Honkytonk Man (1982)

A boy with a music talent goes on a journey with his uncle for a stage concert.

Director:

Clint Eastwood

Writers:

Clancy Carlile (novel), Clancy Carlile (screenplay)

Stars:

Clint Eastwood, Kyle Eastwood, John McIntire

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Clint Eastwood	...	Red Stovall
Kyle Eastwood	...	Whit
John McIntire	...	Grandpa
Alexa Kenin	...	Marlene
Verna Bloom	...	Emmy
Matt Clark	...	Virgil
Barry Corbin	...	Arnspriger
Jerry Hardin	...	Snuffy
Tim Thomerson	...	Highway Patrolman
Macon McCalman	...	Dr. Hines
Joe Regalbuto	...	Henry Axle
Gary Grubbs	...	Jim Bob
Rebecca Clemons	...	Belle
Johnny Gimble	...	Bob Wills
Linda Hopkins	...	Blues Singer

Storyline

As this movie opens on an Oklahoma farm during the Great Depression, two simultaneous visitors literally hit the Wagoneer home: a ruinous dust storm and a convertible crazily driven by Red Stovall (Clint Eastwood), Emmy's (Verna Bloom's) brother. A roguish country-western musician, he has just been invited to audition for the Grand Ole Opry, his chance of a lifetime to become a success. However, this is way back in Nashville, Red clearly drives terribly, and he's broke and sick with tuberculosis to boot. Whit (Kyle Eastwood), fourteen, seeing his own chance of a lifetime to avoid "growing up to be a cotton picker all my life", begs Ma to let him go with Uncle Red as driver and protégé. Thus begins a picaresque journey both hilarious and poignant.

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Plot Keywords:

road movie | audition | tuberculosis | ends with funeral | nashville tennessee | 

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Taglines:

The boy is on his way to becoming a man. The man is on his way to becoming a legend.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music | Western

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie was released two years after its source novel of the same name by Clancy Carlile was published. Carlile also wrote the screenplay.

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Goofs

Ryman Auditorium is used as the setting for the Opry. This venue was not used until the 1940s, and the movie takes place in the 1930s.

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Quotes

Whit: Uncle Red, don't you think you have a problem with your drinking?
Red Stovall: Only when I can't get it.
Whit: I mean - don't you think you might need some help with your drinking?
Red Stovall: No, I do quite well all by myself.

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Alternate Versions

ABC edited 7 minutes from this film for its 1986 network television premiere.

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Connections

References When a Man Sees Red (1934)

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Soundtracks

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
(uncredited)
Negro spiritual attributed to Wallis Willis
Performed by Tracy Shults and by Kyle Eastwood with Alexa Kenin and DeForest Covan

User Reviews

A true gem

This film is one of Eastwood´s most compelling and strikes you right at the heart. It tells us a story with such a warmth and compassion about a theme as old as America itself. It is about a man and his love for his nephew, his music and his his desire to make a name for himself before his TB´ll end it all. Though Clint´s voice isn´t the best it does however strengthen our understanding of the motivation of a man that is running against time in a setting that is both harsh and unforgiving. The movie´s depiction of the depression is outstanding and the songs are stupendous. Watch for Marty Robbins who also sings half the theme song. All in all an outstanding movie that will stay in your heart for a long, long time...

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 December 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Honkytonk Man

Filming Locations:

Gardnerville, Nevada, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$667,727, 19 December 1982

Gross USA:

$4,484,991

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,484,991

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Malpaso Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1