4/27/2001

American Hollow

Filed under:General — eric @ 3:37 am

American Hollow: The Bowling family has lived in the same rural hollow in Kentucky for seven generations. The Washington Post tells their story using the Bowlings’ own words (including audio clips) and photographs with a Web site you might expect from PBS. Urban Americans (and others, too) might be surprised to learn that there are many, many families in the U.S. who still live like the Bowlings.

“It’s 1998 and we just last year put running water in the house, into my kitchen sink. We did it ourselves. We bought line, hooked into Iree’s well, dug up a ditch and ran it to the house. But I still need a bathroom and a septic tank. I got a rinse tub that we take a bath in. I’d rather have a bathtub, but meanwhile I can make do.“

250 Comments

  1. This was one of the best films I have ever watch. Its amazing to me that our sociaty over looks the fact that familys live with out alot of martial items in life but still maintains a close family. I hope that Rory Kennedy does a follow up if anyone knows if their is one planed please feel free to e-mail me, or e-mail me if you want to talk about the movie

    Comment by Aaron — 12/24/2002 @ 8:24 am

  2. American Hollow was excellent. I’ve only seen it about twenty times or so. I recorded it off HBO. I’m still interested in visiting the Bowlings but I don’t know how they would react to having a visitor that they do not know.

    Comment by Jeremy — 1/22/2003 @ 11:34 am

  3. I’m trying to find a copy of this video
    to purchase?
    any help would be appreciated.

    Comment by Lana Sullivan — 3/13/2003 @ 11:43 am

  4. IREE IS MY 3RD COUSIN. JUST TO LET PEOPLE KNOW BASS PASSED AWAY JUNE 23RD 2003.IREE NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS,HER HEALTH IS NOT GOOD EITHER. EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING FINE

    Comment by Anonymous — 7/10/2003 @ 11:18 am

  5. If the person that2 3rd cousin to Iree would e-mail me. I would like to talk about the Bowlings

    Comment by Aaron — 7/18/2003 @ 11:56 am

  6. Aaron I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO USE THIS E MAIL I TRYED TO E MAIL YOU BUT IT CAME BACK

    Comment by Anonymous — 7/21/2003 @ 5:32 am

  7. I have also been trying to buy the video. I first saw American Hollow on HBO and thought I was watching some of my distant relatives who still live that way. I really would love to obtain a copy for my grandmother to see. I have e-mailed every site I possibly could with no response. Please Help!!!

    Comment by Teresa — 7/22/2003 @ 4:06 am

  8. My grandfather was a Bowling who was raised in the Hollow and moved to Henderson, KY sometime after World War II. I had heard of the documentary a year or so ago and watched it this weekend with my grandmother and uncle who are Bowlings from Illinois now. I have only met some of my family and Iree’s family from what I understand is didtant cousins. My grandfather passed away at 49 years old about 23 years ago. I would love to find out how to contact Iree and her family. Does anyone know how I could write to them?

    Comment by Julie Lemoine — 7/22/2003 @ 4:47 am

  9. I watched American Hollow again today. My family is from Martin just north of Hazard. As I listen to Iree’s voice again I could hear the echo of my grandmothers as we sat on the porch with her as children. I remember the wonderful memories as children not realizing that no indoor plumbing or running water was a hard ship for my family I had loved the adventure of living that way when we visited. The movie showed the things we really encountered while there. My parents moved to give us other oppertunities. I now share these stories with my students about my times in eastern Ky. Bless this family for being so open about thier lives. I would love to hear updates about them.

    Comment by Debbie — 8/4/2003 @ 5:41 am

  10. Is it possible to list the Bowlings address for mail purposes? This is not for the purpose of exploiting either financially or spiritually of the Bowlings family. Thanks.

    Comment by W Miles — 8/9/2003 @ 4:27 am

  11. Am I missing something? Is it okay to use gutter talk in the presence of your own mother, showing utter disrespect for her and other female members of your family? This family is totally dysfunctional, and is not representative of the good people of eastern Kentucky, who go to work every day and pay taxes. Get Real!!

    Comment by Bob — 8/11/2003 @ 11:18 am

  12. One more thing: Did cry baby Clint ever get a job? I’m betting he didn’t, and thank God Shirley was smart enough to not marry that underachiever!!

    Comment by Bob — 8/11/2003 @ 11:38 am

  13. I am trying to find a follow up to American Hollow. It was sad to see Bass passed away. What has happened to the rest of the family in 4 years though?

    Comment by michele — 8/12/2003 @ 6:43 am

  14. I heard Clint was offered a job and nearly fainted from shock and fear, that he might have to actually go to work. He’s a Lean, Mean, do-nothing machine!! Let’s face it, the only member of this bunch of worth breathing is the old lady who gathered wood so the rest of the bums wouldn’t freeze during the cold, Kentucky winter.

    Comment by Bob — 8/12/2003 @ 8:16 am

  15. Bob i do agree with your comments on Clints behavior. I blame that on his parents. My family is from up ther but we were taught respect. I believe his parents dont have any respect for themselves. they are so used to living in a low social economic situation that they have no self esteem. They have seen generation being satisfied with living off the land and just getting by that they cant accept that there is another life out there. I dont know blame it on education or family history some people just wont change. I saw this in my Grandfather. His short tenure in the mines of ky turned into a life long conversation about how hard it was and he never worked again to my knowledge. he just raised his garden and his bees and sat on the porch talking about how hard things were.Im glad my parents made the choice to leave when they started having children.Clint needs a visit to the wood shed and a good job to give him some respect and self esteem. I hope he finds it, although it may be too late.

    Comment by debbie — 8/14/2003 @ 1:20 am

  16. You are right on target Debbie. A lot of us from the hills grew up without any of the things that others took for granted, but we had respect for our parents, and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of that around these days. If I had used the language in front of my mother that Clint used, I would have been disciplined, I guarantee that.
    I also blame the parents, because you don’t just sit and stare when there’s parenting to do. That isn’t acceptable. I hope Clint can grow up someday and be productive so the taxpayers don’t have to raise his children.

    Comment by Bob — 8/15/2003 @ 9:39 am

  17. I loved the documentary on the Bolling Family. I would love to have updates on them all. Iree and Bass remind me so much of my own grandparents. If anybody has any updates on them please let me know. I hope there is a follow up to the family soon.

    Comment by Candy — 8/18/2003 @ 11:20 am

  18. This was on HBO yesterday; I taped it. I missed the first few minutes of it. If anyone is interested in a copy of the tape, let me know.

    Comment by lisa — 8/18/2003 @ 12:56 pm

  19. I feel sorry for Clint. I also live in a small town and have a daughter his age when the documentary was done. Yes, I do believe Clint needs a good paying job to help his self esteem and I am trying everything I can to get my daughter in college and far away from this hell hole where jobs are few and far between. I also felt my heart break whenever Shirley broke up with him…yet again…this time before the wedding. How is Clint and the rest of the family doing since the film was done 4 years ago? Can we get an address?

    Comment by Monica Stone — 8/19/2003 @ 6:32 am

  20. I seen the document today I only missed the first 30 min when I changed to HBO. It got me interest on how ppl live out in the woods of Kentucky. I believe that them family are a nice and good people included big family too. Iree and Bass made me think of my own grandparent that i never knew because they had died before I was born, but I do know that my grandparent had 13 kids like Iree and Bass had. My mom was the 12th child. I feels sorry for what Samatha had to go throu life with her ex husband Jody which he’s in jail for life and also felt sorry for Clint bein heart broken by Shirley when he’s tryin to have a better life for both of them but i guess that Shirley been playin with his mind. So i really would like to buy this documents of the family so are there any for sale? if do please e mail me.

    Comment by Sandra — 8/20/2003 @ 2:32 am

  21. does anyone know how I can get in contact with the bowlings .Maybe even an address so that I could write them.

    Comment by angie — 8/20/2003 @ 6:36 am

  22. I really love the documentary on the Bowling Family. It reminds me so much of my childhood; I have taped it and i watch it every single time it airs . My prayers go out to the Bowling family with the loss of Bass. In the last 3 years I have lost my only brother, my Father, and my Granny. So I know what they are going through. Does Miss Iree still sell her quilts? I would love to buy one; they are so beautiful and remind me of my Granny’s quilts. If anyone knows feel free to email me at ElvisLady56@aol.com

    Comment by Angel Goad — 8/22/2003 @ 6:16 am

  23. I want to apologize for being judgmental about Clint, because he’s just a product of his environment. This area is famous for not having suitable jobs for our young people that pay enough to sustain a higher standard of living.
    Politics and lack of leadership are the predominant factors of that problem. As for his language, that’s between him and his parents. As for Shirley, she played him like a fiddle until she got into the documentary, and then dropped him. Good luck to the Bowlings.

    Comment by Bob — 8/25/2003 @ 4:13 am

  24. how can i obtain a copy of american hollow

    email me at olhnana@hotmail.com

    Comment by jeff — 8/25/2003 @ 4:38 am

  25. I find it hard to judge Clint. I don’t really believe he is a slacker, as is evidenced by the numerous clips of him earning money with his weed trimmer. I think his frustration rose out of the same sense of hopelessness that had consumed his entire family. You could have replaced every person in that movie with members of my Ozark missouri kinfolk, and I think you need to really have personally seen and experienced the situation these people are in to begin to understand thier motivations. I was blessed, and became the first person in my entire family to graduate college. But even at the place I am now, I can still hear echoes of my upbringing…

    Comment by cre8tiff — 8/27/2003 @ 6:19 am

  26. I loved this movie. I was raised in a poor part of Texas and my mother worked so hard to get me out of it. If anyone does know how to get this tape, or DVD. Please let me know. I would also love the address. I would like to give Clint some advice my Mom gave me.
    danserceleb@yahoo.com
    God Bless that Family and all others that cannot live in this high priced world.

    Comment by Bonnie — 8/31/2003 @ 1:12 am

  27. WELL JUST TO LET YOU PEOPLE KNOW WE HAD A GREAT HOME COMING.I LOVE MY PEOPLE EVERYONE IS DOING FINE.I FEEL LIKE SOME NEED TO SWEEP THEIR OWN PORCH BEFORE THEY SWEEP SOMEONE ELSE’S.BY THE WAY WHAT CHANGED YOUR MIND BOB ?

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/2/2003 @ 11:18 am

  28. I didn’t change my mind, I changed my heart. You all are more to be pitied than scolded.

    Comment by Bob — 9/3/2003 @ 10:20 am

  29. WELL WE DON’T NEED PITIED GOD MADE US ALL AND YOU ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN US.YOU MAY LIVE IN A BIG FANCY HOME OR DRIVE A BRAND NEW CAR AND HAVE ALL YOU WANT, BUT YOU CAN NOT TAKE IT WITH YOU TO THE GRAVE.WE ARE PROUD OF WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE CAME FROM.AND WE DO KNOW HOW TO LIVE OFF OF THE LAND WHEN WE HAVE TO,NOT LIKE CITY FOLKS WHO HAVE NEVER EVEN SEEN A COW OR CHICKENS OR HAVE NEVER PLOWED WITH A MULE OR LOGGED TREES WITH A MULE OR HORSES AND BULIT THIER OWN HOME AT LEAST WE KNOW HOW IT IS ALL DONE.I’M PROUD TO BE A HILLBILLY.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/4/2003 @ 6:49 am

  30. here is a big up date for all you non beleavers in clint bowling he is a tax paying citizen ! !

