Skip to content

Tonight Collections Voices The Daily Library

Search films, people and collections/

Advanced search

A Criterion Channel companion.

Tonight
On 24/7
Leaving soon
Recently added
Fresh from theaters

Collections
Adventures in Moviegoing
Observations on Film Art
Meet the Filmmakers
Box sets
Editions

Closet
Top 10s
Commentators
The Feed

Lists
Want to watch
Favorites
Profile

© 2026 Criteria. Not affiliated with The Criterion Collection.

Still from Always for Pleasure — Always for Pleasure (1978) — Les BlankPhotographed by Les Blank

Poster for Always for Pleasure

Always for Pleasure

United States / English / 1978 / 58m

Letterboxd: 3.94/5·2.3K ratings·697 reviewson Letterboxd
Connections: View Connections

Synopsis

his 1978 documentary is Les Blank’s celebration of the spirit and social traditions of New Orleans, featuring Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as well as musical performances by Allen Toussaint, Kid Thomas Valentine, Professor Longhair, and others.

Included in
Cinema Verité
Position 16
Included in
Documentaries by Les Blank
Position 8

Credits

Crew

DirectorLes Blank

CinematographerLes Blank

EditorLes Blank

Producer

Cast

Kid Thomas Valentineas Self - Band Leader, Trumpet Player

Allen Toussaintas Self - Composer, Arranger, Pianist

Blue Lu Barkeras Self - Jazz Singer

Irma Thomasas Self - R&B Singer

Professor Longhairas Self

Aaron Nevilleas Self - The Neville Brothers

Art Nevilleas Self - The Neville Brothers

Charles Nevilleas Self - The Neville Brothers

Cyril Nevilleas Self - The Neville Brothers

Double Feature

Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Poster for Burden of Dreams

Burden of Dreams1982

Both directed by Les Blank

Or

Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe1980Both directed by Les Blank
Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers1980Both directed by Les Blank

Always for Pleasure (1978) | Criteria