Portrait - Jesse Fuller

A KRON-TV film documentary featuring the last public concert given by one man band musician Jesse Fuller, in Oakland Museum's Cowell Hall on May 7th 1971. Fuller is seen playing several songs (including 'San Francisco Bay Blues') and bantering with the audience, recalling how he appeared in Raoul Walsh's 1924 movie 'The Thief of Bagdad'. Also includes close-up views of him playing his guitar and fotdella (a foot operated percussion bass) and talking about his playing style. Begins and ends with brief scenes of Fuller walking around his Oakland neighborhood.

Directed by —, Portrait - Jesse Fuller leans on a strong ensemble — Jesse Fuller — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1971.