Watch Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime

Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime is a musical and biographical documentary that takes the viewer on a journey through the life and career of Richard M. Sherman, one half of the legendary songwriting duo, the Sherman Brothers. Directed by Don Hahn, this 2015 documentary recounts the remarkable music career of Richard Sherman and explores the impact his melodies have had on generations of children and adults alike.

The story of Richard M. Sherman is closely intertwined with that of his brother Robert B. Sherman, and together they have created some of the most beloved songs in the history of cinema, from Mary Poppins to The Jungle Book, and from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. But while the Sherman Brothers are celebrated by many, Richard Sherman's own unique contribution to the world of music has often been overlooked. This documentary sheds light on Richard Sherman, his talent, and his legacy.

The film takes us on a journey through Richard Sherman's early days, growing up as a child of Hollywood in the 1940s and '50s. We learn about his early musical influences, particularly his parents, who were vaudeville performers. As a young man, Richard quickly made a name for himself as a composer and songwriter, working for the likes of Annette Funicello and Walt Disney.

The documentary is full of insights into Richard Sherman's creative process, as well as his collaboration with his brother Robert. Through the use of archival footage and interviews with those closest to him, we gain an intimate look at the man behind the music. We see his struggles and successes as he navigated the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

One particularly fascinating aspect of the documentary is the behind-the-scenes look at the creation of some of the Sherman Brothers' most iconic songs. We learn about the inspiration behind Mary Poppins' "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," as well as the process of creating the catchy tunes for The Jungle Book.

But the documentary isn't just about the Sherman Brothers' collaborations. It's also about Richard Sherman's personal and professional journey, including his contributions to other film and television projects. One poignant moment comes when Richard talks about his work on the animated television series, The Tigger Movie, and his emotional reaction to the passing of his longtime friend and collaborator, Robert Sherman.

For those familiar with the Sherman Brothers' music, Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime is an absolute treat. The film features performances of some of the Brothers' most beloved songs, sung by a wide array of talented performers, including Broadway star Ashley Brown.

The documentary isn't without its flaws, however. The film does sometimes feel a bit unfocused, jumping between different parts of Richard's career and personal life without fully exploring any one topic. Additionally, some of the interviews come across as a bit too sycophantic, with interviewees overly praising Richard's talents and contributions.

Overall, though, Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime is a fascinating look at one of the most prolific and beloved songwriters in American history. With its mix of biographical information, archival footage, and musical performances, the documentary is sure to delight fans of the Sherman Brothers and anyone who appreciates great music.

Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.