    Comment by B C B — 9/5/2003 @ 7:46 am

  31. well i have read and read all the stuff that people has wrote about the bowling family well i am here to tell u if u have not walked a mile in some ones shoes u have no right to say any thing i know how hard it is to surive in the hills it has gotten better over the years but still it is ruff i thank all the people how had nice thing to say they are my kinda poeple

    Comment by bcb — 9/5/2003 @ 8:49 am

  32. You alls shore is a madd bunch. Whot fer is yo all so madd. Yo all shore kaint spel wurds.

    Comment by xx — 9/5/2003 @ 9:11 am

  33. XX LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE THE ONE WHO CANT SPELL YOU HAD BETTER STOP MAKING FUN OF PEOPLE.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/5/2003 @ 9:42 am

  34. I never make fun of people. There is a certain breed of mountain folks, who are in an extreme condition of arrested development, and they seem to become defensive when someone talks Hillbilly talk, because they wrongly assume they are being “made fun of”. I hope you all understand that you were being exploited by the lady who filmed your family. She came to these hills with one goal, and that was to prove to the world that eastern Kentuckians are backward and dumb, and if she made a little money in the process, then that was icing on the cake. Remember, when you assume something, you make an “ass” of “u” and “me”.

    Comment by xx — 9/6/2003 @ 10:44 am

  35. WELL BEING EXPLOITED I DO AGREE WITH YOU ON THAT ONE. I FELT THE SAME WAY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE DEFFERENT, CAUSE SHE FILMED 100 HOURS WITH MY PEOPLE AND THIS IS WHAT SHE PUT OUT.BUT THEY ARE GOOD HARD WORKING PEOPLE WHO DO LIVE OFF OF THE LAND AND DO DIG ROOTS AND GATHER MOSS.THAT IS NOT EASY.ALSO TO WORK A TAX PAYING JOB YOU WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A GOOD RUNNING CAR JUST TO GET YOU BACK AND FORTH TO WORK IT TAKES 45 MIN.TO AN HOUR TO GET TO HAZARD. THATS ALOT OF MILES ON A CAR AND THEN MAKE MIN.WAGE JUST THINK ABOUT IT,BUYING GAS,KEEPING YOUR CAR IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION,TIRE’S SHOOT YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO DO THAT JUST THINK ABOUT IT.I LIVE IN THE CITY NOW AND IT TAKES ALOT JUST TO KEEP A CAR RUNNING HERE.BUT THERE IS NO JOBS THERE,THERE IS NOTHING I MEAN NOTHING,BUT THEY WOULD NOT TRADE THE HILLS FOR THE CITY.MY HUSBAND IS FROM THE CITY AND THATS THE ONLY REASON I AM NOT BACK THERE I LOVE IT THE HILLS AND I MISS IT BUT I LOVE MY HUSBAND TO.BUT PLEASE PEOPLE THESE PEOPLE ARE GOOD HEARTED AND HARD WORKING.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/6/2003 @ 11:32 am

  36. well biggggggggggg hariy deal so what if she made money so what !!!! thats all u people have conplained about not showing people working !!!
    well us mountain people dont have much and realy do not requiry much u all act like its a crying shame we dont have money i know most of us have much better than money and that a good claen live where u dont have to worrie if u step out the door u will get your head blowed off by some drive by shooting and i truely love it to have a peace of mind is worth more than all the money in the world !!!!

    Comment by B C B — 9/7/2003 @ 1:15 am

  37. whatever

    Comment by xx — 9/8/2003 @ 9:26 am

  38. HERE IS SOMETHING TO REALLY GET YOUR MOUTHS RUNNING. CLINT IS GOING TO BE A DADDY AND I HAVE ANOTHER COUSIN THANK YOU LORD.THE MORE THE MERRY IS WHAT I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TOLD.I’M VERY PROUD OF CLINT AND HIS NEW WOMAN SHE IS REALLY A NICE AND SWEET GIRL NOT LIKE SHIRLEY.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/9/2003 @ 6:18 am

  39. Congratulations Clint!! Good luck with fatherhood. It’s a whole different world. At least, it’s supposed to be.

    Comment by xx — 9/9/2003 @ 8:45 am

  40. How can I obtain a copy of this wonderful documentary?

    Comment by Sara — 9/10/2003 @ 1:18 am

  41. I’M NOT SURE IF THEY HAVE IT IN A VCR MOVIE, BUT THERE IS A BOOK OUT.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/10/2003 @ 5:42 am

  42. JULIE LEMOINE WHAT WAS YOUR GRANDFATHER’S NAME? WE CAN’T FIGURE OUT WHO HE IS.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/10/2003 @ 5:49 am

  43. well ya’ll seems like ya’ll don’t agree much about the bowlings family but i do know that no matter how much money they have they are good and hard workin ppl tryin to suvive and keepin the roofs over their heads and food to live. so please just drop the disagreement ok. and by their way tell clint congralulation on become a dad and may his life lead to better future.

    Comment by Sandra — 9/10/2003 @ 9:44 am

  44. finely some peace and quiet ????
    all we are trying to do is hold up our
    good names you dont here us on here mouthing
    your family so please dont say nothing bad
    about ours ok ???

    Comment by B C B — 9/11/2003 @ 8:37 am

  45. The correct spelling is “finally”. Why doesn’t Clint the taxpayer buy you all a dictionary so you don’t sound so stupid?

    Comment by Bob — 9/11/2003 @ 9:48 am

  46. Huh??

    Comment by xx — 9/11/2003 @ 11:18 am

  47. WE THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BUY US ONE BOB.SINCE YOUR SO SOPHISTICATED AND WELL EDUCATED.WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT ?OR HAS YOUR CITY LIFE GOT YOU SO BOUND DOWN WITH BILLS THAT YOU CAN’T BREATH,OR AFFORD TO BUY US ONE FOR BEING IN DEBT HEAD OVER HEALS

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/12/2003 @ 12:11 pm

  48. This is the last time I’ll post a message here, but I’ve really enjoyed pushing your buttons. I was raised up poor, but I don’t remember being poor, because of the love and support shared by our large family. We didn’t have the things a lot of others had, but we never went to bed hungry. As far as the Bowlings, the only disparaging remark I would make would be the dirty talk Clint uses in mixed company. I know that seems to be the rule of thumb in this day and age, but I am a dinosaur. It has been fun, and I enjoyed the documentary, for the most part. The things I said here were not meant to harm or hurt. God sees us all the same, and I certainly won’t stand in judgement of fellow hillbillys. God bless you all.

    Comment by Bob — 9/14/2003 @ 1:43 am

  49. WELL BOB I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN LIFE.THERE IS NO HARD FEELINGS. THE YOUNGER PEOPLE ARE DIFFERENT, WHY I DON’T KNOW BUT GOD LOVES US ALL.THATS WHY WE PRAY HARD FOR ALL THE LOST SOULS.BUT AS FOR ME I’M NOT HURT FOR WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT MY PEOPLE,I FORGIVE ALL WHO SAY BAD THINGS.IF WE ARE CHRISTAIN’S WE MUST FORGIVE.MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/14/2003 @ 8:30 am

  50. I came here just looking for some updates on what has been going on with the family for the last four years. People should not be so critical of the Bowling’s. They are far from perfect but they also represent a lot more of America than anyone would care to admit. I come from Frankling County Indiana, a little ways from the Holler in terms of mileage(it is about 45 miles west of Cincinnatti, OH) but not far in terms of way of life. Here is something for all those who would cast disparaging comments upon the Bowlings. I left Franklin County, went to University at Indiana University-Bloomington (first in my family to ever go) worked my way through school, took a good job and moved to Atlanta, GA 8 years ago. I am married have a two wonderful kids, a nice house, I pay taxes(lots of them!) BUT I still go home at least four times a year. I will never know people better than my kin folk from back home and never have anyone love me like they do, NO MATTER WHAT. When times were hard and I was sticking my neck out there reaching for better things, I always knew that even if I fell flat on my face I had somewhere to go where I would have a roof over my head, food on my plate and people who love me. That means the world and you can’t buy it with any amount of money.

    Comment by Neal4iu — 9/14/2003 @ 8:45 am

  51. If anyone knows where I can get a video copy of American Hollow, can you email me at
    sweinick@yahoo.com

    Comment by Shari — 9/15/2003 @ 12:01 pm

  52. Seeing Clint Bowling`s pain and frustration in this Documentary went straight to my heart.. A young persons dreams are so often dashed by the reality of life.. And all of you that are bashing him for his language, get a life.. I`ve heard worse on Cable TV.. His hopes and dreams crumbled and then his pain was seen by all of you in that documentary, he was out there to be viewed by all.. I could not have endured my private life, so invaded as his was. I say he is a hero for allowing all of you to come into his private torment and to see his world as he lived it.. How many of you critics would or could put yourselves in his shoes…. And have your personal torments exposed to the world.. Not many I would bet. Clint, my prayers are with you and your family.

    Comment by Chris Bird — 9/16/2003 @ 7:45 am

  53. I will add one more comment, The Bowlings are the salt of this Earth.. And as for all of you “Highly Educated” Peoples.. The grass is no greener in your lawn….. It rains on you the same as it does on the Bowlings…

    Comment by Chris Bird — 9/16/2003 @ 8:14 am

  54. I was wondering if anybody has ever contacted the bowlings, via telephone or vistied them. I found their phone numbers but I was just wondering how respetive they would be if somebody they didn’t know contacted them. If anybodys knows let me know at ace323@go.com

    Comment by Aaron — 9/17/2003 @ 1:00 am

  55. YES AARON PEOPLE HAS CONTACTED THEM.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/17/2003 @ 4:25 am

  56. How Are they reacting to those Contacts?

    Comment by Chris Bird — 9/17/2003 @ 5:34 am

  57. WELL I AM GLAD SOMEONE LIKED THE MOVIE IT WAS NOT MADE TO POKE FUN OF POOR PEOPLE OR RUN DOWN THERE NANE IT JUST SHOWES HOW SOME OF US HAVE TO LIVE I KNOW THAT THERE IS POORER HILLLBILLIES THAN WE ARE AND FOR BOB YOU DID PUSH OUR BUTTONS AND IT DOSE MAKE ANYONE ANGARY TO READ STUFF LIKE THAT I AM SORRY YOU HAD TO GROW UP POOR AND YOU DONT REMEMBER THAT PATR OF YOUR LIFE BUT I THINK THAT REMEMBERING IS PART OF LIFE ITS SELF IT MAKES YOU WHO YOU ARE IT MAKES YOU GLAD FOR WHAT YOU HAVE OR WHAT YOU DONT HAVE BECAUSE YOU CAN LOOK BACK AND SAY I USE TO HAVE REAL BAD TIMES I HAD TO GROW UP POOR MYSELF AND NOW THAT I AM ALITTLE BETTER OFF I STILL DONT BUY SOMETHING UNLESS I REALY HAVE TO HAVE IT OR I THINK I MIGHT HAVE TO HAVE MONEY FOR SOMETHING ELSE IN A FEW DAYS……………..

    Comment by B C B — 9/17/2003 @ 8:19 am

  58. I found this documentary to be absolutely fascinating and I haven’t been able to watch it in about three years. Since then, I’ve been trying to retain a copy, and just can’t seem to get my hands on one. If anyone has an extra copy that they are willing to sell, please email me at vda22@hotmail.com. I’d really appreciate it, thanks!

    Comment by Vanessa — 9/17/2003 @ 11:10 am

  59. I found this documentary to be absolutely fascinating and I haven’t been able to watch it in about three years. Since then, I’ve been trying to retain a copy, and just can’t seem to get my hands on one. If anyone has an extra copy that they are willing to sell, please email me at vda22@hotmail.com. I’d really appreciate it, thanks!

    Comment by Vanessa — 9/17/2003 @ 11:12 am

  60. Just to let everybody know I have a copy of the documentary and would be happy to make copies just e-mail me @ ace323@go.com

    Comment by Aaron — 9/18/2003 @ 1:54 am

  61. hello, i’m a graduate student in the sociology department at the university of new hampshire. i’ve been trying to obtain a copy of this film for the past couple years. if anyone has any information as to its availability, or if you have a copy yourself, please email me, i’d really appreciate it. thanks.

