Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jack Black | ... | Bernie Tiede | |
Shirley MacLaine | ... | Marjorie Nugent | |
Matthew McConaughey | ... | Danny Buck | |
Brady Coleman | ... | Scrappy Holmes | |
Richard Robichaux | ... | Lloyd Hornbuckle | |
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Rick Dial | ... | Don Leggett |
Brandon Smith | ... | Sheriff Huckabee | |
Larry Jack Dotson | ... | Rev. Woodard | |
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Merrilee McCommas | ... | Molly |
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Mathew Greer | ... | Carl (as Matthew Greer) |
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Marjorie Dome | ... | Townsperson |
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Tim Cariker | ... | Townsperson |
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Fern Luker | ... | Townsperson |
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Jack Payne | ... | Townsperson |
Sonny Carl Davis | ... | Townsperson (as Sonny Davis) |
We meet Bernie Tiede (1958- ), a chubby undertaker, who takes pride in his work. He's a Gospel-singing tenor. In a series of interviews with townspeople, mixed with flashbacks, we follow Bernie: he arrives in Carthage, Texas (pop. 7,000), where old ladies adore him; he befriends a wealthy, mean-spirited widow named Marjorie Nugent; they become companions in both daily routines and expensive vacations. Among those interviewed, only her stockbroker and Danny Buck, the local district attorney, are unsympathetic toward the sunny, sometimes saccharine Bernie. Marjorie changes from sour and alone to happy with Bernie; then she gets possessive. What will sweet Bernie do? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
I had the privilege of seeing this film in Austin last month. Mr. Linklater was among the thousands devastated by the fires in Bastrop county and with his hard work and help from Jack Black and crew they turned the screening into a fundraiser to help the fire victims. They raised over $155,000. It was a great event. The movie was the best part. If you live or have lived in a small town anywhere in America you'll 'get' this movie and you won't be able to stop laughing. If you're in Texas or you hate Texas, it'll be just that much better. The characters are real, the acting is superb. Jack is at the top of his game and Mathew did an outstanding job. He played his role right on the edge, always close to going over the top but never getting there. Shirley is a gem and acted like I've never seen her before. Thank you Richard for your film and your efforts in Bastrop. My farm survived, but too many friends lost everything. Oh, and thanks for letting me be in this film. Woohoo that's me at the end Ma!!