Oftentimes if facts get in the way of a good story, the facts get overlooked. Johnny Cash and June Carter's long and love marriage is considered by many to be the greatest love story in country music history. I not only understand this, but I love the story just as much as anybody. The two were amazing partners and they often brought out the best in each other. However if there is anything that makes this story less romantic it would be that Johnny was still married to Vivian, when Johnny and June were falling for each other. Country music historians and biographers have found two ways to make this go away. One is for the marriage to be overlooked (which leaves a large gap considering how long they were married) and the other is to make Vivian look like a bad unsupportive wife. It certainly can't be mentioned that these two were actually in love. But as documentary shows they certainly were in love. Their meeting was the definition of love at first sight. The two still held hands like high school kids well into their marriage. Love letters between them were extremely affectionate. Their marriage lasted for 13 years and after the divorce Vivian was still as in love with Johnny as she was the day they meet. This documentary dares to tell that story and let us know that maybe things aren't always the simple black and white way folklore likes to make them seem. It does this in a heartfelt and moving way that will grip audiences the same way the Hollywood-ized version of the story does, if not more so. This is done through heartfelt interviews with Johnny and Vivian's daughters. These interviews are so filled with emotion that sometimes those being interviewed need to stop talking because they are so moved by talking about these events. These women love their mother with all their heart and it is this love that is felt throughout the film. It is also beyond easy to see that director Matt Riddlehoover is passionate about the film's subject and put his whole heart into the making of this film. I don't want to give much more away as there is much here that not even those who are major Johnny Cash fans will know and watching the movie is the best way to learn about it. This film is a must not only for Johnny Cash fans, but anyone who enjoys a good documentary.
The film can be found on Amazon Prime and is currently available for free on the streaming service.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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