neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Only The Strong Survive
	Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker Jerry Butler, The Chi-Lites, Isaac Hayes, Sam Moore, Ann Peebles, Wilson Pickett, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Mary Wilson 2002		Bringing together a handful of greats from '50s, '60s and '70s rhythm & blues, "Only the Strong Survive" — directed by esteemed documentarians Chris Hegedus ("Startup.com") and D.A. Pennebaker ("Monterey Pop") — features a host of anecdotal interviews and live performances that will gratify the casual or devoted fan of soul music. It's not as organic a film as "Standing in the Shadows of Motown," the stirring documentary about the Motown Records house band. But "Only the Strong Survive" offers numerous pleasures. Hegedus and Pennebaker assembled an uplifting hour-and-a-half of engaging singers — swaggering Wilson Pickett, self-effacing Sam Moore of Sam & Dave fame, slinky Ann Peebles, majestic Isaac Hayes, down-home father and daughter Rufus and Carla Thomas — and classic tunes, from Pickett's "Land of 1000 Dances" to Hayes' "Theme from 'Shaft'." There are marvelous, intimate moments, such as Moore and his wife discussing Moore's battle against drug addiction, and public displays of affection, such as a Memphis celebration honoring Rufus Thomas, who sang the immortal "Walking the Dog." With Jerry Butler, The Chi-Lites and Mary Wilson.