    Comment by chris — 9/18/2003 @ 10:46 am

  62. CHRIS WE ARE FOLKS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.JUST LIKE IT IS ON HERE WITH ALL THE BAD THINGS SO ARE THE CALLS. SOME GOOD SOME BAD.I PERSONALY DON’T TAKE TO STRANGERS RIGHT OFF THE BAT, I REALLY DON’T KNOW ANY ONE WHO DOES,DO YOU TAKE TO STRANGER’S FAST? WE LIVE EVERY DAY JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.AND JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE IF YOU BECOME A FRIEND ,IT’S FOR LIFE.I ALSO THANK YOU FOR SAYING THE GRASS IS NO GREENER ON OTHER FOLKS LIFE’S THANKS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU CHRIS. ALSO THERE IS NOT A MOVIE YOU CAN BUY, THERE IS A BOOK THO IT CAN BE BOUGHT AT THE BOOK STORE,YOU MAY HAVE TO HAVE THEM ORDER IT FOR YOU, BUT THERE IS A BOOK WITH MORE PICTURE’S AND ETC.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/18/2003 @ 12:35 pm

  63. It still sucks, no matter how much the know it all liberals like Chris try to whitewash the exploitation of the easterm Kentucky hill people.
    Exposing personal torments? I call it perpetuating the myth that hillbillys are stupid and lazy. So please Chris, spare us your “Bird Brained” theories. They are unfounded and ignorant, at best.

    Comment by xx — 9/21/2003 @ 10:25 am

  64. xx, baiting is on many Websites. I see no reason for it here…. Go peddle your anger and misinformed opions some where else… Certain Birds are known to have TALONS!!!!

    Comment by Chris Bird — 9/22/2003 @ 7:35 am

  65. xx, The only thing exploited about this movie, is the wasted time that you have spent pointing out the Ignorance and uneducatedness of these people of Kentucky. The rest of us never thought that of them at all… I think these people could teach all the world, how to survive.. As far as being lazy, you are, for not investigating and doing more research, of what people really think about this film… I think your Jealous, That no one has asked you to be in a film.. Maybe your the Hillbilly that no one wants to know. The Bowlings are known to many and they will be known to many after… They are loved for being what this country was founded on.. Pure Folk, God fearing and again I say, “The Salt of this Earth”.. I leave you what is left of your stupidity, xx

    Chris M Bird

    Comment by Chris Bird — 9/22/2003 @ 8:13 am

  66. The Bowlings, Have no hand in the stupidity, and neither does Rory Kennedy, and neither do any and all whom view this film. You alone, think of stupidity while viewing… Therefore you are…

    Comment by Chris Bird — 9/22/2003 @ 8:54 am

  67. THERE IS ONE THING FOR SHORE WE ARE NOT IGNORANT DEFINITION OF IGNORANT IS LACKING KNOWLEDGE,LEARNING OR INFORMATION.AND WE ARE A LONG WAY FROM THIS DEFINITION.I’D LIKE TO SEE SOME PEOPLE LIVE OFF OF THE LAND THEY WOULD NOT KNOW THE FIRST THING TO DO TO KEEP ALIVE.SO THE WAY THE WORLD IS GOING NOW PEOPLE HAD BETTER LEARN HOW TO LIVE OFF OF THE LAND ONLY THE STRONG WILL SURVIVE.DEFINITION OF SURVIVE IS TO REMAIN ALIVE.OUTLIVE THOSE WHO CAN’T AND CONTINUE TO E-X-I-S-T.(AFTER).I’M PROUD TO BE RELATED TO THEM.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/23/2003 @ 1:26 am

  68. OOOOOOOOHHH!! I’m scared!! Talons, huh? Is that what you use to pick your nose while you’re thinking of kind, benevolent comments to make about your hick friends? By the way, “somewhere” is one word. You’d know that if you’d stayed in school. I’m not baiting anybody, Chris. I have a right to my opinion, just like you do. While you all are out there digging up roots and “yarbs”, why don’t you dig up a smart pill and give it to Chris? He needs it!

    Comment by xx — 9/24/2003 @ 4:07 am

  69. I’VE NEVER SEEN ONE OF THOSE SMART PILLS IN THE HILLS WHILE I WAS DIGGING WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?YOU MUST TO HAVE DONE FOUND THE ONLY ONES OUT THERE WHILE YOU WERE DIGGING.

    Comment by Anonymous — 9/24/2003 @ 8:02 am

  70. Hi… I’m a college professor and will be teaching a class called the History of Poverty in America. I saw Ms. Kennedy’s film in 1999 when it came out, and I think it is as beautiful and haunting as her subject. I would dearly love to show this film in class, as I have planned an optional weeklong trip to Appalachia to do volunteer work. If you can tell me where to buy the video I would appreciate it….
    catherinecormany@yahoo.com

    FYI- My grandparents were from Bristol VA and my great grandparents raised 9 children and hundreds of hunting dogs in Bonlee, NC. A lot can happen in four generations, but you never forget where it is you come from.

    Comment by Catherine — 9/25/2003 @ 10:37 am

  71. This will be the last of my comments here, xx, is one of those peoples that try to make it miserable in this world for all.. They truly delight in baiting and enticing others to anger. This is their excitment and this is their whole meaning of life.. Frankly, I`m worn out by playing that game.. I am now beyond that… American Hollow, has been seen by millions, xx has been seen by none… Catherine, I`m told that this Movie, (Video, CD, Tape,) Can not be found or purchased.. It is only availible in book form.. All peoples here have asked that very same question, “Where can I get a copy of that Movie” You can`t. Unless you have more resourses then the rest of us. I wish you Good Luck in your quest….

    xx I`m a her, not a him. Chris is short for Christina… and xx is short for moron….

    Comment by Chris Bird — 9/26/2003 @ 9:57 am

  72. NAG NAG NAG THATS ALL MOST OF YOU PEOPLE WANT TO
    DO I AM PROUD TO BE WHO I AM AT LEAST I CAN SURRIVE WHEN THE TIME COMES THAT WE ALL MIGHT NEED THESE SKILLS

    Comment by B C B — 9/26/2003 @ 10:58 am

  73. I am married to Iree Bowling’s Great-Grandson, Aster Abner. I’ve read almost all these posts before I decided to say a bit myself. I have never seen the movie, so I can’t really say what went on in it or anything, but I’ve been around these people enough to know them more that most everyone who replyed in this board.

    THE FIRST THING I want everyone to know is that Iree Bowling wouldn’t even have what little it is that she does if it wasn’t for her mother, Oma, who everyone called Omi. Iree Bowling probably has more ‘wealth’ than she’s letting on also. Oma passed away a while after the movie was made, and Iree had most of their propery logged in order to ‘buy her a tombstone’. Iree has yet to buy that tombstone, and the only thing marking her mother’s grave are fake flowers.

    Bass also passed away over the summer, and Iree is now suffering from memory loss. Of her 13 children, I know Hobert, which is my husband’s grandfather, Tester, who lives in Northern Kentucky where I do and has worked for over 30 years in Cincinatti,and Mary, who is now in a nursing home also where I live suffering from Dementia and other illnesses related to the physical abuse she took from her husband among other things.

    I’m not sure what her other children are doing at the this time, but they all did manage to afford a tombstone for Bascum who is buried there on Mudlick hill.

    Aster, my husband, grew up on Mudlick and around Letherwood also, and he doesn’t remember Iree doing anything but screaming and yelling at everyone about anything but nothing in particular. The film obviously portrayed her as a savior, but just because she can gather wood doesn’t make her God. And most people do put on shows when someone’s watching…

    Lonzo and his wife are still living in the same house with their youngest son. The only thing they’re complaining of right now is ‘those idiots who come to gawk’ at the way they live. They say that there have been over 100 stragers come knocking on their door at ever hour wanting to see them, talk, take pictures. Well, my good lord, people must be crazy to think that there aren’t a thousand more people living the same way they do, each and every day.

    As for Lonzo’s son Clintus, he’s grown up 100%. He’s now married, drives and hour and a half for work just like he has for the past years, and is expecting a baby of his own in December. And he has his OWN HOME, also on mudlick, that isn’t a hole in the wall either. I must say, he’s doing the best out of them all at this time. The whole time we were there visiting him, he acted just like a man should, and even offered to do the littlest things for his expecting wife. Clintus’ only complaint was also all the nosey people.

    So, for the many people wanting to get in contact with them, I think they’ve all had enough. It’s been four years of eyes lerking, and all they really want is for everything to go back to the way it was before…. some peace and quite like most who live in the country crave.

    Lastly, this ‘remote town in Apalachia’ could be worse. You do have to drive a considerable distance to find decent work, but hey, that’s like that here in Northern Kentucky too, and I’m sure others can agree with me if they live in a small rural town.

    Comment by Tara — 10/1/2003 @ 5:05 am

  74. For clarification, the children I was referring to are those of Oma, and Oma is Aster’s gg mother. Iree is his great Aunt. Sorry for the misinformaiton….

    Comment by Tara — 10/1/2003 @ 5:55 am

  75. Thank you, Tara. Your information was very clear and concise, and I, for one, appreciate it. You obviously have excellent creative writing skills. I was born and raised in a rural Kentucky community, and I know the value of privacy and solitude. Hearing about Clint made me happy, to know that he is indeed a caring, hard working father to be. Thanks again…..

    Comment by xx — 10/1/2003 @ 10:05 am

  76. I’ve had the opportunity to watch “American Holler” on two separate occasions. It never once entered my mind to consider the family that is depicted as “backwoods” or “backwards”. People are products of their environments. Just because I have been blessed with an education and many material things doesn’t mean that I’m entitled to be condescending to anyone. I really think that it’s wonderful that people got an opportunity to see that there are people right here in America living in such deplorable poverty. There’s something wrong with this picture.

    Comment by Red — 10/2/2003 @ 4:01 am

  77. TARA YOU NEED TO GET ALL OF YOUR STORY STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU GET ON HERE AND TELL THINGS THAT YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.CAUSE YOU SHORE DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON.YOUR HUSBAND MAY BE RELATED TO ME AND THEM ,BUT TARA YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND SHORE DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT GIRL.SO I’M TELLING YOU GET IT RIGHT OR DON’T POST IT ON HERE.

    Comment by Anonymous — 10/2/2003 @ 4:22 am

  78. fact #1 as for what iree has her property was baught with her own money and has always been a good person and stood for whats right so what if she got upset for people wanting to do the wrong thing she,s always stood for whats right and she most sertinaly does not go along with clints SHACKING [not married to gen] he does not own his home he rent,s he does work and i hope he keep,s this job now about the property being logged so what omia has enough children she should have had a tombstone without the land being logged bascum does not have a tombstone but he most sertinly will have one soon if you have to know the rest of the family is doing fine i don,t think this tara knows anything she got the biral place wrong and she was raised on mudlick ha ha (not) tara,s husband,s family should tell you the truth i think i know tera,s husband,s mother if so she should clean her own clauset and some of her northen ky family,s

    Comment by Anonymous — 10/2/2003 @ 5:59 am

  79. DEAR MISS TARA I DONT KNOW WHO U THINK YOUARE BUT YOU SURE HAVE NO IDEAL WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT 1# CLINT IS NOT A HOME OWNER AND HE HAS NOT BEEN WORKING FOR YEARS!!!!! AND AS FAR AS THE BABY IT MIGHT BE HIS AND HE HAS NOT GROWED UP 2# AS FAR AS BASCUM HEAD STONE HE DOSE NOT HAVE ONE YET BUT THE CHILDREN PLAIN ON GETTING ONE AND AS FAR AS GRANMA RICE OMIE GOES SHE HAS MORE CHILDREN THAN IREE TO BUY A STONE BUT THERE WAS NONE OF THE REST OF THE CHILDREN WOULD TAKE TIME OUT OF THERE LIFES TO COME TO TAKE CARE OF OMIE SO THIS LEFT IREE AND THIS TOOK MANY YEARS OFF HER LIFE SHE HAD NO FREEDOM BUT SHE MUST HAVE BEEN THE ONLY ONE WHO REALY CARED SURE THE REST SAY THEY DID BUT IF THEY HADTO OF TAKEN CARE OF GRAMNNIE SHE WOULD HAVE DIED SOONER IN A NURSIN HOME THATS WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE PUT HER SO IREE HAS ALL THE HAUNTING MEMORIES OF WATCHING HER POOR MOTHER WASTE AWAY TO NOTHING CAUSE SHE HAD TO BE HAND FED EVERY THING SHE ATE SO YOU HAVE NO I DEAL WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT MISSS TARA IF YOU WANT OMIE TO HAVE A MARKER FORK OUT THE MONEY TO BUY ONE CAUSE WE STILL ARE PAYING FOR BASS FUNERAL !!!!!

