Movies: 18470 | TV Series: 3282 | Added today: 0 | Storage: 65898 GB

| Genres: | ComedyDramaMu |
| Starring: | Clint Eastwood, Jerry Hardin, Barry Corbin, John McIntire, Tim Thomerson, Joe Regalbuto, Verna Bloom |
| Director(s): | Clint Eastwood |
| Country: | USA |
| Year: | 1982 |
| IMDB Rating: | 6.4 |
As the film opens on an Oklahoma farm during the depression, two simultaneous visitors literally hit the Wagoneer home a ruinous dust storm and a convertible crazily driven by Red, the missus 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 hes broke and sick with tuberculosis to boot. Whit, 14, 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 protege. Thus begins a picaresque journey both hilarious and poignant.
Visitor Reviews: (20)nitratestock35 19 May 2012
...and for that matter any human being.Clint Eastwood's little masterpiece is filled with insights of humannature and our dreams and how futile but nonetheless honorablethey are in most cases.Watch out for many keys to understand low(er) class white Americansand how music is one of the very best ways to bring them togetherwith, or at least closer to, African Americans. Without gospel, bluesand jazz - three styles developed by black people in the US duringthe early 20th century - there would (arguably) be no country music andofcourse no pop music (as it is today).I am a musician and this little masterpiece certainly means a lot tome and my colleagues all over the world. This movie definitely is a metaphor of life and Clint Eastwood uses hissecond passion after cinema, music, as thebase but it contains so much more deep philosophy and homagethat I do not hesitate calling it a small masterpiece.IMHO Honkytonk Man is for Clint Eastwood what Little Man Tate(1991) is for Jodie Foster - only better, much better. Just thinkabout the fact that Clint went back (explained in a monologue) forhis skinny girl. After all he did love her. It takes cojones to make a movie like that. Great work Mr.Eastwood.
19 May 2012
This wouldn't be the first time, I thoroughly enjoyed a movie that critics labeled as too-something-or-other. This is a great movie and apart from the usual Eastwood fare except for the 'gut-and-grit' exhibited by the lead character, Red Stovall, to accomplish his dream despite tuberculosis. As for down-grading Eastwood's singing ability, there are a number of country greats who lack melodic tone and volume but make up for it with style. (Truly unfortunate that critics can do the same!)Buy and enjoy this movie; you won't be sorry.
maggie85-2 18 May 2012
I have seen this movie many times and i think its the best movie in theworld.Every time i watch it i cry, its sad,its funny and its a side ofClint Eastwood i have never seen before.I would like to know if ClintEastwood sang the songs and i would like to know who wrote the songsand if i can purchase them anywhere.Marty Robbins and Ray Price werejust great,i love the sound of Marty Robbins.I want to buy the book byClancy Carlile if i can find it,i am in the process of looking it up onthe internet or if anyone can help me find it i would appreciate it.Itwas great to see Kyle Eastwood play the part of Red Stovall,has he beenin many movies since then? if any which ones? Well thats all for nowsee you soon Michael M.
18 May 2012
Clint Eastwood has tons of films that usually are dismissed by critics and forgotten about, but his longtime fans see them and adore them. Some examples are A Perfect World, Bronco Billy, and this film. This is a really subtle film that starts out (deceptively) as light comedy, then takes a serious turn in the middle and has a sad ending. It's similar to Million Dollar Baby in that way (even though MDB is better), and the plot is similar (flawed people who have made past mistakes looking for that shot at redemption). Clint, as actor and director, really captures the atmosphere of the depression days, the desperation, the sadness, and the fear that everyone had to live with. His character is one of the most real he's played, a far cry from the "Clint Eastwood persona". Kyle Eastwood, Clint's son, is very good here. He never acted after this, but he's good. He's a very well renowned jazz musician these days. Overall, this is one of Clint's most underrated and sad films, one that should be better known.
Jeffrey M. Anderson 18 May 2012
Today it looks much better, and contains one of Eastwood's most openhearted performances.
psagray 17 May 2012
We consider "Honkytonk Man" as a minor film and Eastwood's personal,however, and suggest the outlines of a great film director who knowswhat kind of movie you want and interests you do. Throughout the filmit is clear, not only by history tells us, but because the narrativeused as Eastwood goes to the models of the great classics, the film mayget an irregular, but by no means devoid of interest, and we anticipatethe Eastwood of future masterpieces."Honkytonk Man" is a bitter and deeply sad film, falls somewhat in thetypical pattern of "road movies" with an uneven script, but with goodhits for not being slighted, and some decent performances, which makeit advisable, see this film.Probably the most atypical film by Clint Eastwood, away completely fromthe picture we had used. This unusual road movie tells the decline of aman desperately seeking one last chance to give meaning to their lives.The film does not impose any moral message, is limited to displayingyour images through the portrait of a harsh society, a film chaired byunhappiness and pessimism. Another example of the talent that longbefore this film and Eastwood had recently was recognized.As an actor, Clint produced one of his best works.
