IMDb > Tender Mercies (1983)
Tender Mercies
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Tender Mercies (1983) More at IMDbPro »

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Tender Mercies (1983) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
7.4/10   3,405 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 7% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Bruce Beresford
Writer:
Horton Foote (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Tender Mercies on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
10 June 1983 (Australia) more
Genre:
Drama | Music more
Tagline:
Robert Duvall is Mac Sledge, down and out country singer. His struggle for fame was over. His fight for respect was just beginning more
Plot:
A broken-down, middle-aged country singer gets a new wife, reaches out to his long-lost daughter, and tries to put his troubled life back together. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
Won 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 10 nominations more
User Comments:
Magic more (45 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Robert Duvall ... Mac Sledge

Tess Harper ... Rosa Lee

Betty Buckley ... Dixie
Wilford Brimley ... Harry

Ellen Barkin ... Sue Anne
Allan Hubbard ... Sonny

Lenny von Dohlen ... Robert (as Lenny Von Dohlen)
Paul Gleason ... Reporter
Michael Crabtree ... Lewis Menefee
Norman Bennett ... Reverend Hotchkiss
Andrew Scott Hollon ... Larue
Rick Murray ... Jake - Slater Mill Boys Member
Stephen Funchess ... Bertie - Slater Mill Boys Member
Glen Fleming ... Steve - Slater Mill Boys Member
James Aaron ... Henry - Slater Mill Boys Member
more
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Additional Details

Runtime:
100 min | 92 min (TCM print)
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Stereo
Filming Locations:
Palmer, Texas, USA more

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Wilford Brimley was cast at the urging of Robert Duvall. more
Quotes:
Mac Sledge: I don't trust happiness. I never did, I never will. more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Howard Stern on Demand: Robert Duvall" (2006) more
Soundtrack:
Wings of a Dove more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
29 out of 30 people found the following comment useful.
Magic, 6 March 1999
10/10
Author: JP-54

This movie demonstrates what happens when the rare, magical perfect combination clicks together. Duvall, Beresford and Foote blended their talents marvelously and managed to fool the critics by producing a film that is absolutely one of the best ever. Its draw at the box office and on video may have surprised the critics, but is understood by those who place a high value on well-written and well-acted drama. I have nearly worn out my VHS copy from multiple viewings but I have never worn out the experience. The film is uplifting because it is all about unhoped hope finding fulfillment.

The movie combines tragedy and pathos with love, warmth and redemption in a manner that rarely occurs in a Hollywood production. To top it off, it does it so that there is not a phoney or contrived moment in the picture. Excellent and somewhat surprising supporting performances came from newcomer Tess Harper (discovered for this film by Duvall and Beresford) Ellen Barkin and Betty Buckley. Brimley (impossible to dislike in any role) is perfect as Buckley's manager.

One of the best scenes in the movie occurs when the young band drops over to "just say howdy" to the ex-singer. Harper is guarded and protective at first, but the pure hearts and openly embarrassed intent of the young men quickly win her and the viewer over. It is a touching and beautiful scene. It reminds you that there is still decency and humility among American youth (maybe we should all visit east Texas once in a while, although you can easily find it in most parts of rural USA).

No action flik this. The best word I know to describe Tender Mercies is "heartwarming." If you have not yet watched it, by all means do yourself a favor: beg, borrow, rent or steal a copy without delay. You'll never think of Duvall or Texas or country music the same again.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Tender Mercies (1983)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Sonny Was Cute - How Come He Didn't Do Anything Else? lime99
I've decided to leave here forever WhiskeySkip
song at the end of the movie ralph57
I Was an Extra in This Movie rpd5124
Letterman appearance intofilm
I don't get it ... very dry ...but it did get an Oscar mloessel
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