    Comment by BETTY — 10/2/2003 @ 8:16 am

  80. THATS RIGHT TARA,IREE WAITED ON HER MOTHER HAND AND FOOT CHANGED HER BATHED HER AND FEED HER .ALSO AS FOR AS THE HEAD STONE SHE HAS MORE THAN IREE TO BUY HER ONE.ALSO AS FOR THE FAKE FLOWERS ON OMIE’S GRAVE WELL ALL OF THE GRAVES EVEN IN THE CITY HAVE FAKE FLOWERS HAVE YOU ALL BEEN AND PUT FLOWERS ON HER GRAVE NO YOU HAVE NOT.NO ONE LOOKED AT IREE AS A GOD.CAUSE WE ALL KNOW THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST.AND IF YOU THINK WE ARE GOING TO STAND UP FOR CLINT YOU ARE WRONG IT IS A SIN, HIM UP IN THAT HOLLER A SHACKIN UP IS A S-I-N.WE DO NOT UP HOLD THIS OUR THE THINGS HE DOES.WE DO NOT UP HOLD SIN .THATS WHY WE PRAY FOR THE LOST AND DYING WORLD.SO YOU STAY UP THERE IN NORTHERN KY.AND IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE TRUTH THEN YOU KEEP YOUR MOUTH (SHUT )!!!!!!!!

    Comment by Anonymous — 10/2/2003 @ 11:49 am

  81. i don,t know for sure who tara is but iree does not have a grandson named astor she has brother named astor this person does not know anything about iree bowling,s family however i do i am iree,s soninlaw i know all about the family but people like tara are what is wrong with southeast ky

    Comment by Anonymous — 10/2/2003 @ 12:56 pm

  82. Hi everyone, Iree’s grandaughter here. I’m so glad to hear positive responses about this documentary. It was hard for a long time for anyone to say anything nice about it. I don’t know why, it’s not like we “The Bowling’s” (as most of you say) are the only people living like this.. Not only in Eastern Kentucky but, take a look around the world and, unfortionately, you’ll find people in the same or worse situation. My family and I really appreciate your thoughts and prays. The loss of my Grandpa was devostating (sorry If I spelled that wrong I’m sure someone will point it out if I did) As for my Grandma, I thank God for her everyday, she is my hero, along with my Mom. I say this because my Grandma was a hard working lady and would still do so if she were able. She always knew what to say to make things better. Always knew the RIGHT things to say at the RIGHT time. Just like Mom’s do! I’ve been blessed with a loving family, who would do anything to help eachother out. I know this documentary has some “not so plesant” moments in it. (like Clints cursing) I would never EVER say anything like that to my parents. But then again, I was raised to have respect for others and myself. I don’t make fun or point out peoples lack of education.. (like misssssspelling words) Again I thank those of you who had kind things to say.

    And for those who wonder why we are so quick to be defensive, because for so long people would say such bad things about us..quick to judge us and like someone said earlier. don’t judge someone until you’ve walked in their shoes. I’m very proud of my family. I love each and every one of them. I’m sure there’s a “Clint” in every family. And sure he’s got a temper, but wouldn’t you if you just got dumped before getting married? Bad language isn’t the only thing that I’d be “throwing” lolol Anyway, thank you again for your prayers and comments.. God bless you all…. I’ll leave my email for anyone who has questions tinaml1974@hotmail.com

    Comment by Tina — 10/3/2003 @ 1:16 am

  83. hello everone
    i’m one of iree’s granddaughters and very proud to be part of the bowling family we might not have alot but we are happier then any of you could ever be. oh and “clint” name is spelled CLINNEST THAT IS THE CORRECT SPELLING. and we could live off of the land if times got like thay use to be along time ago.we have alot of family when we need each other at least that are there for each other. not many families have that these days

    Comment by sae — 10/5/2003 @ 8:27 am

  84. hello everone
    i’m one of iree’s granddaughters and very proud to be part of the bowling family we might not have alot but we are happier then any of you could ever be. oh and “clint” name is spelled CLINNEST THAT IS THE CORRECT SPELLING. and we could live off of the land if times got like thay use to be along time ago.we have alot of family when we need each other at least that are there for each other. not many families have that these days

    Comment by sae — 10/5/2003 @ 8:27 am

  85. From ??: >>i don,t know for sure who tara is but iree does not have a grandson named astor she has brother named astor this person does not know anything about iree bowling,s family however i do i am iree,s soninlaw i know all about the family but people like tara are what is wrong with southeast ky

    Comment by Anonymous — 10/7/2003 @ 5:32 am

  86. The post above was made by me, I just forgot to add contact information.

    Comment by Tara — 10/7/2003 @ 6:48 am

  87. tara you said at the first of your post I AM MARRED TO IREE

    Comment by Anonymous — 10/7/2003 @ 11:10 am

  88. great grandson aster abner

    Comment by Anonymous — 10/7/2003 @ 11:12 am

  89. WELL TARA YOU MAKE IREE SOUND AWFUL I DO NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT.SHE DOES NOT HAVE VERY MUCH AND SHE IS NOT LETTING ON EITHER,SHE IS NOT WEALTHY (WELL YES SHE IS SHE HAS JESUS) BUT AS FAR AS MONEY SHE WOULD HAVE BASS’S FUNERAL PAID OFF IF THIS WAS THE CASE BUT IT’S NOT .HIS FUNERAL IS NOT PAID OFF.IREE HAD A HARD LIFE AS DID MOST OF MY FAMILY AND SOME STILL HAVE IT HARD.BUT DON’T MAKE OUT LIKE IREE IS NOTHING OR HAS MORE THAN SHE DOES BECAUSE SHE DON’T.FURTHER MORE IT IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN WHY SHE HAD HER PROPERTY LOGGED,IT IS NOTHING TO YOU OR YOUR HUSBAND OR ANY OF YOUR HUSBAND’S FAMILY .THAT IS HER’S AND SHE CAN DO AS SHE SEE’S FIT.I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT BUYING LAND I NEVER SAID NOTHING TO THAT SORT.ALL I’M SAYING IS I DON’T LIKE YOU TALKING ABOUT IREE THE WAY YOU HAVE ,I’LL SAY IT AGAIN IF YOU DON’T KNOW FOR SURE THEN DON’T POST IT HERE FOR THE WORLD TO SEE.

    Comment by Anonymous — 10/7/2003 @ 11:47 am

  90. tara you said at the first of your post I AM MARRED TO IREE

    Posted by: on October 7, 2003 11:10 PM

    great grandson aster abner

    Comment by Tara — 10/9/2003 @ 2:52 am

  91. HELLO , MY NAME IS SHARON RICE I AM IREE AND BASSCUM BOWLINGS GRANDAUGHTER I AM SUPPRISED TO SEE ALL OF THE COMMENTS ON HERE PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW HOW WE HAVE BEEN DOING, FIRST OF ALL AS MANY OF YOU KNOW MY GRANPA PASSED AWAY, OUR FAMILY HAS BEEN TRYING TO DEAL WITH THIS. THIS IS VERY HARD ON US AS IT WOULD BE ON ANYONE .AS FAR AS ALL OF THE BAD COMMENTS GO UNTIL YOU SPEND A DAY IN OUR SHOES AND KNOW THE WHOLE STORY I WOULD’NT MAKE BAD COMPLIMENTS . WE ARE HILLBILLYS AND WE ARE PROUD OF IT.AND THE WAY I SEE IT PEOPLE THAT JUDGE US HAVE NOTHING BETTER IN THERE LIFE TO DO THAN TO JUDGE PEOPLE WHICH IS WRONG. I AM CLOSE TO ALL OF MY FAMILY AND THIS OFFENDS ME VERY MUCH TO READ COMMENTS THAT PEOPLE HAVE WROTE THAT DONT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT AND ARE JUST BEING RUDE .

    Comment by sharon — 10/12/2003 @ 3:06 am

  92. After reading most of the postings, it appears that a copy of this documentary is not available in any video form to the general buying public. I saw the documentary on HBO a while back and was intriqued by it. I have also checked the HBO schedules and cannot find that it will be aired again anytime soon. Does anyone out there know of any future airings of this film or if it will every be available in video form for purchase?

    Comment by Curtiss — 10/19/2003 @ 3:09 am

  93. I have been looking for this documentary everwhere. If anyone knows of any future airings or if you have it, I would like to but it.

    Comment by Lori — 10/24/2003 @ 3:04 am

  94. ummmm i’m not tryin to be rude or anything but just that i’m kinda little lost in here cause there’s too much fighting but i believe that Tara is the one that got me confuse in here so tara you need to reread what you typed before you posted it on here ok. there may be other readers here it gettin confuse too like i am so please tryin to straighten this out so i know what’s really goin on with the bowlings family but in case you wonderin what’s my opinion about this bowlings family i think they are good heart loving family that are tryin their best to have better life but at least they got roof over their head and food to survive, but they do have one thing that is expensive that they kept it in for generationsis ……………..LOVE that’s what matters most. no matter how much they make and how smart they are they still got love for each others no matter what happens. so that’s my opinion. and like the bible say when the world come to the end the poor will become rich and the rich will become poor so somedau they’ll become rich cause they deserve it as for me i’m not poor nor not rich either just workin class. all you critical ppl needs to stop makin fun of them i don’t think it’s right to make fun of them when they can’t help who they are God made them for certain reasons ok but we all are God children we shouldn’t be fighting like this so please stop this insanities please ….thank you sandra foskey

    Comment by sandra foskey — 11/6/2003 @ 12:13 pm

  95. I do have a copy of the American Hollow film, and would be happy to make a copy for anyone using the film for academic purposes. I use the film for discussions in a variety of college classes that I teach. Please contact me at pmstinson@aol.com if you would like a copy.

    Comment by Phil Stinson — 11/7/2003 @ 10:34 am

  96. clints baby has been born he is a handsome little guy he is healthy and doing fine he is 2 weeks old now

    Comment by ????????? — 11/8/2003 @ 7:19 am

  97. clints baby has been born he is a handsome little guy he is healthy and doing fine he is 2 weeks old now

    Comment by ????????? — 11/8/2003 @ 7:19 am

  98. clints baby has been born he is a handsome little guy he is healthy and doing fine he is 2 weeks old now

    Comment by ????????? — 11/8/2003 @ 7:20 am

  99. I viewed this film several times on HBO and unfortunately did not tape it. (Kinda figured they’d show it 1000 times like a lot of other HBO shows so I missed my chance.)
    I found it to be a fascinating movie. I don’t know any of these people and probably won’t get a chance to but I want to wish them well. I lived in Kentucky for two and a half years and
    made some great friends from ALL walks of life.
    For those of you who are so quick to judge, I can only remind you that this “true” documentary
    probably had a lot of scenes LEFT ON THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR. That is why you should not be so quick to judge ANYBODY in it. I’m sure that if somebody followed ME around for six months and filmed everything that I did, they could portray me any way THEY wanted to show me. One director might choose to portray me as a caring person who helps others and is close to his family. Another director might CUT all of THOSE scenes out and focus on the times I’ve lost my temper
    over something. (And so on…) I think you get my meaning. For those of you who saw the film….you saw the final EDITED product. Nothing more. It may be a “documentary,” but it is STILL a MOVIE. Have 10 different directors
    film your life and YOU would have ten different
    versions for people to debate about. Then see how you’d feel. Sure, based on what I saw in the movie, I might have formed a few opinions too. I do, however, have a feeling that if I met the family personally I might form different ones.
    Anyhow, that’s not any of my business.

