Tender Mercies (1983)

Director:

Bruce Beresford

Writer:

Horton Foote (written by)

Release Date:

1 March 1984 (Spain)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Robert Duvall is Mac Sledge, down and out country singer. His struggle for fame was over. His fight for respect was just beginning

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.

Plot Keywords:

Musician | Alcoholic | Car Accident | Baptism | Country Music

Awards:

Won 2 Oscars. Another 6 wins & 10 nominations

Cast

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)

Runtime:

100 min | 92 min (TCM print)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Iceland:L | Singapore:PG | Argentina:Atp | Australia:M (original rating) | Australia:PG (DVD rating) | Chile:TE | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl | USA:PG | UK:PG

Filming Locations:

Palmer, Texas, USA

Company:

Antron Media Production

Trivia:

'Robert Duvall (I)' is really singing in the nightclub scene.

Quotes:

Mac Sledge: I don't trust happiness. I never did, I never will.

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in Martin Short: Concert for the North Americas (1985) (TV)

Soundtrack:

It Hurts to Face Reality

Magic

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.