Being a big fan of rockabilly music, and living across the border from Canada, I am well aware of Ronnie Hawkins. "The Hawk" (and numerous other nicknames) is an old-time rock 'n roller who grew up in Arkansas, did an early gig in Hamilton, Ontario, and loved Canada so much he stayed there. He's been there almost 50 years now, rockin' away.
He almost didn't get to continue his music, and that's the subject of this documentary. About a half dozen years ago he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given six months to live. Many patients don't even last that long. Pancreatic cancer is a death sentence.
Yet, a miracle happened and the cancer disappeared. How, and perhaps why - although that is still baffling Toronto doctors - is explained in this story. Cameras follow Mr. Hawkins into his home and we get to really know the man, his wife, his dogs and his friends. We see some of the things he goes through in the face of death.
I knew The Hawk wasn't exactly Billy Graham, or Mother Teresa but I was still shocked how profane and sex-obsessed he is. Hey, most of us guys aren't exactly that different in those areas but Hawkins is extreme. It'a almost embarrassing to listen to him with f-this, f-that to everyone, including a lot of women, and constantly talking about his penis and getting erections. Whatever, the whole thing is strange.
It could have been more inspirational had Ronnie been a little classier throughout the telecast. "Well, that's him," someone explains in the movie. "He talks that way to everyone, whether they are a nun or another musician." Well, that doesn't excuse his crude behavior nor lack of good taste and manners. One thing that amazed me. Hawkins was doing Michael Jackson's "moonwalk" long before Jackson made it famous! Another good trait was his attitude toward life and death. He didn't sit around and mope when told he was dying.
Speaking of famous people, Bill Clinton is on here a few times. Well, I know he and Ronnie have at least one interest in common, besides both being from Arkansas!
P.S. I wonder whatever happened to that mystery teen healer?