About this Film...

DIRECTOR: Rene Pinnell
COUNTRY: USA
YEAR: 2008
RELATED WEBSITES: www.slashfilm.com/2008/03/15/sxsw-movie-review-the-king-of-texas/

BRIEF: By age 25, Texas-native Glenn Irwin Pinnell had assumed the pseudonym “Eagle Pennell” that would be his identifying moniker for the rest of his controversial life and had shot two successful feature-length indie films: The Whole Shootin’ Match (1979) and Last Night at the Alamo (1983). Rave reviews and offers from Hollywood followed. Unprepared for success, Eagle’s alcoholism and legendary ego alienated friends and family alike, and his career foundered. Less than 25 years later, he died destitute, having fallen into obscurity. Filmmakers Rene Pinnell (Eagle’s nephew) and Claire Huie chronicle the rise and fall of one of Texas’ greatest storytellers through interviews with family, friends, and fellow filmmakers. 74mins.