Sweet Dreams (1985)

Lange stunningly portrays Patsy Cline, the velvet-voiced country singer who died in a tragic plane crash.

Director:

Karel Reisz

Writer:

Robert Getchell

Stars:

Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, Ann Wedgeworth

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jessica Lange	...	Patsy Cline
Ed Harris	...	Charlie Dick
Ann Wedgeworth	...	Hilda Hensley
David Clennon	...	Randy Hughes
James Staley	...	Gerald Cline
Gary Basaraba	...	Woodhouse
John Goodman	...	Otis
P.J. Soles	...	Wanda
Terri Gardner	...	Old Singer
Caitlin Kelch	...	Sylvia
Robert L. Dasch	...	John
Courtney Parker	...	Older Julie
Coulton Edwards	...	Baby Randy
Holly Filler	...	Madrine
Bruce Kirby	...	Arthur Godfrey

Storyline

Lange stunningly portrays Patsy Cline, the velvet-voiced country singer who died in a tragic plane crash.

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Plot Keywords:

singer | tour | sister sister relationship | recording studio | black eye | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music | Musical

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 October 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dulces sueños

Filming Locations:

Hagerstown, Maryland, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Home Box Office (HBO), Silver Screen Partners

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was originally to be titled "I Fall to Pieces" after Cline's biggest hit before being changed to Sweet Dreams.

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Goofs

When Charlie is riding his motorcycle under the bridge on his way home to see Patsy in Winchester, VA (but filmed in Martinsburg, WV), he is actually going in a direction that is "leaving" Martinsburg, WV, not entering it.

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Quotes

Hilda Hensley: I got a check today. Why don't you go out and spend some money? It'll make you feel better.
Patsy Cline: Says who?
Hilda Hensley: Well, you're just too mean to live lately.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Crossover Dreams/Maxie/Mishima/Plenty (1985)

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Soundtracks

"Can't Help Falling In Love"
Published by Gladys Music

User Reviews

Good film, could've been a bit better though...

I agree with the last comment placed here, that Beverly D'Angelo would have been a more convincing Patsy Cline, but not to say that Jessica Lange didn't do a good job. Personally, I think the D'Angelo versions of Patsy's songs sounded equally as good as the originals. While COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER was released in 1980, SWEET DREAMS did not appear till 1985. Perhaps if the time gap had been shorter, Beverly D'Angelo may have had a better chance.

The film did excellence portraying not only Patsy's relationship with Charlie Dick, but also with her own mother, Hilda Hensley, who was only 16 years old when she gave birth to Patsy. Ann Wedgeworth did a wonderful job!

Sadly, a vintage 1957 Chevy sedan had to be destroyed to portray an auto accident that nearly claimed Patsy's life. While there are still a lot of these cars around, I wondered why they could not have used a less collectible car such as a Rambler or VW from the era?

All in all, a good film that could have been great if Ms. D'Angelo had starred, and if some mention was made of Loretta Lynn. Rent this film and COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER some evening for a double feature of great music and drama!