True Stories (1986)

A small but growing Texas town, filled with strange and musical characters, celebrates its sesquicentennial and converge on a local parade and talent show.

Director:

David Byrne

Writers:

David Byrne, Beth Henley,

Stars:

David Byrne, John Goodman, Annie McEnroe

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Byrne	...	Narrator / Lip-Syncher / Talking Heads singer
John Goodman	...	Louis Fyne
Annie McEnroe	...	Kay Culver
Jo Harvey Allen	...	The Lying Woman
Spalding Gray	...	Earl Culver
Alix Elias	...	The Cute Woman
Roebuck 'Pops' Staples	...	Mr. Tucker
Tito Larriva	...	Ramon (as Humberto 'Tito' Larriva)
John Ingle	...	The Preacher
Matthew Posey	...	The Computer Guy
Swoosie Kurtz	...	Miss Rollings
Freeman Beatty	...	Lip-Syncher
Evelyn Box	...	Hey Now Kid
Kevin Box	...	Hey Now Kid
Amy Buffington	...	Linda Culver

Storyline

David Byrne of Talking Heads fame visits a typical (and fictional) Texas town, on the eve of the town's celebration of the state's sesquicentennial. He meets various colorful local characters, most notably Lewis Fyne, a big-hearted bachelor in search of matrimony.

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Plot Keywords:

texas | sesquicentennial | absurd humor | dinner | concert | 

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Taglines:

A Completely Cool, Multi-Purpose Movie.

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Genres:

Musical | Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 October 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Alithines istories

Filming Locations:

Allen, Texas, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$2,545,142 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

True Stories Venture, Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Most of the vocal work done by the film's stars, including that of singer Pops Staples, was not released. Instead, Talking Heads recorded an album featuring their versions of the songs. Nearly every song from the movie was released on a soundtrack album, performed by the film actors and nearly all of the background music as well. It included John Goodman's version of PEOPLE LIKE US.

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Goofs

Disappearing reappearing rearview mirror in the red convertible.

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Quotes

Earl Culver: Mainframe. Microprocessor. Semiconductor!

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Crazy Credits

1. Two columns of rolling credits run at different speeds. Left faster than right, then right faster than left.

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Connections

Referenced in Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007)

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Soundtracks

"Radio Head"
Written by David Byrne
Produced and Performed by Tito Larriva and Talking Heads

User Reviews

Go south

This movie made me a different person, to watch David Byrne was a heartwarming experience. Sometimes it's a slow moving picture but it picks up the pace in just the right time to make you feel involved in the characters. To put it frank - this was a mind blowing experience. Some people may come to the conclusion that this is just a simple movie about simple people - and these people are right. But my dear friends, ask yourselves; how often do you see that - once in a lifetime! The reason that I haven't said anything concrete about the movie is that it's a picture in the same class as Lost Highway, try to say something about that movie, it's not easy, see it and become a better human being.