    Now that I’ve tried to make a point, let me say that I enjoyed this movie very much and it brought back good (and yes, sometimes “bad”) memories of things I saw while in Kentucky. For that matter, I’ve lived in Georgia and Tennessee and Wisconsin and seen the same things there. People are people every place you go. They all have their good and bad points.

    My thoughts and prayers are with this family for their recent losses. I wish them all well and hope that they all have a safe and happy holiday season.

    Comment by Madisonville Jim — 11/9/2003 @ 10:21 am

  100. Hey Madisonville Jim what part of Georgie did you lived? I live hazlehurst all my life just to let you know this ok so just wondering what part did you lived in

    Comment by Sandra Foskey — 11/16/2003 @ 1:39 am

  101. Lived in Macon and Programmed Z108 (an old radio station) for about 10 years before moving to south Florida for a while. Great people in Hazlehurst. Your name sure sounds familiar, Sandra. That’d be a small world if we’d met before.

    Comment by Madisonville Jim — 11/20/2003 @ 8:55 am

  102. I have not been able to locate a tape of “American Hollow” and from the sounds of it I may not be able too. I did, however, purchase the book earlier this year and enjoyed it immensely. I have read it at least ten times and each time I read it I learn something new about myself, the world and of course the Bowlings. This family should be commended on how they have been able to remain true to tradition as well as loyal and loving toward their family and community. So many of us have forgotten the true meaning of love, family and loyalty. We as a society have become too busy, too greedy, and far too selfish for words. Hats off to the Bowlings for they are truly wealthier than us all.

    Comment by Kristin — 11/21/2003 @ 2:57 am

  103. I have not been able to locate a tape of “American Hollow” and from the sounds of it I may not be able too. I did, however, purchase the book earlier this year and enjoyed it immensely. I have read it at least ten times and each time I read it I learn something new about myself, the world and of course the Bowlings. This family should be commended on how they have been able to remain true to tradition as well as loyal and loving toward their family and community. So many of us have forgotten the true meaning of love, family and loyalty. We as a society have become too busy, too greedy, and far too selfish for words. Hats off to the Bowlings for they are truly wealthier than us all.

    Comment by Kristin — 11/21/2003 @ 2:57 am

  104. Madisonville Jim we may have met before since you said my name sounds familiar if i only knew what’s your name is and maybe we can know more about each other then and in case you was wondering i’m 22 and i’ll be 23 on Dec 20th and you might kmow my family here.

    Comment by Sandra Foskey — 12/1/2003 @ 6:36 am

  105. I loved the film. My hero was Neil. He seems to be taking care of everyone. What is happening with Neil now?

    Comment by shannon — 12/3/2003 @ 11:37 am

  106. I loved the film. My hero was Neil. He seems to be taking care of everyone. What is happening with Neil now?

    Comment by shannon — 12/3/2003 @ 11:37 am

  107. I’m searching for a copy of American Hollow, if anyone can help me locate one I would really appreciate it.

    Comment by Ashley — 12/5/2003 @ 2:21 am

  108. Sandra,

    I ran the radio station in Macon (Z108) for about 10 years. My name is Jim Franklin and I did mostly the afternoon show. I knew a Foskey
    who was in the car biz up there and he had a daughter who would be about your age now. I really enjoyed my time there in Georgia.

    Comment by Jim Franklin — 12/5/2003 @ 3:51 am

  109. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL….. WE ARE ALL DOING FINE.

    Comment by Anonymous — 12/18/2003 @ 9:37 am

  110. MERRY CHIRSTMAS FROM THE BOWLING FAMILY WE ARE ALL DOING FINE

    Comment by ????????? — 12/23/2003 @ 7:44 am

  111. Shame on Rory Kennedy. Nobody needs your help lady. You went and picked the poorest creatures in East Kentucky to try and validate the stereotypes. And to the Bowling family, I sure hope you got something good out of this, but what ever it was, it wasn’t enough. We’ve been stuck with these stereotypes for years, and this certainly didn’t help much.

    I’m an East Kentuckian living near Detroit. Why don’t yall come up here and capture some of these poor creatures on film? They’re here! and to be honest, theres more pitiful cases here than East Kentucky could ever hold, but I guess it’s just not as fun as concentrating on those “poor hillbilly’s.”

    I don’t need help from Rory Kennedy, I sure don’t need Steven Segal to come save me like he did in “Fire Down Below.” The whole idea makes me sick.

    Rory, how come the camera cut away and didn’t show much of Shirley’s house? I mean it seemed too intentional to show all these people living in filth, but when you arrived at a decent place, you cut away? It’s because you deliberately tried to make fools out of people.

    Makes me want to go make a documentry about a certain family, who sleeps around with anyone, drinks and does drugs like no other, not to mention lies their way right into office, sure sounds like the Kennedy’s to me!

    Comment by Willie Carter — 12/29/2003 @ 3:17 am

  112. Shame on Rory Kennedy. Nobody needs your help lady. You went and picked the poorest creatures in East Kentucky to try and validate the stereotypes. And to the Bowling family, I sure hope you got something good out of this, but what ever it was, it wasn’t enough. We’ve been stuck with these stereotypes for years, and this certainly didn’t help much.

    I’m an East Kentuckian living near Detroit. Why don’t yall come up here and capture some of these poor creatures on film? They’re here! and to be honest, theres more pitiful cases here than East Kentucky could ever hold, but I guess it’s just not as fun as concentrating on those “poor hillbilly’s.”

    I don’t need help from Rory Kennedy, I sure don’t need Steven Segal to come save me like he did in “Fire Down Below.” The whole idea makes me sick.

    Rory, how come the camera cut away and didn’t show much of Shirley’s house? I mean it seemed too intentional to show all these people living in filth, but when you arrived at a decent place, you cut away? It’s because you deliberately tried to make fools out of people.

    Makes me want to go make a documentry about a certain family, who sleeps around with anyone, drinks and does drugs like no other, not to mention lies their way right into office, sure sounds like the Kennedy’s to me!

    Comment by Willie Carter — 12/29/2003 @ 3:19 am

  113. Shame on Rory Kennedy. Nobody needs your help lady. You went and picked the poorest creatures in East Kentucky to try and validate the stereotypes. And to the Bowling family, I sure hope you got something good out of this, but what ever it was, it wasn’t enough. We’ve been stuck with these stereotypes for years, and this certainly didn’t help much.

    I’m an East Kentuckian living near Detroit. Why don’t yall come up here and capture some of these poor creatures on film? They’re here! and to be honest, theres more pitiful cases here than East Kentucky could ever hold, but I guess it’s just not as fun as concentrating on those “poor hillbilly’s.”

    I don’t need help from Rory Kennedy, I sure don’t need Steven Segal to come save me like he did in “Fire Down Below.” The whole idea makes me sick.

    Rory, how come the camera cut away and didn’t show much of Shirley’s house? I mean it seemed too intentional to show all these people living in filth, but when you arrived at a decent place, you cut away? It’s because you deliberately tried to make fools out of people.

    Makes me want to go make a documentry about a certain family, who sleeps around with anyone, drinks and does drugs like no other, not to mention lies their way right into office, sure sounds like the Kennedy’s to me!

    Comment by Willie Carter — 12/29/2003 @ 3:20 am

  114. And to the person who posted that “The Bowlings are wealthier than us all”, get some glasses! Did you watch the same show I did? If you were kind and loving toward your family, one would ussually have a job to support the family.

    My Papaw from good ole East kentucky had a good saying that I use to this day. He would say “I Fight Poverty! I Work!”

    Comment by Willie Carter — 12/29/2003 @ 3:26 am

  115. to the one that said that the bowlings live in filth needs to take a look at somthing else they are just as clean as any one that i know

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH ‘”'’

    Comment by ????????? — 1/3/2004 @ 7:39 am

  116. It sure didn’t look like plush accomodations to me. And besides the surroundings, the word filth also describes behavior. How about CLint for example, Using obscenities towards God while tearing his britches off like a little heathen,,,Clint redefines the word filth.

    I don’t hold it against the Bowlings, I really don’t. My anger is specifically directed toward Rory Kennedy for making all mountain folks look like good for nothing, dirty jokers.

    What was the one fellows name whom it showed digging Ginseing and saying something along the lines of “I never thought it was hard to make it around here, unless you’re to lazy to get out and do something for yourself.” That statement ticked me off too, just to let you know. That fellow didn’t look like he was doing much, and you sure can’t support a family on digging Ginseing. That’s what I call FILTH!

    And Rory Kennedy is about the worse filth to ever walk this earth.

    Comment by Willie Carter — 1/4/2004 @ 4:57 am

  117. WELL WILLIE THAT WOULD BE ONEIAL MY COUSIN AND HE SHORE AIN’T FILTH.BUT I THANK THAT SCENE WAS WHERE HE WAS WALKING UP THE HOLLER WITH MOSS IN HIS ARMS.NOR IS ANY OF THE REST OF USE.YOU MAY NEED TO LOOK AT YOUR LIFE OR YOUR KIDS OR IN YOUR OWN FAMILY LINE BEFORE YOU GO CALLING OTHERS FILTH.BY THE WAY ONEIAL MUST BE SMARTER THAN YOU BECAUSE GINSEING WILL BRING YOU NEARLY $400.00 DOLLARS PER POUND SO SEEMS TO ME HE IS PROVIDEING FOR HIS FAMILY WELL.SO I DON’T CALL THAT FILTH.AND LIKE WE HAVE ALL SAID BEFORE WE DON’T UPHOLD WHAT CLINT DID AND SAID BUT IT’S IN EVERY FAMILY LINE.AND I AGREE WITH YOU RORY DID DO THEM WRONG.

    Comment by Anonymous — 1/7/2004 @ 6:28 am

  118. American Hollow is a classic, I loved the film. I feel like I know this family. They are rich..not of worldly goods but of family love. I wish Rory Kennedy would do a follow-up film on the Kentucky family we all love. My only wish is, if a second film was made, Kennedy would share the profits with the Bowling family.
    To the Bowling family, I hope you have a wonderful New Year. From Boone County, Indiana

    Comment by RL Merritt — 1/7/2004 @ 11:44 am

  119. I didn’t mean to insult your family, Like i said, Rory kennedy is the enemy here. I thought it was amazing that Rory decided to show clips like that one specifically making people think that all of us are like that. And yeah, Iv’e dug my share of Ginseing, but you can dig forever to get one good dry pound,lol, it certainly is a pastime though.

    Clint was a real character. I found it odd that Rory focused on his tantrums so much too. To be honest, if they were doing a documentry on a poverty stricken family from New York or soemthing, they would probably not show anything like that. They would focus on all the good things about them. Saying that, i think a person would be blind to not see how Rory made us all look bad by making that film. And for the Bowlings, i have nothing but the best wishes for them, I just beleive that by making this film, all of us were sold short, including the Bowlings.

    And to the people wanting a followup documentary, I hope you all are proud of being entertained by something like this. If there is another sequel, Id love to be there and sabatoge every last bit of it.

    Comment by Willie Carter — 1/8/2004 @ 10:32 am

  120. I’m sorry, maybe I didn’t make my self clear about a follow-up, I just wanted to know,how the family is doing, what has happen to them since the film, what kind effect the film and the making of the film had on them.
    I want only the best for the Bowling family.

