Home
search
more | tips
SHOP TENDER...
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de Amazon.fr
IMDb > Tender Mercies (1983)
Tender Mercies
[Add to My Movies]
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Tender Mercies (1983)

advertisement
Register or login to rate this title
User Rating: 7.4/10 (2,876 votes)
Photos (see all 17 | slideshow)

Overview

Director:
Bruce Beresford
Writer:
Horton Foote (written by)
Release Date:
1 March 1984 (Spain) more
Genre:
Drama 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

Cast

 (Cast overview, first billed only)

Robert Duvall ... Mac Sledge
Tess Harper ... Rosa Lee

Betty Buckley ... Dixie Scott
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)
Stephen Funchess ... Bertie (Slater Mill Boys)
Glen Fleming ... Steve (Slater Mill Boys)
James Aaron ... Henry (Slater Mill Boys)
more
Create a character page for: ?

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
MOVIEmeter: ?
V 2% since last week why?

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
'Robert Duvall (I)' is really singing in the nightclub scene. more
Quotes:
Mac Sledge: I don't trust happiness. I never did, I never will. more
Movie Connections:
Spoofed in Martin Short: Concert for the North Americas (1985) (TV) more
Soundtrack:
It Hurts to Face Reality more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
28 out of 29 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.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this title with other users on IMDb message board for Tender Mercies (1983)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
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
I've decided to leave here forever WhiskeySkip
Why did Max not tell his daughter about the song? emheffner-1
Some questions............ dpatrickq
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Walk the Line Coal Miner's Daughter Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore Never Among Friends Where the Heart Is
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.