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.

Director:

Bruce Beresford

Writer:

Horton Foote

Stars:

Robert Duvall, Tess Harper, Betty Buckley

Won 2 Oscars. Another 8 wins & 10 nominations.

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

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.

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Plot Keywords:

singer | widow | behind the scenes | alcoholism | reunion | 

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Taglines:

Robert Duvall is Mac Sledge, His fight for respect was just beginning.

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 June 1983 (Australia)

Also Known As:

El precio de la felicidad

Filming Locations:

Palmer, Texas, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Antron Media Production, EMI Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min 92 min (TCM print)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Allan Hubbard, who plays Sonny, had his 10th birthday shortly after the film wrapped, and was preparing to celebrate it with his family at his home in Paris, Texas. He was pleasantly surprised when his co-star Robert Duvall showed up at his home and gifted him with a guitar for the occasion. Hubbard - who went on to teach guitar professionally - still owns the guitar to this day.

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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.

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Quotes

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

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Connections

Featured in Precious Images (1986)

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Soundtracks

"Fool's Waltz"
Written and Sung by Robert Duvall

User Reviews

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.