It seems faintly absurd to have forgotten about an artist's best known song, but there we have it. The film, "Billie," put that to rights straight away, along with filling in so many of the blanks in the story. And, frankly, I'm glad I watched it after listening to the music and not before. It's at times unpleasant, at times sordid, often violent, and frequently depressing. Such a waste of spirit, a squandering of joy. And not just on Billie's part - the Linda Kuehl story is equally unnerving, verging almost into conspiracy theory with Count Basie and various low lives all lurking in the shadows. It would have been a better story with a happy ending. But life isn't like that.

This version of Strange Fruit is one of the most horrifying, moving pieces of art you're ever likely to see. God bless this child.