The Byrd Who Flew Alone: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Gene Clark

Those of us familiar with Gene Clark's music - both with the Byrds and after finally have a cinematic glimpse into his life and psyche as one of the originators of country rock. Interviews with Gene's compadres help fill in some of the blanks about his life and the reasons for his lack of success in his post-Byrds music career. We finally get to meet his ex-wife Carlie Clark and hear from both of his sons as to their experiences with their dad. The repeated theme is of an extremely soulful and talented songwriter always on the brink of success, who always falls back at the last moment. Anyone who enjoys music will enjoy this film and the tasteful use of Gene's music throughout! Kudos to the production team of Paul Kendall and his sons!

If anyone has read Einarson's biography of Gene Clark, Mr. Tambourine Man, this movie will tell a familiar tail but what is wonderful is hearing those stories from the musicians and friends that were there when it all went down. David Crosby, who is not known for humility, seems in awe of Clark at times and The Byrds in their original lineup. McGuinn is matter-of-fact but Hillman seems like the warmest of the bunch, the only Byrd who also smiles and laughs in his segments. This also reminded me of Be Here to Love Me, the wonderful film about Townes Van Zandt, in that is does not deify its subject but rather portrays them for the talented but trouble person that they are; the talent is celebrated but you feel the pain that they caused their family, friends and band mates. Enough detail for the casual Clark or Byrds fan, but an abundance of clips and audio to satisfy the die-hards. Well done indeed.

Although lacking certain dynamics; I found this film incredibly moving. It almost felt like a family history, contributions from Gene's lovely sister and brother and his two sons made this feel so intimate and up close. A very warm human story with some great contributions, you can almost wait for the tide to come in and go out while David Crosby finds the very most appropriate words to describe Gene's...soul. It is clear that Gene Clark had a profound effect on just about everyone he met. I also found it a valuable guide on how to grow old gracefully, or graciously - some fantastic insights and wisdom from Gene's former band mates, Chris Hillman deserves a special mention as the guy you would probably most wish to be like when in your mid-late sixties. I learn't a lot by watching this film and felt enriched by the experience. An extremely worthy tribute to a mercurial, searching, cosmic American dreamer.

I've seen and own a lot of rock DVD's, so I can spot a formulaic documentary when I see one. This was an exception, really evoked the times and feeling well, the interviewee's were insightful. A major coo to get the surviving Byrds involved, well done guys. Further to that, it adds credence to the fact that a lot of people rated Gene very highly, both as a Byrd and a solo artist. The fact that alongside the high profile covers (Mr. Tambourine Man, Turn Turn Turn) it was mostly Gene's songwriting keeping the band afloat initially...the drop dead one of the greatest pop/rock singles ever conceived (I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better) and gorgeous ballads like Set You Free This Time. Contributors also note Gene's excellent post Byrds work. So to sum it up, really enjoyable film, that didn't pander, told the truth and was all the better for it. I ordered it from Four Suns Productions and received the film promptly, well packaged. Good work again guys, look forward to what you do next. Get a Terry Reid film done! All the best, Adam

"The Byrd Who Flew Alone" is a labor of love and dedication from Four Suns Productions. It has high production values and great pacing and focus. In addition to the excellence of the film itself, the added features provide even more knowledge and enjoyment.

This movie about Gene Clark is an honest assessment of the triumphs and tragedies of his life. For long-standing fans, it offers intimate details of who Gene was as a human being and as an artist, told by those who knew him and were there as it happened. For those unaware of how important Gene Clark was and is, this movie provides an excellent introduction to a singular talent who deserves to be heard and enjoyed for the richness of his abilities as a songwriter, singer and musician.

Anyone who wants to know more about Gene Clark and his music will be satisfied with what they learn in this film and will come away understanding more about the depth of Gene's music and his life than they can imagine. Highly recommended!