Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)

Biographical story of Loretta Lynn, a legendary country singer that came from poverty to worldwide fame. She rose from humble beginnings in Kentucky to superstardom and changing the sound and style of country music forever.

Director:

Michael Apted

Writers:

Thomas Rickman (screenplay) (as Tom Rickman), Loretta Lynn (autobiography)

Stars:

Sissy Spacek, Tommy Lee Jones, Levon Helm

Won 1 Oscar. Another 8 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sissy Spacek	...	Loretta Lynn
Tommy Lee Jones	...	Doolittle Lynn
Levon Helm	...	Ted Webb
Phyllis Boyens-Liptak	...	'Clary' Webb (as Phyllis Boyens)
Bill Anderson Jr.	...	Webb Child
Foister Dickerson	...	Webb Child
Malla McCown	...	Webb Child
Pamela McCown	...	Webb Child
Kevin Salvilla	...	Webb Child
William Sanderson	...	Lee Dollarhide
Sissy Lucas	...	Betty Sue Lynn
Pat Patterson	...	Jack Benny Lynn
Brian Warf	...	Ernest Ray Lynn
Elizabeth Watson	...	Cissy Lynn
Beverly D'Angelo	...	Patsy Cline

Storyline

At only thirteen years of age, Loretta Webb marries Doolittle Lynn and is soon responsible for a sizeable family. Loretta appears destined to a life of homemaking, but Doolittle recognises his wife's musical talent, and buys her a guitar as an anniversary present one year. At eighteen, the mother of four children and busy housewife still finds time to write and sing songs at small fairs and local honky-tonks. This gift sets Loretta Lynn on the gruelling, tumultuous path to superstardom and country music greatness.

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Plot Keywords:

country music | kentucky | song | singing | poverty | 

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Taglines:

She was married at 13. She had four kids by the time she was 20. She's been hungry and poor. She's been loved and cheated on. She became a singer because it was the only thing she could do. She became a star because it was the only way she could do it.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music | Musical

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 March 1980 (USA)

Also Known As:

La hija del minero

Filming Locations:

Norton, Virginia, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,366,443, 9 March 1980, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$67,182,787

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Coal Miner's Daughter (1980) was the seventh most popular movie at the U.S. and Canadian box-offices.

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Goofs

When Patsy brings out a box of her old maternity clothes to share with Loretta, a tag can be seen on the sleeve of a blouse. (Most likely the garment was purchased at a thrift store and the tag hadn't been removed for the film shoot.)

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Quotes

Doolittle Lynn: [as Loretta is putting the babies to bed] Baby, I was just thinking... we got an anniversary coming up and I was wondering what kind of anniversary present you wanted.
Loretta Lynn: Hmm... well, I ain't got no wedding ring yet.
Doolittle Lynn: Wedding ring! Bullshit!
Loretta & Mooney's child: Ah, bullshit!
Loretta's child: Ah ha ha ha!

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Connections

Spoofed in O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

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Soundtracks

One's on the Way
Written by Shel Silverstein
Performed by Sissy Spacek

User Reviews

Incredible biopic that shows a determined spirit can overcome poverty. And in the meantime it makes you proud to be who you are.

This film has always had a special place in my heart, and now that I've viewed it for the first time all the way thru it means even more. Two things first I grew up in the rural mountains and hills of Southwestern Virginia and my father earned his living as a hard working and loving coal miner. As I always said we mountain people always had great work ethic and determination. And this film proves that by showing the will and determination that Loretta had to achieve her goal. This film would not be everyone's cup of tea as many look down on southern rural folks as many see them as retarded hillbillies and rednecks. Still while watching "Coal Miner's Daughter" most should feel touched and uplifted as it's a great real life success story that gives many hope proving they can escape poverty.

Sissy Spacek(who won an Oscar for best actress) is in top form with her portrayal of Loretta Lynn and the direction is top notch from Brit Michael Apted as he adapted the screenplay from George Vecsey's book. The film traces Loretta from her humble start in the rural Kentucky hills butcher hollow to be accurately. Loretta was poor as her daddy as a coal miner still loved and provided for her and her siblings. Loretta's only escape was when solider boy Doolittle Lynn(in one of Tommy Lee Jones's earliest and finest roles)returns to the the bluegrass as he takes her by storm and she marries young and the babies start to come. Thru this quick love affair one thing is discovered Loretta has a talent for singing.

Little by little Doolittle helps her transform into a star by sending out records and slowly but surely Loretta makes appearances up to the big time. Along the way heartbreak, stress, jealousy, and pain is present yet nothing will tear down or destroy this strong country gal she's as tough and gritty emotionally as they come. Nice was seeing in a great supporting role the early work of Beverly D' Angelo who shined as Patsy Cline.

This film is a great biopic a triumph of a strong determined woman who had the will and determination to make it on her talent. Loretta Lynn proved one can overcome poverty, and in the meantime be proud and never forget who you are or where you came from that's a lesson many should take in life be yourself that's another message that this classic biopic taught.