Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Rip Torn | ... | Maury Dann | |
Ahna Capri | ... | Mayleen Travis | |
Elayne Heilveil | ... | Rosamond McClintock | |
Michael C. Gwynne | ... | Clarence McGinty | |
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Jeff Morris | ... | Bob Tally |
Cliff Emmich | ... | Chicago | |
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Henry O. Arnold | ... | Ted |
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Bobby Smith | ... | Lyman Pitt |
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Dallas Smith | ... | Henry Tutweiler |
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Richard Hoffman | ... | Foggy Bottom Yonce |
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Walter Bamberg | ... | Bridgeway |
Eleanor Fell | ... | Galen Dann | |
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Clara Dunn | ... | Mama Dann |
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Linda Spatz | ... | Sandy |
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Earle Trigg | ... | Bob Dickey |
Maury Dann (Rip Torn, in one of his most memorable performances) is a not-so-nice country-Western singer. He ruthlessly manipulates everyone around him to suit his selfish needs...he even gets his limo driver to take the blame for the death of a fan whom he stabbed. Written by Ian Johnston <bjmoose@idirect.com>
For those of you who are familiar with Rip Torn as irascible and authoritarian yet lovable characters such as Artie in "The Larry Sanders Show" and Zed in "Men in Black" be prepared for a shock. In this film there is nothing likable about Torn's character Maury Dann, a country singer currently on tour through the south. There is no wisdom behind his cynicism - he is all about using people. Specifically he is all about indulging in all the sex and substance abuse he can without regard to what it does to others. His life takes a turn to an even darker place when the boyfriend of one of his one-night stands catches up with him in a restaurant one day. This is one of those character study films that were very popular in the 1970's, and Torn does a great job playing a totally ruthless individual who has a totally different on-stage persona from his actual personality. He even does a fine job singing the country and western songs. Payday was directed by 1974 National Society of Film Critics Award winner Daryl Duke.
It's a hidden gem worth seeking out.