that means.
John
I hope this new movie about Hank Williams. the last ride is
not a ole Hank got drunk and fell down story? and also the
story about, Don Howard Surface the relief driver from
Bluefield,W Va. Needs to be told.I have meet one of his daughters Rachel Surface Orbison.been to the grave of Mr. Surface and have his family history.this man was very much a part of the Hank Williams story on the last night of his life
in the early morning hours of January 1,1953
I have researched this subject and have eye witnesses
that was there in Oak Hill,W Va.on jan 1,1953.for information contact me at 423-542-5543 or write to The International Traditional Country Music Fan Club 101 Cripple
Creek Rd.Watauga,Tn 37694
Beecher
Thanks a lot for your recent comments.
They are very informative and add a lot to the site.
Keep them coming as you see fit.
Check out my article of back surgery. It’s on the recent posts list on the right.
Thanks
John W
This message is for Beecher O’Quinn Jr, I am the son of Don Howard Surface.
Why does Charles Carrr insist my father was no where around and not driving the car when Hank Williams was found dead.?
I have talked to my cousin Lake Surface, still living in Oak Hill W.VA., who says, my father told him many times he was driving at the time of Hank’s death.
Any information you could provide would be appreciated.
Howard E Surface
803-517-2036
[...] A few pictures from the film can be seen here. [...]
As for the “drunk Hank” remarks, we have to remember that this film deals with the last 72 hours of his life, so the drunk/drugged Hank is going to be pretty factual. I’ve studied the life of this man all my life, read three biographies, and any articles I’ve ever been able to find and I know (as well as it can be known) that Hank’s last couple days were pretty much a blur, given his need for pain medication (coupled with alcohol).
As for Henry Thomas, yes he does look far more robust and strong than Hank would’ve looked but the guy’s face does ceretainly bear a striking resemblance to Hank’s. Any kind of film depiction of Hank Williams’s life is going to be welcomed by me as God knows there aren’t hardly any to speak of! I don’t understand why there hasn’t been a strong major film about him yet (“Your Cheatin’ Heart” from ’64 with George Hamilton doesn’t even count – Hank Jr.’s soundtrack was the only redeeming quality about that film).
looking forward to anything new on the life and death of a true hero in my life and love of music.
here’s hoping the facts and figures are correct, and the depiction of Hank’s last days is true to the real thing. That’s all any of us can hope for.
CHARLES CARR HAS BEEN A FRIEND OF MINE FOR 12 YEARS. IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE REAL STORY, COME ON DOWN TO THE GRAVE IN MONTGOMERY AND SEE ME.
Donald Surface has nearly been erased from the picture yet evidence does appear to be present of his existence in Oak Hill WV. I for one would love to know more about his participation on Hank’s final day.
Hi there this is directed at Jeff;I just want to say that I have heard the soundtack to “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and I don,t think there were any redeeming qualities in that film! I don’t even understand why they couldn’t have used his own music instead of his son,s!! And where on earth is there an original recording of Hank Williams that has saxophones and horn on them?? Just what was Hank jr on at the time he recorded that??? Hank sr only had a small,simple COUNTRY band not a Hollywood stirng and horns section!! hank jr certainly missed the mark on that one! Henry Thomas WOULD actually look more like Hank if he lost some weight.Can’t wait to see the finshed product! From one HANK fan to ALL the others:If the good lord’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise’ I’ll see ya ‘fore long!! Hankfan66
To Hankfan66 ~ I do agree with you that the Jr. soundtrack definitely had flaws and the horns in Jambalaya were certainly one! Its hard to remember but it seems like that song was used (if it was?) in the film depicting Hank sitting in with some guys in a bar somewhere informally (I think he’s actually sitting in a chair? Been so long its hard to remember details) Also to think about : To use Hank’s authentic recordings would have caused a big rift in sound quality – there was no technology then that could have made Hank’s original recordings sound consistent with the rest of the dialogue, which is something they could certainly do now! The more modern (in ’64!) arrangements probably had to do with MGM’s marketing strategy to sell the soundtrack to the masses – not a 15 yr old Hank Jr’s fault! It’s funny – when I was a kid, that was the greatest movie ever : ) Now that I’m 53 yrs old it seems like such an irreverent treatment of my biggest musical hero! I sincerely hope this current movie project comes to fruition – there needs to be a definitive film about ol’ Hiram!
I was ten years old when Hank died, and I lived in West Virginia, about 50 miles from Oak Hill where he died. I remember what an impact he had Country Music and Country People. My English Teacher in High School had a tremendous reputation and had taught at the prestigious “Greenbrier Military Academy” in Lewisburg, WV. I remember when we started studying English Literature and the Elizibethan Poets. After the first six weeks he asked me what I thought about Byron, Keats, Burns, and Shelley. I REPLIED, “HANK WROTE BETTER STUFF THAN THEY DID!!!! I BELIEVED IT THEN, AND I STILL BELIEVE IT TO THIS DAY!!!
You have to give Last Ride credit for making the period correct in buildings, clothes, and the old cars were great. We loved seeing the Round Top Oil Station (how many are left like that), the small church with old wood pews, it all looked like it was perfect locations for the film. Lots of films leave you wondering what happens next but no cliff hanger here, he dies after living a sad life trying to make his fans happy. We need to respect that.
Give it a chance you may really like it, we did.
