Songwriter *** (1984, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Melinda Dillon, Rip Torn, Lesley Ann Warren) – Classic Movie Review 11,553

Director Alan Rudolph’s likeable 1984 satirical comedy-drama Songwriter stars Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, along with Melinda Dillon, Rip Torn and Lesley Ann Warren.

Country music fans will love this tale of two singers on the road, in which two old showbiz partners team up again to outfox a double-dealing moneyman.

The success of this vehicle for Nelson and Kristofferson rests almost entirely upon the two highwaymen’s vocal talents, which are considerable: Kristofferson deserved the Oscar nomination for Best Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Adaptation Score he received for this picture.

The plot is thin, to say the least, but the enthusiasm of the stars is infectious, and Alan (Trouble in Mind) Rudolph directs with a distinctive flair (as well as appearing in a cameo role).

Writer Bud Shrake bases it loosely on Willie Nelson’s own life and legend and finances. He sold his own song ‘Night Life’ in 1961 for $150, but it went on to be recorded by more than 70 artists and sold more than 30 million copies.

Nelson plays country and western composer Doc Jenkins fed up with touring and making no money from recordings and managing the career of his old singing partner Blackie Buck (Kris Kristofferson) as well as singer, Gilda (Lesley Ann Warren). Also he seeks to get back with his ex-wife Honey (Melinda Dillon).

Films directed by Alan Rudolph: Premonition (1972), Nightmare Circus (1974), Welcome to L A (1976), Remember My Name (1978), Roadie (1980), Endangered Species (1982), Return Engagement (1983), Songwriter (1984), Choose Me (1984), Trouble in Mind (1985), Made in Heaven (1987), The Moderns (1988), Love at Large (1990), Mortal Thoughts (1991), Equinox (1992), Mrs Parker and the Vicious Circle (1994), Afterglow (1997), Breakfast of Champions (1999), Trixie (2000), Investigating Sex (2001), The Secret Lives of Dentists (2002) and Ray Meets Helen (2017).

Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,553

Link to Derek Winnert’s home page for more reviews: http://derekwinnert.com/