    Comment by RL Merritt — 1/9/2004 @ 3:41 am

  121. Funny how each person sees the same thing so differently. Doesn’t anyone in other states live around country folks? I found nothing about the Bowling family to look down on. What are they missing? It appeared to me they have just about all they need and many things everyone else has, like TVs, phones, etc. I found nothing in the least dirty or primitive and in fact envy them their large, close-knit family. They love and respect each other and seem far more at peace than most of the “upwardly mobile” urbanites I know. I am sorry to hear that Bass died. I wish the rest of the family the best. They are living good, productive lives. As Iree said sincerely, “Pretty good family.” I say Amen, Iree - it IS a pretty good family.

    Comment by Jeannie — 1/14/2004 @ 12:58 pm

  122. Funny how each person sees the same thing so differently. Doesn’t anyone in other states live around country folks? I found nothing about the Bowling family to look down on. What are they missing? It appeared to me they have just about all they need and many things everyone else has, like TVs, phones, etc. I found nothing in the least dirty or primitive and in fact envy them their large, close-knit family. They love and respect each other and seem far more at peace than most of the “upwardly mobile” urbanites I know. I am sorry to hear that Bass died. I wish the rest of the family the best. They are living good, productive lives. As Iree said sincerely, “Pretty good family.” I say Amen, Iree - it IS a pretty good family.

    Comment by Jeannie — 1/14/2004 @ 12:58 pm

  123. Funny how each person sees the same thing so differently. Doesn’t anyone in other states live around country folks? I found nothing about the Bowling family to look down on. What are they missing? It appeared to me they have just about all they need and many things everyone else has, like TVs, phones, etc. I found nothing in the least dirty or primitive and in fact envy them their large, close-knit family. They love and respect each other and seem far more at peace than most of the “upwardly mobile” urbanites I know. I am sorry to hear that Bass died. I wish the rest of the family the best. They are living good, productive lives. As Iree said sincerely, “Pretty good family.” I say Amen, Iree - it IS a pretty good family.

    Comment by Jeannie — 1/14/2004 @ 12:59 pm

  124. thanks for not looking down on the bowlings iree is not doing to good these days she is a great women

    Comment by sae — 1/19/2004 @ 3:36 am

  125. I would like to purchase this tape or see it aired again. Does anyone know where or how I can get a copy of this? I recorded this movie when it first aired, but it got damaged. I fell in love with this family. Being from East TN we are also use to sterotypes… but this tape didn’t bother me at ALL. It only brought back childhood memories of being at my grandmother’s home. I pray for Iree. I really hate to hear about Bass’ death. I pray for the Bowling family as a whole. May God Continue to bless you all.

    Comment by Stacy — 1/20/2004 @ 2:02 am

  126. I saw this documentary and i thought it was really good..Im from Northern Ky, but im currently living in Laurel County Ky. I was really happy to see this documentary turned out so well.. i was actually at the halloween party that they had on the documentary.. when they came to film for halloween they had a party and a haunted house in the old school house.. most of my family lives over there.. crafton barger… doug, rose.. you know the bargers.. 8)

    Comment by Lefty — 1/23/2004 @ 10:09 am

  127. yes i know rose we talkevery now and then stephanie estep

    Comment by sae — 1/23/2004 @ 10:25 am

  128. I loved this documentary. This only goes to show that money isn’t the glue that binds the American family. So whenever I get depressed about some material thing {that I probably don’t need anyway} I just think about the Bowlings and how well they’ve maintained such a wonder relationship. I would not be a bit ashamed if viewers outside of this country would see this as an example of American life. We would be so lucky if this was truly the case. **And grandma with those big muscular legs, I aint mad at you. You go girl. **

    Comment by val — 2/6/2004 @ 5:53 am

  129. Not saying thing about the Bowling family, but I
    think the film showed people from the hills as
    hicks, dum, and backwards. This view is what all
    other people in the world see and think of
    hillbillies. I myself also think this way, for I’m half hillbilly. My mother was from far Eastren Kentucky. What she done proves how dum and low some hillbillies are. We lived in Cleveland, Ohio. She was 42, she quit going to
    church, divorced my dad, quit wearing dresses and
    started wearing short-shorts and halter tops, and
    took up living with her 21 year old black boyfriend(who turned her to drufs and became her pimp and sold her white hillbllie buut to other black men)

    Comment by R. E. Blayor — 2/22/2004 @ 5:18 am

  130. Looks like my hillbilly half came out on Febuary 22. I misspelled two words. Instead of drufs and
    buut, it should of been drugs and butt.

    Comment by R. E. Blayor — 2/26/2004 @ 2:56 am

  131. I did not say shorts and halter tops made a
    hillbillly. So why not reread what I wrote and get the point of what I wrote before you make
    light of me. Least I am half hick and not full blooded some of you all are.

    Comment by R. E. Blair — 2/27/2004 @ 4:45 am

  132. Sound to my like alot of people on here needs to
    get a life. The boy who said he was half hillbilly is alot smarter than the two how made a post on Febuary 27 at 12:24pm and 12:29pm. Aleast he made a point about some he knew from the hills and posted his name. If anyone wanted to comment what he said about his mother, the
    Bollings, or hillbillies then do it and not one or two slandders. I’m from the hills of KY and
    what he said don’t bother me none. Everyone has a
    right to there opinion. If ya don’t like it shrug it off and go on with your life.

    Comment by jay whitt — 2/27/2004 @ 5:29 am

  133. sounds like the rael person you are no matter where you live in the hills or by the sea or desert the real person is there……

    Comment by Anonymous — 2/27/2004 @ 12:24 pm

  134. if shorts and halter tops make a hillbilly well all the world is a hillbilly hahaha…get real…

    Comment by Anonymous — 2/27/2004 @ 12:29 pm

  135. take your own advice child……

    Comment by Anonymous — 2/29/2004 @ 7:40 am

  136. I have a copy of the documentary. It’s a shame that they are tired of all the visitors. I sure would like to sit around the campfire, and hear some stories. Anyone is free to email me, jeremyknipe@yahoo.com Thanks.

    Comment by Jeremy Knipe — 3/1/2004 @ 4:25 am

  137. WELL SOUNDS TO ME LIKE SHE NEEDS JESUS IN HER LIFE AND YOU TO FOR TALKING ABOUT YOUR MOTHER. BY THE WAY DRESSES AIN’T GOING TO GET YOU INTO HEAVEN PLUS SHE DID NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT OF JESUS TO BEGIN WITH OR SHE WOULD NOT HAVE BACKSLID.THE BIBLE SAYS IN LUKE 9-62 AND JESUS SAID UNTO HIM,NO MAN HAVING PUT HIS HAND TO THE PLOW AND LOOKING BACK IS FIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD.THAT MEANS TO BACKSLIDE YOUR NOT FIT—-YOUR HELL BOUND UNLESS YOU R-E-P-E-N-T HEBREWS 6-6 SAYS-IF THEY (SHALL FALL AWAY),TO (RENEW THEM AGAIN UNTO REPENTANCE);SEEING THEY CRUCIFY TO THEMSELVES THE SON OF GOD AFRESH,AND PUT HIM TO AN OPEN SHAME I’LL PRAY FOR YOU AND YOUR MOTHER.I LOVE MY FAMILY

    Comment by Anonymous — 3/1/2004 @ 12:03 pm

  138. The last 7 or so people who made a post, I have a bit of info for you all. GET A LIFE!!!

    Comment by Jug Head — 3/17/2004 @ 3:00 am

  139. I don’t know about some of the stuff said on here
    and don’t really pay much of it no mind, but I’ve
    got onething for the real folks on here. If all
    of ya’ll are proud to be Hillbillies then come to
    Pikeville, KY for the annual Hillbilly Days. If
    I’m not mistaken its going to be the 15, 16, and
    17 of April this year.

    Comment by jay c. — 3/17/2004 @ 3:09 am

  140. SON THAT AIN’T NOTHING,THATS JUST A MONEY MAKING EVENT,I’VE BEEN TO PIKEVILLE, LIKE IT BETTER IN THE DEEP DEEP MOUNTAINS OF OLD KENTUCKY PIKEVILLE HAS BECOME MORE OF A CITY.WHICH IS GOOD.BUT I LIKE IT WHEN YOU HAVE TO DRIVE AN HOUR TO GET TO WAL-MART OR A REAL GRO. STORE HA.

    Comment by Anonymous — 3/19/2004 @ 9:58 am

  141. You sure you know what your talking about. Why don’t you go ask some of the kids that need help
    in the medical field (treatment, operations, and
    such). Thats where the money goes you idiot. If it was not for the help of the shriners who raised money ( “money making event” as you call it) my cousin would be in her (who so happened
    lived deep, deep in the mountians of Kentucky) grave right now. Anyway, anyone who don’t like helping crippeled kids ain’t notthing, I ain’t
    your son and glad of it, and Pikeville, Pike County, and people of the deep deep mountians
    of Kentucky don’t need ya. If you got something smart to say, then come to Pikeville and say it
    to my face or to the face of a 4 year old crippled kid who needs an operation(that the money making event helps with.

    Comment by jug head — 3/20/2004 @ 7:43 am

  142. I STILL SAY THAT ALL THE MONEY DON’T GO WHERE IT IS SUPPOSE TO GO.MOST OF IT GOES IN THE POCKET….

    Comment by Anonymous — 3/22/2004 @ 5:39 am

  143. SAY WHAT YOU WILL. SOME PEOPLE WILL HAVE THEIR
    WAY OR NO WAY LIKE IT OR NOT. IF SOMEONE SHOWS
    PROOF OF WHERE IT GOES I’LL BELIEVE IT. I KNOW
    WHAT I KNOW AND SEEN TO BE TRUE, WHETHER ANYONE
    LIKES IT OR NOT.

    Comment by Jug Head — 3/23/2004 @ 6:30 am

  144. THATS ALL GOOD BUT WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH AMERICAN HOLLOW ANYWAYS LETS GET BACK TO WHAT THE WEB SITE IS ALL ABOUT….AMERICAN HOLLOW….. THE BOWLINGS….HELLO………

    Comment by Anonymous — 3/24/2004 @ 5:10 am

  145. Id say life in american hollow is much better these days than it used to be. The bowlings arent the only people like that, there are other people over there who still dont have running water or any sort of indoor plumbing. But at least they are happy, its because its all they are used to. They have always lived like this. But like pat Bowling said, he has his beer to drink and his rabbits to eat..what more you ask for? 8o)

    Comment by Da shiznit!! — 3/27/2004 @ 3:07 am

  146. Id say life in american hollow is much better these days than it used to be. The bowlings arent the only people like that, there are other people over there who still dont have running water or any sort of indoor plumbing. But at least they are happy, its because its all they are used to. They have always lived like this. But like pat Bowling said, he has his beer to drink and his rabbits to eat..what more you ask for? 8o)

    Comment by Da shiznit!! — 3/27/2004 @ 3:07 am

  147. I dont know any of these people personally and i havent seen them since i was a young kid. But ive seen photos of a lot of these people in my moms old photo albums. I was really suprised to see somone do a documentary on this place, it was like a blast from the past for me. I finally went back to manchester for the first time in many years due to my grandfathers heart attack. I went down there last year around September. I saw the little road that led to the Bowlings. It was kinda nice to go back and visit. They really are an extraordianary group of people..I thoght this documentary was great. Although i do think it gives people in the cities a very distorted impression of us Kentuckians. 8o)

    Comment by Chingy!! — 3/27/2004 @ 3:14 am

  148. What gave you the idea the Bowlings don’t work hard? You should familiarize yourself with their story (first entry on this site)- they travel many miles to their jobs. And how judgmental and santimonious to suggest they should do without any leisure or entertainment such as TV! The lack of running water is merely an inconvenience, not a barrier to cleanliness, as was very obvious by the neatness of themselves and their homes. And smoking is a personal choice.
    Maybe if Kentucky had been more foresighted in obtaining industries, and building them in outlying areas, they wouldn’t have to supplement peoples’ incomes with government assistance.
    The Bowlings are doing just fine.

