Peter, Paul, and Mary: Carry It on - A Musical Legacy

This program is powerful, funny, moving, inspiring -- pretty much the same as I'd describe Peter, Paul and Mary and their music. The program was made when Mary Travers was fighting leukemia, and there is a real poignancy in knowing that they knew this might be her last project. (Since then her treatments have been successful and the group is performing again as I write this in March 2006.)

The documentary takes the viewer through the career of the trio, and the social and political causes for which they have worked and sung for so many decades, and for several generations of audiences. My husband and I have both been moved to tears each time we've viewed it. I believe it should be shared with everyone who is involved with music and/or young people, such as teachers and youth ministers.

As the trio tells their story they include songs from the Weavers, Bob Dylan, John Denver, and others.

Of course, "PETER, PAUL & MARY - CARRY IT ON", as with all documentaries there is more documentary than song time, so if you are wanting song then buy the album.

When they played Puff the Magic Dragon It was a tearjerker.

Watching their history brings back my history; while they were in Chicago at the Democratic National convention of August 26-29 1968. I was in Vietnam but kep up with them through the "Los Angles Free Press". Don't tell PP&M, but I was in my element at the time.

In the end, remember "There is Love" - The Wedding Song.

Watching this program recently on DVD reminded me that Peter, Paul & Mary had been almost solely responsible for the development of my social conscience. Often labeled 'too commercial' or having 'sold out' or 'too earnest, too serious', this program reminded me of why it was I saved my meagre student funds to attend their live performances 3 times during the 1960's. They were earnest then, and they're still earnest, and the world needs them now as much - even more - than we needed them in the 60's.

This program skillfully covers their 43 year (as of 2004) career, and gives some insight into why it is they 'worked' so well together. Their performances were always polished and well rehearsed, and as a huge fan of theirs as a young adult, I appreciated this effort as much as I appreciated their philosophy. They're now much older, their voices have changed noticeably, but their passion remains. I for one hope they keep singing well into their old age.

This film will be enjoyed by not only their many followers and admirers, but also by anyone interested in the alternative music of social conscience which arose in the early 1960's. The career of P,P&M could very well be a soundtrack to modern US history.