SAN DIEGO –I was lucky to be able to watch the film Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something at the San Diego International Film Festival’s outdoor drive-in movie experience. Although it didn’t win any official awards at the festival, it was my favorite of the many films I viewed.
If you are part of my generation, you’re familiar with Harry Chapin, the singer-songwriter. But he was so much more than that! He used his musical gifts to fight hunger and poverty with a passion. This documentary tells the story along with a plethora of fine Harry Chapin music.
I spoke with director Rick Korn about his motivation to make the film. His first exposure to Harry Chapin was in high school when Chapin played for the students and talked about poverty and hunger. This left a mark on Korn. He felt that now was an especially important time to release this film because it sends a message of inspiration and hope. Korn wanted to expose the true essence of Chapin: an eternal optimist who was energetically addicted to helping people.
With appearances as far ranging as John Denver, Johnny Carson, Joan Collins, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Pat Benatar to family members and bandmates, this film lovingly paints a portrait of a song-writing genius who found his mission after working as a documentary filmmaker in Ethiopia.
Subsequent to performing with his brothers as part of the Chapin Brothers, Harry found himself in a different place musically and embarked on his own. His groundbreaking musical storytelling, along with his unconventional addition of cello and wide-ranging vocal accompaniments, led to huge success. During his career, Harry Chapin had signed the largest deal ever with Elektra Records, achieved international acclaim and received multiple Grammy nominations and awards. Yet, his dream went beyond music: He wanted to end poverty and hunger in the world. It was this mission that inspired him to work tirelessly.
His efforts included playing frequent benefit concerts, lobbying Congress (and even President Carter), founding charitable organizations (see harrychapinfoundation.org), and giving away money – to a fault (and to the dismay of his family and band members). His frenetic schedule was buoyed by his belief that we all have the potential to move the world.
Harry Chapin’s life tragically ended at the age of 38. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1987. His charitable work continues to this day, thanks in large part to his family and friends.
Why should you watch this movie? According to Rick Korn, you “will be entertained and you will also leave feeling better.” It’s 93 minutes of inspiration!
Harry Chapin: When in Doubt, Do Something was released virtually on World Food Day, Oct. 16, 2020. The film will be available on Amazon, Apple and other streaming platforms on Oct. 30, 2020.