    Comment by Jeannie — 3/28/2004 @ 3:08 am

  149. Know someone smart off about what I am about to
    write, but this is the USA and I’m going to say it anyway. It looked to me like some or one of the Bowlings had a satilite dish set up in the
    yard and I noticed some were smokeing and even talked about having their beer. Well, for someone
    getting a small goverment check, foodstamps, and
    not having running water, they sure seemed living
    good to me. If I was in need of running water I’d
    give up the TV, the smokes, and the beer (be good
    on their heath to give up the smpkes and beer),
    and invest the money in a water-well, pump, and
    saltfilter. If the well water can be used to drink or cooked with, it could be used to wash
    clothing, mop the floors, bath in, and flushing
    the toilit. Bottoled water can be got at the store for drinking and cooking. One more thing,
    before everyone jumps me for what I wrote, if they are able to hunt for rabbits, roots, and herbs in the hills and to rasie gardens, looks to me like that some of them could work. Don’t say there is no jobs around, you don’t know us
    and the life we live, and all such as that. There
    is jobs around in the hills if you just get out
    and find they, for they are not going to come to
    you. There is job openings at the hospitals, schools, coal mines, and department and food stores all the time. Some don’t pay well or much
    to start off with but it be a job. I live in a head of a holler on the Kentucky/Virginia border.
    I work 5 to 6 days aweek and sometimes 10 to 12
    hours aday and ain’t had to ask the goverment for
    no help yet. I’m not about the Bowlings now, but
    It makes me sick that the most around where I live gets foodstamps, welfare, and SSI then lay out drunk and high as a fly on a wall. People like that don’t need it. If the Bowlings need a
    helping hand from the goverment I’d be in favor
    of them getting it, but I am not into wasting it
    on things thats not needed.

    Comment by Anonymous — 3/28/2004 @ 11:32 am

  150. the bowlings do work ever day

    Comment by Anonymous — 4/1/2004 @ 10:45 am

  151. I am not sure that i know them snice i live in hazard snice childhood. but I think that my grandmother, who live in vicco, Ky, had been familar with them.. but it media is true and it show the proof of real life in Kentucky.

    Comment by Benjamin Benton — 4/1/2004 @ 12:22 pm

  152. IT’S SULFER THATS IN THE WATER NOT SALT YOU NUT. SO THE SALT FILTER WONT DO NO GOOD.I REMEMBER WHEN WE HAD A TV LINE RUN UP THE MOUNTAIN AND THE WIND WOULD BLOW IT AND SOMEONE WOULD HAVE TO GO UP AND TURN IT WHILE ONE STOOD ON THE PORCH AND FIRED OFF A SHOTGUN WHEN THE STATION CAME IN BY THE TIME THEY WALKED BACK OFF THE MOUNTAIN IT WAS MESSED UP AGAIN I’M GLAD THEY’VE GOT A SATILITE DISH. WHO SAID THEY DIDN’T TAKE A BATH OR MOP THEIR FLOORS,OR FLUSH THE TOLIET IF YOU’VE GOT A OUTHOUSE YOU DON’T NEED TO FLUSH IT..ANY WAYS YOU DON’T KNOW US EITHER .

    Comment by Anonymous — 4/2/2004 @ 6:21 am

  153. ALSO THERE IS IRON IN THE WATER SO THAT SALT FILTER WON’T DO NO GOOD THERE IS SOME SORT OF FILTER OUT BUT IT STILL DON’T TAKE ALL OF IT OUT

    Comment by Anonymous — 4/2/2004 @ 9:40 am

  154. nessa…clint has always had a way out of kentucky he did not go because his mom and dad wonted to live in ky and the bowlings are hard workers at any thang they work at..truck drivers.carpners. nurses aid. factury workers. social workers.prisons guards. i could keep on but and as for as the city i lived there at one time and that was ????????????

    Comment by Anonymous — 4/9/2004 @ 7:47 am

  155. I really don’t think it’s right that you say they have these job opportunities Chingy… for one, I am from Eastern Kentucky and probably closer to the Bowling family than you are and when you get down here in the sticks… there are not any factories and such close by. You have to have a vehicle to get there and even then, it takes 45 minutes to get to the nearest factory! From what I seen in this documentary, the Bowlings didn’t have many vehicles just sitting around did they? And also, we discussed this movie in my Sociology class and if you would be a little open-minded about the subject, you would understand that it takes money to get money… Clint had no start and it seemed like his whole family didn’t support the fact that he wanted to leave and find a job! Plus, he has his pathetic girlfriend, Shirley, dragging him behind because he wanted to marry her for some odd reason. All she did was play with his head and for that, I would have cussed her up and down too. Clint needed some way of venting his frustration and you’ve always heard, “You hurt the one’s you love the most.” Clints mom cares and loves him and he cussed her but not because he doesn’t love her, it’s because he knows that she understands and loves him. Also, living in such a deserted area as Clint and his family lives in, you are not exposed to the world… so, it’s hard getting a start on things because no matter where you go, you are still the same person and people will always stereo-type you.

    Comment by Nessa — 4/9/2004 @ 12:01 pm

  156. Also, the media is not intirely true… not everyone in Kentucky is like this… this is just an example from the people who live in small rural areas. When you get into the cities, it’s totally different… you can’t stereotype all people in Kentucky just by this documentary. And if you do, sorry, but you are very ignorant!

    Comment by Nessa — 4/9/2004 @ 12:06 pm

  157. How can I obtain a copy of the video? I’ve wanted to view it since it was first on HBO.

    Comment by Suzanne — 4/14/2004 @ 8:28 am

  158. I am not in the least angry that people don’t have the initiative to figure out how to get a copy of this program. I am just puzzled at such a lack of common sense.
    I personally taped several and was able to share with friends, as I consider it such an excellent show. I always do that if I feel the program is worth having for future viewing. Seems a simple concept.
    Some of these confused people are the ones criticizing the Bowlings for their lack of sophistication. I would be willing to bet any one of the Bowlings know enough to set their VCRs for programs they want to watch again…..

    Comment by Jeannie — 4/15/2004 @ 1:37 am

  159. lady ypu act like you are so angry about this video whats the deal get a life

    Comment by ????????? — 4/15/2004 @ 10:47 am

  160. lady ypu act like you are so angry about this video whats the deal get a life

    Comment by ????????? — 4/15/2004 @ 10:47 am

  161. I can’t believe the continual question from so many people:
    “Where can I obtain this video?”
    Just monitor the HBO site! It will be shown again in the future, you can be sure. Why didn’t these people tape it the second time it came on if they liked it so well the first time?
    How helpless can you get!?!

    Comment by Jeannie — 4/15/2004 @ 12:39 pm

  162. I just scrolled through this board. As somebody pointed out earlier, this was a production piece. As such, nobody really has the right to judge unless they personally know the Bowling family. You only saw what was included in the film. Why does everybody get so worked up about this show? The Bowlings haven’t done anything bad to anybody. Why not be thankful for a peek into their lives and let them live them without all this obsessing?

    Comment by Anonymous — 4/17/2004 @ 3:12 am

  163. Jeannie, perhaps you didn’t take into consideration that not everyone has HBO. This would therefore make it slightly more difficult for such a person to tape this documentary, don’t you think? I have checked with video stores, book stores and many other places that could possibly have a copy of the tape. Unfortunately I have not been successful in locating it. Seems to me that you are the one lacking in common sense. Some of us have plenty of common sense and initiative but just lack the resources. You know, you really shouldn’t be so judgmental and narrow minded. It’s really not very becoming.

    Comment by Anonymous — 4/19/2004 @ 1:27 am

  164. I agree being judgmental and narrow minded isn’t at all becoming. I was under the impression that a majority of these reactions to “American Hollow” were very judgmental and narrow minded. I was also under the impression that most of the people who watched “American Hollow” have HBO since it is exclusively an HBO presentation. If they don’t have it and watched it at someone else’s house surely they could request that person making a tape for them. My letter was in response to the people who kept trying to obtain this tape in venues that couldn’t provide it. I merely said keep track of HBO for future showings. You can request e mails from HBO. All these people without HBO could ask their friends with HBO to tape it.
    Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill!!

    Comment by Jeannie — 4/19/2004 @ 4:51 am

  165. Where could a person send a donation to help with the funeral expenses for Bass?

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/4/2004 @ 4:43 am

  166. you can call the wayne walker funeral home in leslie county to find out or call one of there kids im just a grandkid

    Comment by sae — 5/4/2004 @ 10:16 am

  167. I was just curious….is the hazard county of American Hollow the same as the Dukes of Hazard? Does anyone in the Bowling family know Bo and Luke Duke? Daisy? Uncle Jessie? Has clint ever run afoul of Roscoe Pecoe Train and Boss Hogg?

    Also, can anyone tell me anything about the mystical snake handling sects of this region?

    Comment by Dutch — 5/5/2004 @ 3:52 am

  168. DUTCH GET REAL.AS FOR THE HANDLING OF SNAKES YOU BETTER MAKE SHORE IT IS GOD TELLING YOU TO PICK IT UP.IF NOT DEATH IS IN THE BOX

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/6/2004 @ 12:35 pm

  169. Really!
    If someone is interested in snake handling, go to a snake handling site!
    “American Hollow” didn’t deal with this particular religious practice. I don’t believe the Bowlings know anything more about it than you do. If I were a member of the Bowling family I’d be offended and amazed at some of the goofy reactions to their story.

    Comment by Jeannie — 5/9/2004 @ 5:09 am

  170. WELL ITS LIVING EXACTALY THE WAY THE BIBLE SAYS TO LIVE.NO WAVERING OR NO COMPERMIZING ON GODS WORD,NOT LIVING LIKE THE WORLD DOES NOT LOOKING LIKE THE WORLD OR ACTING LIKE THE WORLD.PLEASING GOD IN EVERY THING WE DO.EVERY WORD WE SPEAK NEEDS TO BE RIGHT. WHAT IS SIN ? ANYTHING NOT PLEASING TO GOD.TO KNOW TO DO GOOD AND DO IT NOT TO HIM IT IS A SIN.ME AND MY KINFOLKS MAY NOT HAVE MUCH BUT SOME OF US DO KNOW AND FEAR GOD.THAT IS WORTH MORE THAN ANY THING THIS WORLD HAS TO OFFER.WE ARE LOOKING FOR JESUS AND TO LIVE WITH JESUS FOR ETERINTY.GLORY BE TO GOD.READ AND STUDY GODS WORD.WE ALSO BELIEVE IN THE 9 GIFTS,WITHOUT HOLINESS NO MAN SHALL SEE GOD.

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/10/2004 @ 8:40 am

  171. I must have missed something. I perceived this program as an insightful, sympathetic portrayal of the lives and customs of some very good people in a region of the US many might not know much about and may hold wrong ideas about. It seemed to me a day to day picture of their lives, working and enjoying their family times together, good and bad. I really don’t think each and every religious belief of theirs was part of the story. The broader picture of their being law abiding and kind Christians said it all, I believe. They aren’t rich but willingly shared what they had. Their individual religious beliefs were their personal individual business. I saw no snakes in the visit of Iree and Bascum to their church.

    Comment by jeannie — 5/10/2004 @ 11:07 am

  172. Yeah Jeanine…maybe the Bowlings wouldn’t be so amazed and offended after all!

    Also, what exactly is “old time holiness”? Is that more of an old testament, “eye for an eye”, whore of babylon sort of belief?

