Owen Gleiberman Chief Film CriticThere’s a moment in Mary Wharton’s “Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President” that looks downright surreal — at least, in light of the bombs-away culture-war politics that have come to rule our own era.
It’s Jan. 20, 1977, the night of Carter’s Inaugural Gala, and introducing the festivities is that favorite son of progressive liberal Democrats, John Wayne.
In the audience are John Lennon (in a tux!) and Yoko Ono. The performers include Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin, and when Aretha delivers her a capella rendition of “God Bless America,” it gives you tingles and chills and everything else.
Read more on variety.com