The Fiddler (1975)
“The Fiddler” is a 1975 documentary directed by Marshall Riggan, produced for a religious organization by Counterpoint Films. The film, running for nearly 20 minutes, captures the life and craft of an elderly fiddle maker in East Texas and his wife. It intricately portrays the process of handcrafting a fiddle, culminating in a reveal that the craftsman is not only skilled in making fiddles but is also an accomplished country fiddler himself.
The documentary was initially intended to celebrate this artisan’s dedication to his craft and the cultural heritage of country music. However, under new management, the religious organization that commissioned the film deemed it more profane than sacred, leading to its exclusion from their collection and the destruction or disposal of many original prints.
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