7.4/10
7,867
72 user 35 critic

Tender Mercies (1983)

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.

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Won 2 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 14 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Dixie
...
Harry
...
Sue Anne
Allan Hubbard ...
...
Robert (as Lenny Von Dohlen)
...
Reporter
Michael Crabtree ...
Lewis Menefee
...
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
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Storyline

Alchoholic former country singer Mac Sledge makes friends with a young widow and her son. The friendship enables him to find inspiration to resume his career. Written by Stefan Halldorsson <ms@vortex.is>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

From Bruce Beresford, the acclaimed director of "Breaker Morant." Written by Horton Foote, screenwriter of "To Kill A Mockingbird." See more »

Genres:

Drama | Music

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

10 June 1983 (Australia)  »

Also Known As:

Tendre bonheur  »

Filming Locations:

 »

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Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$46,977, 6 March 1983, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$8,443,124
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two, for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. See more »

Goofs

In the final scenes, Sonny is shown with empty farmland behind him, then after a cut to a wider shot, suddenly the gas station and motel are behind him. See more »

Quotes

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

Connections

Featured in Your Choice for the Film Awards (1984) See more »

Soundtracks

Over You
(1982)
Written by Austin Roberts & Bobby Hart
Sung by Betty Buckley
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Duvall at his Finest !!
15 May 2006 | by See all my reviews

This moving and thought-provoking film is a timeless classic of redemption and perseverance.Robert Duvall totally captures the pain, heartache, despair and ultimate survival of a once beloved entertainer.The film is an emotional tour-de-force for all the main characters, as they deal with forgiveness, doubt, loss of faith and memories of what might have been .......

The direction, screenplay, music and cinematography are all top-notch and add to the realistic feel of the film.

In a career that has seen a number of great performances, this quiet, unassuming Duvall film will leave you inspired as well as thoughtful. In this film , we see our own lives reflected in this small town saga. Maybe that is why I found the movie so deeply entertaining. It appeals to the lost dreams and missed opportunities in our own lives.


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