    Comment by Dutch — 5/10/2004 @ 11:30 am

  173. YES JEANNINE THE BOWLINGS DO KNOW ABOUT SNAKE HANDLING CHURCH’S SOME OF THEM GO TO THEM THAT’S JUST THE PLAIN FACT’S AND WE BELIEVE IN HOLINESS OLD TIME HOLINESS A WOMAN SHOULD LOOK LIKE A WOMAN AND MAN SHOULD LOOK LIKE A MAN ALL THO ALOT IN THE FAMILY DON’T LIVE FOR GOD THEY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT THE RIGHT WAY INTO WHICH TO GO. AND IREE USE TO GO TO THE HILLS AND PRAY YOU COULD HEAR HER PRAYING AND SPEAKING IN TOUNGES AND I BELIEVE THE SAME WAY SHE IS MY 3RD COUSIN I’M A HOLINESS PREACHER.LIVE EVERY MINUITE EVERY DAY FOR GOD.FOR HE IS COMING AGAIN.

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/10/2004 @ 12:44 pm

  174. NO JEANNINE THEY DONT HANDLE SNAKES IN EVERY SERVICE.BESIDES THAT CHURCH IS NO LONGER THERE.

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/11/2004 @ 7:27 am

  175. Did the Bowlings make big fuss over Rory cuz she’s a Kennedy? (I know you Americans love your brushes with fame).

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/12/2004 @ 3:45 am

  176. NO THEY DID NOT.

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/12/2004 @ 10:31 am

  177. I will be releasing “American Hollow” on dvd this summer,with 35-40 minutes of outakes,and extras-enjoy!!

    Comment by Rory — 5/22/2004 @ 5:39 am

  178. there is NO dvd-this is a prank by some fool.

    Comment by stone — 5/23/2004 @ 9:11 am

  179. Are you sure, “stone”?
    Sounds legit to me. She said ‘this summer,’ and I think we can depend on it. “Some fool”, you say? We’ll see.

    Comment by jeannie — 5/23/2004 @ 9:26 am

  180. wow that is so cool, i cant wait to get a copy of it. Thanks Rory!! your the greatest!! 8o) I cant wait to see the outtakes and stuff!!

    Comment by angel — 5/23/2004 @ 10:53 am

  181. if there is a dvd some one is MAKEING THEM ILLLEGAL AND THAY WILL PAY FOR IT JUST KEEP IT UP AND YOU WILL GET CAUGHT AT IT TIME WILL TELL

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/25/2004 @ 7:54 am

  182. I thinnk macking a copy offf any movie, off HBO, tv, or some videotape(ie store bought) is illegal.
    Plus the city of Hazard, ky is not a county its
    a city in KY, Hazard is in Perry county. The Dukes
    of Hazard is something Hollywwood made up

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/26/2004 @ 1:45 am

  183. ????!!!!!
    If you check HBO’s site, you will see there are DVD and VHS offerings for sale of many of their programs.
    Rory Kennedy has the option to market or expand her productions as she sees fit. And obviously, given the interest in “American Hollow” and the pleas for tapes, there is ample interest.

    Comment by Jeannie — 5/26/2004 @ 2:32 am

  184. GOD WILL SMITE COPYRIGHT INFRINGERS WITH SHOWERS OF FROGS AND COMPUTER PESTILENCE. WOE TO THOSE WHO ARE MAKEING THEM ILLLEGAL. THROUGH HIM RORY SHALL HAVE HER RIGHTFUL DUE…

    Comment by Anonymous — 5/26/2004 @ 3:06 am

  185. I simply wish Rory kennedy would go away and keep from any more attempts to “help people.”

    She came to shoot American Hollow and in turn manipulated an entire region and its people. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t wish to raise a stink about the Bowling family. In fact, since my last posts, I had a chance to talk with one of the family members via email and was very delighted with their conversation, they seemed very intelligent, not the way Rory had them depicted.

    Appalachia, like any other region in the world has good and bad people. For some reason, mountain folks is the only form of people in America that it is publicly acceptable to make fun of. That’s what Rory did, not only to the Bowlings but to all of us Appalachian natives.

    If any southern folk reading this has ever transplanted to the city, I’m sure, especially the young ones, have been made fun of by people and called names by others. When i first journyed to Michigan, i was called a hick on several different occasions, which in this scenario makes the word “hick” and insult. Sure that’s publicly acceptable. What if I walked around and called African American people Niggers’? oh my, now that’s not aceptable now is it? I don’t condone that word. But to make a point, I also don’t condone someone being judgemental of me or my people just becuase of the region in which I was born, or the way I talk, etc…

    To be honest, I was raised in a hard working, Christian community, In Pike CO Ky which had some of the best people Ive ever known. It sure is a shame that no matter how good these people are, they’ll never be any more than crazy hicks to the rest of the world.

    Rory gave an incredible stretch of Appalachian life. I believe that homes without plumbing and running water may have been a normal thing in Appalachia in the 1940’s or 50’s, but it isn’t now. And you city scholars can beg to differ all you want, but youre wrong. I dealt with enough of you morons in college, who ventured to the south, never stepped out of your car, and came back with 3 million ideas created from your own imagination.

    In fact, Many of you may not know this but Pike County Ky houses more millionaires than any other area of the same size in the world. Wouldn’t you think Beverly Hills? Nope. Why don’t Rory do a special on them for a change?

    And finally another issue that bothers me, is the fact that Rory manipulated this family, interfered with their private lives, and didn’t give them anything. I just can’t freaking believe she would do this. I was told by a member of the Bowling family that Rory said she would give them offereings if the book did well. So much for that.

    I hate being judgemental, but I think Rory is worse than a theiving hoodlum in the ghetto, and I hope she’s happy with all the grief she has caused.

    And btw, the Dukes of Hazzard was based in Hazzard County Georgia, but mostly filmed in hollywood. (Sorry, big fan here)

    Comment by Ticked Off — 6/14/2004 @ 2:17 am

  186. I found Rory Kennedy’s documentary thoughtful and even-handed. I didn’t go away from the film thinking it depicted the Bowlings and their neighbors as ignorant hillbillies. I thought it showed them as wise, devout, sensitive, caring, witty, responsible, hard working people.
    The mention of a lack of modern conveniences in a few cases wasn’t condescending at all, just an illustration of a degree of hardship that has no negative effect on their standards of cleanliness or hygiene.
    I think it would be wonderful if all societies nurtured, valued, and protected their children as this society does, and lived with such observance of the Golden Rule.
    I believe Rory Kennedy established a respectful rapport with the subjects of this film and I am sure her dealings with the community were open and above-board. It is my understanding that she keeps in touch with many of them.
    Since so many viewers became “fans” of the Bowlings (including me), it is obvious they were presented in a very positive light!
    Go, Bowlings!!

    Comment by Jeannie — 6/14/2004 @ 4:52 am

  187. I may sound clueless to you since Im a part of what you all sit and joke about, then act like your’e so professional about it. Buzz off you old hen!!

    Comment by Anonymous — 6/15/2004 @ 3:42 am

  188. “None so blind as those who will not see”
    Making snap decisions usually results in mistaken opinions. But that never worries a moron.
    There has been no joking about American Hollow on my or many others’ parts. You just sound like a part of a very thick headed segment of a population that is found in urban and rural areas all over the world.
    For your information, though you don’t seem to process information too well, far from ‘acting like’ I’m so ‘professional’ about it, I know whereof I speak:
    I AM FROM RURAL MISSISSIPPI AND KNOW MUCH ABOUT MAKING DO AND BEING MISJUDGED AS REDNECKS/HILLBILLIES.
    I also know I wouldn’t trade that environment, that life, for all the so-called ‘advantages’ in the world.
    There was and is nothing inferior about it.
    So may I suggest,as you so rudely did, that you ‘buzz off’, or at least put a sock in it, you old buzzard.

    Comment by jeannie — 6/15/2004 @ 4:15 am

  189. Positive light? Bull Crap!!!!,,,that’s all i have to say about that! Get your head out of the water.

    Comment by Anonymous — 6/15/2004 @ 12:04 pm

  190. My head isn’t ‘in the water’ and last time I checked each of us is entitled to his or her own opinion. I am not alone in this viewpoint, and you should really attempt to develop a more perceptive frame of “mind,”; at least a broader one. You sound so clueless.

    Comment by Jeannie — 6/15/2004 @ 12:27 pm

  191. Well, Im a young buzzard if ya have to know. Grew up with a daddy that worked liked hell to put his kids through college. Appalchia is full of families that do the same thing.

    Why couldn’t they do a documentary on the homeless children in Detroit, or New York? For some reason they believe it doesnt exist, but becuase of people like Rory kennedy, people now believe that it’s “common” in Appalachia not to have indoor plumbing. This flusters me!

    Comment by Anonymous — 6/16/2004 @ 10:26 am

  192. The whole film is negavtive, had nothing but a negative impact, and was cruely exagerated.

    Comment by Anonymous — 6/16/2004 @ 11:07 am

  193. whats the deal with you all i beleave that all is neagative about the film dont know the whole truth about the film so find some thing else to talk about

    Comment by Anonymous — 6/16/2004 @ 11:16 am

  194. The whole film is positive, had nothing but a positive impact, and was fairly presented.

    Comment by Jeannie — 6/17/2004 @ 2:41 am

  195. Jeannie,

    Tell that to the people of Appalachia

    Comment by Tom — 6/17/2004 @ 2:45 am

  196. I grew up in a deep south rural community in which a lack of running water was not unusual; I knew many people who drew their water from a well. They still had heat, electricity, vehicles, etc. They had ample land and big vegetable gardens and plenty of room.
    Contrary to what you seem to think, the rural south is not filled with bitter, dissatisfied residents. They obtain most of what they feel necessary to live relatively comfortable lives.
    I don’t remember anyone who wished to move to a crowed urban area. Many who left returned.
    You don’t really know anything about it unless you have lived that life style. A long-distance, know-it-all opinion from a lifelong city dweller really has no validity.

    Comment by Jeannie — 6/17/2004 @ 5:53 am

  197. Jeannie,

    First off, I’m not a life long city dweller, and all of my opinions come from experience. I grew up during hard times in Appalachia. Still no matter how hard things got, my family never resorted, nor did any other family I know of resort to living the ways the Bowlings were depicted.

    I’m telling you the way of life as the Bowlings are depicted is a thing of the past, by 50 years or better. If you don’t like that fact, then tough but it’s true.

    I challenge you to take a drive through Perry Co KY. See what it looks like. After taking this challenge upon myself, I decided that they must have really decked the Bowlings out for the documentary, since a great deal of the county consists of large beautiful homes, with all the modern fixings. They might as well have done a documentary on a poor Beverly Hills CA family.

    And by the way, I never said Appalachia is full of dissatified people. I was perfectly happy there. My point is that the documentary was an overexageration that looks bad on the people of Appalachia. And I myself as a proud product of Appalachia was offended by it, becuase I know it’s false, and i think it’s sad the rest of the world is getting a false picture of a fine bunch of people.

    Comment by Tom — 6/17/2004 @ 11:18 am

  198. “I am not familiar with the particular family that is the focus of the book and documentary, but having lived in Eastern Kentucky all my life, I can attest to the fact that this family represents the exception and not the rule. It is quite dangerous to generalize that the entire region is full of families living in such conditions. There are poverty-stricken people in every region, even in inner-cities. Documentaries like this serve to perpetuate the “hillbilly” stereotype that is so demeaning and destructive to the proud people of Appalachia. Most of us are not living without modern conveniences, technological advances, or even advanced education. I would have appreciated the spirit of this effort if there had been any attempt to distinguish the experiences of this family from the majority of the population of Eastern Kentucky. Instead, they are presented as a typical example of the “modern” Appalachian family. That is a shamefully deceptive myth.”

    Amen

    Comment by Anonymous — 6/17/2004 @ 11:27 am

  199. “I’m telling you the way of life as the Bowlings are depicted is a thing of the past, by 50 years or better. If you don’t like that fact, then tough but it’s true.”

    Wrong!!<