A Prairie Home Companion (2006)

A look at what goes on backstage during the last broadcast of America's most celebrated radio show, where singing cowboys Dusty and Lefty, a country music siren, and a host of others hold court.

Director:

Robert Altman

Writers:

Garrison Keillor (screenplay), Garrison Keillor (story)

Stars:

Lily Tomlin, Meryl Streep, Woody Harrelson

5 wins & 21 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marylouise Burke	...	Lunch Lady
Woody Harrelson	...	Dusty
L.Q. Jones	...	Chuck Akers
Tommy Lee Jones	...	The Axeman
Garrison Keillor	...	GK
Kevin Kline	...	Guy Noir
Lindsay Lohan	...	Lola Johnson
Virginia Madsen	...	Dangerous Woman
John C. Reilly	...	Lefty
Maya Rudolph	...	Molly
Tim Russell	...	Stage Manager
Sue Scott	...	Makeup Lady
Meryl Streep	...	Yolanda Johnson
Lily Tomlin	...	Rhonda Johnson
Tom Keith	...	Himself - Sound Effects Man

Storyline

A final live variety show broadcast via radio becomes a metaphor for the natural order of life. A concept and script by Garrison Keilor uses every natural and technical element of working with a tight and close ensemble producing a weekly show to sooth us and guide us through the natural but difficult transitions of aging, becoming less relevant and then dying as new, young life develops and strengthens during our final "performances." This is a rare film for it's remarkable cast and crew and one wonders how the great Robert Altman was able to gather them all at the same place and time to shoot this film.

---

Plot Keywords:

singing | radio | backstage | country music | radio show | 

---

Taglines:

Live every show like it's your last.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music | Musical

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for risque humor

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Norwegian

Release Date:

9 June 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Noches mágicas de radio

Filming Locations:

Fitzgerald Theater - 10 Exchange Street E., St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,566,293, 11 June 2006, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$20,342,852

Company Credits

Production Co:

Picturehouse, GreeneStreet Films, River Road Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The song "Goodbye To My Mama" had to be very difficult for Lily Tomlin to sing. Her mother passed away at the beginning of production.

---

Goofs

In the penultimate scene of the film, the Dangerous Woman approaches GK, Noir, and the Johnson Sisters sitting second-to-the-end booth of the diner. Dusty and Lefty are seen at the counter and do not leave, but are not seen again after the Dangerous Woman enters the diner.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Radio Announcer: Market reports today, barrows and gilts uh two hundred twenty to two hundred sixty pounds, they're lower at forty dollars uh sows are steady three hundred five hundred pounds thirty four to thirty seven dollars going over to feeder cattle, beef steers - one hundred twenty to one hundred fifty dollars and two hundred to three hundred
[fade out]

---

Crazy Credits

There is a credit for Sign Painter in the film, although it does not appear on the official site.

---

Connections

Featured in Altman (2014)

---

Soundtracks

Go Tell Aunt Gladys
Traditional: "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie"
Additional Lyrics by Garrison Keillor
Performed by Meryl Streep & Lily Tomlin

User Reviews

Feb. 13th Berlinale showing of Altman's PHC a success

I saw "PHC" yesterday at the Berlinale: simultaneously laughing at the jokes and Guy's wonderful snarkiness, while - as a St. Paulite - blubbering, overcome with sentimental homesickness and memories of attending PHC broadcasts since the 70s. Thank you, GK, for bringing so much enjoyment to so many people for so many years.

I was dismayed to see that the film pressed the "Christian"-button so often. Is this a real representation of the PHC radio audience and/or the PHC staff? It disturbed me; seemed forced and fake. Are most PHC fans in this target audience? I think not.

The music was a hoot, of course, including all of its ragged edges and the Norwegian fish jingle. However it seemed too 'southern' to me. Where was the (non-southern) folk music that was such a main component of the show over the decades?

Kevin Kline, as always: a marvel and a delight. So fine to hear his melted-butter voice over the opening scene of Mickey's...."in a city that knows how to keep its secrets..."!

The livestock price reports in the opening 'roving across your radio dial' sequence were a cute, true, detail. The big stars attempting local (or Oshkosh, Wisconsin) accents were not at all convincing, at least to this native. That bugged me. The radio evangelist with a southern accent in the opening radio bits also seemed quite out of place.

I wonder how much of the movie is understandable to people who know nothing about the PHC show. The Berlinale audience seemed to 'get' the humor and enjoyed the film.

All in all: a delight.