50 Years with Peter Paul and Mary

50 Years with Peter, Paul and Mary is a 2014 American documentary film that encapsulates the journey of the renowned folk group, Peter, Paul and Mary. Known for their sincere harmonies and resonating treatment of contentious themes, the trio consisted of Mary Allin Travers, Peter Yarrow, and N. Paul Stookey, who took their music beyond entertainment, using it as a powerful medium for shaping public opinion during turbulent times in United States history.

The documentary is a heartfelt tribute to Peter, Paul and Mary as they mark their golden anniversary in the music industry. This magnificently produced film offers an immersive journey down memory lane, featuring their most treasured musical hits, along with previously unseen footages, and recounting their artistic legacy and strong engagement with social causes which they dedicated their lives to.

Directed by Jim Brown, an Emmy-winning filmmaker known for his skill in capturing musical biographies, the documentary skillfully blends an engaging narrative, personal interviews, and rare archival footage. It aims to portray not only the musical trajectory of Peter, Paul and Mary, but also their deep-rooted commitment to social justice, including their active involvement in the civil rights movement and protest against the Vietnam war.

The film showcases the concept of 'folk music' as the voice of the common people in its truest sense as practiced by the trio. The candid interviews reveal how music served as a tool in influencing political ideologies, creating social awareness, and speaking out against injustices during the tumultuous 1960s and later. It was their music that resonated with the spirit of America at a time it was most needed - bridging racial, social, and political divides.

The narrative, centering on Mary Travers, Peter Yarrow, and N. Paul Stookey, chronicles the story behind their formation on Greenwich Village’s budding folk music scene to becoming a legendary trio. The years weren't always easy, and the film doesn't shy away from touching upon the challenges the group faced - Mary's bouts with leukemia, the ever-changing world of pop music, and the internal struggles they faced as the world around them changed. Yet, despite these obstacles, their performances always underscored their unity and shared vision often expressed in their hallmark three-part harmony.

The documentary features a collection of their best-known hits, from the affectionate 'Puff, the Magic Dragon,' to the stirring 'If I Had a Hammer,' to the anthemic 'Blowin' in the Wind.' These songs not only offer a rich tapestry of their musical journey but also stand as cultural artifacts from a pivotal era in American history. The film also highlights their performances at historical events like the 1963 March on Washington.

Though the group disbanded in 1970, they reunited for several concerts and events, proving their timeless appeal. They never ceased to be advocates for the causes they felt strong about. Indeed, one of the most fascinating aspects of the movie is the spotlight it shines on the group's earnestness and consistency in foregrounding social issues within their musical narrative.

The film not only showcases the mesmerizing musical talents of the trio but also their tenacity in advocating for social change. Moving and informative, the documentary reveals how closely their music was intertwined with the era's profound historical movements, emphasising the conviction and courage that set them apart.

50 Years with Peter, Paul and Mary is a touching celebration of Peter, Paul and Mary's musical legacy and their unwavering commitment to social justice. It is an intimate portrait that unfolds a rich historical narrative with stirring music, evoking nostalgia while demonstrating the trio's lasting impact on the fabric of American music and society. Anyone with an interest in folk music, history, and the transformative power of art in social change will find this film a captivating and rewarding journey into the heart and soul of an iconic musical group who believed in music's capacity to unite and heal.