IMDb >
Raggedy Man (1981)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsRaggedy Man (1981) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 4 | slideshow) |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
18 September 1981 (USA) morePlot:
Nita, a divorced mother of two boys, is stuck working as a telephone operator in a small Texas town in World War II... more | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 nomination moreUser Comments:
A good film. Hard to really say what genre it is. moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Sissy Spacek | ... | Nita Longley | |
| Eric Roberts | ... | Teddy | |
| Sam Shepard | ... | Bailey | |
| William Sanderson | ... | Calvin | |
| Tracey Walter | ... | Arnold | |
| R.G. Armstrong | ... | Rigby | |
| Henry Thomas | ... | Harry | |
| Carey Hollis Jr. | ... | Henry | |
| Ed Geldart | ... | Mr. Calloway | |
| Bill Thurman | ... | Sheriff | |
| Suzi McLaughlin | ... | Jean Lester | |
| Lupe Juárez | ... | Crecencio the Barkeeper | |
| Jessie Lee Fulton | ... | Miss Pud | |
| LuBelle Camp | ... | Miss Beulah | |
| James N. Harrell | ... | Ticket Taker |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
94 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
MonoCertification:
USA:PG (edited for re-rating) | USA:R (original rating) | Iceland:12 | Finland:K-16 | UK:15Fun Stuff
Goofs:
Continuity: When Henry drops the knife, it is foot or more from the wet spot he has been dragged through. When Calvin tries to pick it up seconds later, it is in the center of the wet spot. moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Raggedy Man (1981) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Peyton Place | Big Fish | Bye Bye Birdie | Giant | The Best Years of Our Lives |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |





Raggedy Man is an unusual mix of themes and styles, but maybe somehow that helps the film to work. The film has quite a lot going for it. The acting, casting, locations, and strong nostalgia are all there. And there is even a surprise twist ending that we see in so many thrillers today. Maybe the ending was a bit out of place. This just is a tough film to really put your finger on, but it basically works.
Sissy Spacek, who is as terrific as ever, plays a divorced woman working as a telephone operator in a small Texas town, and trying to raise two rambunctious little boys between phone call transfers. She desperately wants out of this job and the little town, but her boss keeps telling her she's "frozen" because a war is going on. The majority of the film does take place in 1944. Apparently changing jobs was not possible back then if you were doing civil servant type things while a war was going on. Who knows? But Spacek is stuck there in her house, and very lonely and unhappy. That is until one rainy night, a polite sailor comes to the door hoping to use her public phone. The sailor, played by a somewhat subdued Eric Roberts, learns on the phone that his girlfriend has just dumped him. With nowhere to stay before he ships out in four days, Roberts is taken in by Spacek. The two quickly discover they have feelings for one another, and this does not sit well with the gossipy small town.
Further complicating matters are a couple of local louts who have the hots for Spacek and get very jealous of the sailor. Also hanging around and peeping in windows is the "raggedy man" himself. Who is this mysterious deformed man who also seems to be taking an interest in Spacek and her boys? Well, the final twist pretty much answers that question. And this revelation is a bit difficult to swallow. The film ends somewhat violently, as the louts are dealt with. And things generally seem to be upbeat as the credits roll.
The film has some wonderful selling points. The acting is top-drawer by all involved. The casting choices were absolutely perfect. Especially in support. Tracey Walter and William Sanderson were born to play parts like the two louts. They are very recognizable character actors. If you don't immediately recognize Sanderson, just think, "I'm Larry, this is my brother Darryl, and this is my other brother Darryl." Yes, he was Larry on Newhart. Look for little Henry Thomas who did this film just before E.T.. Bill Thurman of Last Picture Show fame has a bit part as the Sheriff. The town in this film looks a lot like Anarene in that film. If you were alive and recall the way things were on the home front during WWII, then this film will certainly take you back there mentally. The film is ultimately a strange cross between Summer of '42, To Kill a Mockingbird, and.... God knows what else. But somehow it all seems to work. The great cast can probably be thanked for that as much as anything. 7 of 10 stars.
The Hound.