Once again his name was not Donald.Don Howard Surface was his name.or that is what his daughter said.she should know.because she call him daddy.and He did drive Hank’s Car from Bluefield to Oak Hill,W,Va in the early hours of January 1,1953.The police,Undertaker,Don’s nephew Lake surface
and the newspaper in Oak,Hill W Va told the same story.I guess Mr.Charles Carr is the only one telling the truth.
Im hoping this movie is factual, I adore Hank Sr and hope that Henry does a good job portraying Sr. I was in hopes that his grandson, Shelton Williams “Hank III” would be in this movie, Shelton is a striking image of his granddad. Looking so forward to the release.
That would have been cool as hell if hank williams 3 would have been in this movie. He looks just like his grandaddy! Hoping this movie turns out good, cannot wait to see it!! May hank williams always RIP!! We love you hank!!
I hope they release this movie ASAP! While there are still some who are still alive and remember, there are the young who think they know Country and haven’t got a clue! “Hank’s music’, his delivery and his story are everlasting, and his image needs to make the screen again to revive the legend and let him live again! The closest thing to the real,”Hank Williams” is Alvin Anders, a Hank Williams tribute artist from Michigan.
This trailer appears to allude to a film that would be best served debuting on the Lifetime Channel. I find it terribly sad that there has been a film made about one of the greatest singer/songwriters that has ever lived, and the man’s name and music is not even used in the context of the movie. An attempt to recreate his music live would have been a sight to see, given there is such little footage of his live performances. That is why films like Walk The Line and Control have such power. The film is already an epic failure because of the involvement of Hank’s two hangers on of children. I can tell that the movie is dripping in cheap sentimentality constructed by shallow, nostalgic people. They should have allowed young, deep thinking, talented Southerners to have control of this project… much like the man who the film is suppposed to be about. If his life is of any significance, it is in that his music is eternal because it is honest and beautiful.
Willunderscore – I tend to agree with you completely. I wish there would be a truly artistic, talented screenplay/director/cast that would do this right, seeing that it has, as of yet, never been done. A life and career of the magnitude of Hank’s deserves a grand treatment on film, and why that has not happened is beyond me.
In response to , “Why there has not been a movie about Hank’ s life and legend that captures the essance and magnitude of his greatness?” …the answer is, “Hollywood is blind to the amount of interest and hysteria, and dollars that it would draw at the boix office, and “Nashville’ isn’;t Country anymore! They’ve sold out to a bunch of Rock and Roll hasbeens that think Country is a Cowboy Hat, boots and a pretty face! There is no heart, no melody, no harmony, no message, no family, and no substance! All Modern Coutry music sounds the same, just a beat for a “Hillbilly mating dance so they line up on the dance floor at the bar, chicken step, and get laid!
[...] movie ‘The Last Ride’. Most of them are posted on an article from April 2010 called ‘From Hank Williams movie ‘The Last Ride’ more pictures. Here are the last four which I decided to bring up to the top of the blog. Meanwhile, a note from [...]
I’m with Rock Harley, Jeff and willunderscore. I’m going to see the movie to see someones artistic view but I already know I’ll want more. As prementioned I thought Walk the Line was done well. I would like something along those lines be done for Hank. As for the Nashville comment I agree again. From a songwriters quote ‘Nashville sucks’.
About the song writing in Nashville, or for that matter, anywhere, nowadays! Ever wonder why there are no more writers like, Hank Williams, and Johnny Cash? The truth is, it takes intelligence, experience and talent to write something prolific, but today’s songwriters are not looking to produce anything meaningful, because they don’t have the heart, and their missing the basic elements that Old Time Country musicians learned in church and in school! Music with Harmony, melody and poetry. Music that had subject matter other than getting laid! Whatever happened to singing a melody without bending every note? Today’s modern country music is pitiful! It wouldn’t make the flip side of a warped record, if it were introduced to Nashville 40 or 50 years ago? Bring back the purists of old time Country, and while your at it, give credit and honor to those who came before you! Don’t put their music out to pasture, because it’s the best example of good music left in the world, and God knows we need another, “Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline, along with all the other old timers who created Coountry Music!
I was in Mongomery,Al. Last Thursday I stopped to visit Hank’s grave while their I ran into Henry Thomas and the actor who plays the driver. The lady driving them around introduced us and said they had filmed the movie and all. But I had no idea who Henry was until my visit to Hanks museum about 45 minutes later They where looking for the actors an the lady driving them, the lady in charge of the museum is who told me that Henry was Elliot in E. T. If I had known I’d have got a picture of us together an a autograph. I know this isn’t about the movie just thought I’d share it……..
Doug
It didn’t come through.
email it to me at johnwaugh@yahoo.com
John
It seems profound in a strange kind of way that the actor who played the boy that made contact with an alien, (ET} would later play , Hank Williams. Hank, above all writers, put people in touch with their emotions, something that writers need to re-capture in today’s music. There is no doubt that his music reached the heavens… maybe they are looking down on us, giving us another little boost so we don’t lose touch with things that are really important.
Do you mean you can’t see my post??
I am a huge fan of Hank Sr up here in RI. Have read every book on Hank over the years…I hope this film is done right, (unlike Cheating Heart) Have to wait and see. I don’t know why they didn’t get Charles Carr as a technical advisor, I know his wife has been sick, so maybe that’s the reason why. Joe
[...] For some reason 29 comments mostly about the death of Hank Williams including the one from Howard Su… [...]