John Denver has been criticized for not being a great singer, but he could sing, for not being a great actor, but he was a good actor, and for his songwriting which some called mundane and bland. Yet John Denver wrote one of the best songs of the 1970's, "Rocky Mountain High." And though his voice was not great, it was well suited for the type music he sang. My wife and I saw John Denver in concert in Memphis, Tennessee, around 1976. He gave one hell of a concert. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra backed him on some of his songs. When he sang many of his Rocky Mountain ballads, a slide show was presented on a giant screen behind him that enhanced his performance, adding beautiful still photography of nature's miracles. He was also a man of conviction who stood up for what he believed including freedom of expression when the Tipper Gore political opportunists tried to suppress First Amendment rights by putting pressure on Congress. He is one of the great free spirits and artists of his time.
"Higher Ground" is a precious film and a tribute to the man and his music. The three songs he sings in the movie, including the title song, are three of his best celebrating the natural high that an appreciation for nature brings. The Alaskan scenery is breathtaking. The movie also captures John Denver's love of flying.
The story is a good one for a made for TV flick. John Denver wants to get away from the madness and mania of the big city by flying to Alaska to visit an old friend and his family only to discover that there is madness and mania where ever there are human beings. When his friend is killed by bootleggers and drug runners, Denver fights back to clear his pal's name and to protect the wife and son of his slain comrade. This leads to action and adventure with a few touching scenes between Denver and his friend's son who also wants to fly someday.
This film is a must for John Denver fans. Others should enjoy it as well.
