Bound for Glory

film by Ashby [1976]

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June 22, 2026

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"Bound for Glory" is a 1976 biographical film directed by Hal Ashby. It chronicles the early life of American folk singer and songwriter Woody Guthrie, focusing on his experiences during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era. The film depicts Guthrie's journey from Oklahoma to California, his struggles as a migrant worker, and his development as a musician whose songs gave voice to the plight of the common people. David Carradine stars as Woody Guthrie. The film received critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture.12

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Hal Ashby
The 1970s
Ashby’s next film was Bound for Glory (1976), a biopic about the activist folk singer Woody Guthrie (David Carradine). Although it did not do well at the box office, the film was well received by critics; among its many Academy Award nominations was one for best picture.
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Ashby’s next film was Bound for Glory (1976), a biopic about the activist folk singer Woody Guthrie (David Carradine). Although it did not do well at the box office, the film was well received by critics; among its many Academy Award nominations was one for best picture.
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Woody Guthrie
Death and legacy
A film version of his book Bound for Glory appeared in 1976, and in 1998 Billy Bragg and alternative rockers Wilco released the critically acclaimed Mermaid Avenue, a collection of previously unrecorded lyrics by Guthrie that they had set to music; Mermaid Avenue Vol. II followed…
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A film version of his book Bound for Glory appeared in 1976, and in 1998 Billy Bragg and alternative rockers Wilco released the critically acclaimed Mermaid Avenue, a collection of previously unrecorded lyrics by Guthrie that they had set to music; Mermaid Avenue Vol. II followed…
Read More