Always for Pleasure (1978)
Les Blank's soul-stirring documentary plunges into the heart of New Orleans, celebrating its music, parades, and irreplaceable cultural spirit.
Always for Pleasure - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1978
- Directed by: Les Blank
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 58m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 2, 1978 (United States)
- Production Companies: Flower Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Always for Pleasure - Plot
An intense insider's portrait of New Orleans' street celebrations and unique cultural gumbo: Second-line parades, Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest. Features live music from Professor Longhair, the Wild Tchoupitoulas, the Neville Brothers and more. This glorious, soul-satisfying film is among Blank's special masterworks. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 1999.
Always for Pleasure - Trailer
See the vibrant spirit of New Orleans come alive in this official trailer:
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Always for Pleasure - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Les Blank
Main Cast
- Kid Thomas Valentine
- Allen Toussaint
- Blue Lu Barker
- Irma Thomas
- Professor Longhair
- Aaron Neville
- Art Neville
- Charles Neville
- Cyril Neville
Producers
- Les Blank
Always for Pleasure - FAQs
What is Always for Pleasure about?
Always for Pleasure is Les Blank's immersive 1978 documentary diving deep into New Orleans' extraordinary street culture. It captures Second-line parades, Mardi Gras festivities, and the Jazz & Heritage Festival, celebrating the city's unique African American musical traditions through electrifying live performances and joyful communal celebration.
Who performs in Always for Pleasure?
The film showcases an incredible lineup of New Orleans legends, including Professor Longhair, the Neville Brothers (Aaron, Art, Charles, and Cyril), Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Blue Lu Barker, and Kid Thomas Valentine. Their performances make this documentary a living archive of the city's irreplaceable musical soul.
Where can I stream Always for Pleasure?
You can stream Always for Pleasure on the Criterion Channel, where it's available as part of a flat-rate subscription. It's a wonderful place to discover or revisit this beloved documentary alongside other essential works of world cinema.
Why is Always for Pleasure considered a masterwork?
Les Blank's film is celebrated for its warmth, intimacy, and genuine love for its subject. Rather than observing from a distance, Blank plunges viewers into the heart of New Orleans' street life, capturing spontaneous joy and cultural richness that feels utterly alive. It was preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 1999.
When was Always for Pleasure released?
Always for Pleasure was released on May 2, 1978, in the United States. The film has endured as a beloved cultural document for over four decades, cherished by music lovers, documentary enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the spirit of New Orleans.
Who directed Always for Pleasure?
Les Blank directed, shot, and edited Always for Pleasure. Blank was a legendary American documentary filmmaker renowned for his intimate, sensory portraits of regional American music and food cultures. He also produced the film through his company, Flower Films.
How long is Always for Pleasure?
Always for Pleasure runs for 58 minutes. Its relatively short runtime makes it a perfectly concentrated burst of New Orleans energy — long enough to transport you fully into the city's celebratory spirit, yet tight enough to leave you wanting more.
What are films similar to Always for Pleasure?
If you love Always for Pleasure, you might enjoy Summer of Soul (2021), which similarly captures a landmark Black music event, or Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus (2004), another immersive journey into American roots music culture. Mr. Dynamite: The Rise of James Brown (2014) is also a great pick.
More About Always for Pleasure
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