TxMike 17 May 2012
Honkytonk: a cheap disreputable nightclub or dance hall.This is part of a 3-for-1 DVD set of Eastwood "B" movies.Clint Eastwood is Red Stovall, a drunkard who writes songs and singscountry, with an ambition to become famous. His co-star here is his ownson, 15-year-old Kyle Eastwood as his nephew Whit. After setting up thepremise, most of the movie becomes a road trip with Whit driving, andthe two of them making their best efforts to get to Memphis withoutmoney, and with a car prone to breaking down.I found it mildly enjoyable, but certainly not one of the better ClintEastwood movies. I was surprised that he has a rather pleasant singingvoice, although a bit soft, not very powerful.It was good seeing Barry Corbin, 'Maurice' of "Northern Exposure."SPOILERS. Red was also sick, apparently suffering from TB. When hewould sing too much, he would start coughing and spit up blood. Beforehe died, he made it to Memphis, where a studio recorded all his songs.He may have become famous after he died.
16 May 2012
I like Clint Eastwood movies and last night I watched "Honkytonk Man." It's a big change of pace for Eastwood, that's for certain. He plays a loser among losers in depression-era America and a wannabe country singer headed for Nashville and the big chance of a Grand Ol' Opry appearance. He's with his nephew (played ably by his son). Although billed as a comedy, it's really a rather dreary story and there aren't any winners. I think it might be best viewed as a period piece and the movie does a rather good job of depicting people and their environments in the Great American Depression. Most of the movie looks like it was filmed in Nevada rather than in the route from Oklahoma to Nashville, and the modern stripes on some of the roads are a dead giveaway that it's just a movie and that someone was not careful enough with the little details.In playing a country singer, Eastwood sings his own songs and my advice would be not to give up his day job. It's a rather good cast and I'm wondering how they could find such a dreary, beat-down group of people, but they fit the depression era setting perfectly. Kudos to the makeup people! Make no mistake, this is a good movie. It's not one of Eastwood's best movies, but is well worth watching especially for the depression era depiction.Gary Peterson
13 May 2012
This review is from: Honkytonk Man (DVD) A very touching portrait of a might-have-been performer. Both funny and sad, this is one of Eastwoods lesser known and heralded roles but he does a wonderful job as Red Stovall. A must see for any fan who enjoys the stars less violent side.
Variety Staff 12 May 2012
Eastwood took great pains in telling this story of an aging, struggling country singer...
06 May 2012
Honkytonky Man starts in a casual manner. The first hour made me think it's one of those films by Eastwood that are not be taken too seriously. As Red's illness grows worse day by day, his character becomes more and more pityable. Clint Eastwood plays the dying man in this movie. It was nearly tearjerking to see him cry out for his love when his end is near. Towards the last half hour of the film, the film manages to reach it's peak in terms of moving script. I dont know how he does it but Clint Eastwood somehow manages to make "not so serious films" into gulp inducing trips. If I could start again, I would say this film is about a man who makes music. He ain't a big shot and he doesnt have many big dreams. Towards the end of his life(Thanks to TB which he suffers from) he realises he must record his music. His nephew is his only friend and he's always around. The core of this movie would interest a person who likes travelling,beer,acoustic guitar and casual flings. I can't possibly comprehend just how terribly serious this film got towards the end.I have seen 5 Clint Eastwood films before this. Escape from Alcatraz, Absolute Power and MDB are his best. This one will earn more respect if I ever give it a watch again. I would look back at Honkytonky Man as a film in which Clint Eastwood played the character of a semi cowboy who lived his life to what he stood for. Kyle Eastwood acted well considering this might have been his debut.All in all, a winner of its own sort with a very good touching end.
Roger Ebert 05 May 2012
This is a sweet, whimsical, low-key movie, a movie that makes you feel good without pressing you too hard.
02 May 2012
I am an avid Clint Eastwood collector, in fact I am just plain in love with the guy. I have about 33 of his films including ones he does not star in. Mr Eastwood is a phenomenal contribution to many generations of people around the world.
02 May 2012
This review is from: Honkytonk Man (DVD) Good story line. Holds your attention. Kyle Eastwood did a very good job on this film.
Rob Gonsalves 01 May 2012
One of the unnoticed treasures of the '80s.
Oghier Ghislain 01 May 2012
Clint Eastwood - Dirty Harry, The Man With No Name - occasionallyembraces a project that is the antithesis of his usual anti-hero roles.There is a touch of those characters in "Honkytonk Man"; Red Stovall isa loner, for example. But the similarities stop there. This is anEastwood labor of love. One gets the impression that he enjoyed makingthis film and really didn't care one iota whether the public did, orwhether it made any money. While the love and nurturing that he pouredinto it doesn't make it a great film, or even a very good one, it doeshave its moments and is worthy of a viewing.Eastwood plays Red Stovall, a consumptive man of the road who makes hisliving crooning and playing his guitar in roadhouses and flophouses.Knowing that his affliction while take him sooner or later, probablysooner, he embarks for Nashville to take his shot at the Grand Ole Oprywith his nephew Whit (played by Eastwood's son, Kyle) and his father intow. After a very slow first 45 minutes, during which many a VHS/DVDrenter has likely been irrevocably lost, the film picks up pace. Alongthe way they encounter various foils of the road - a small-townsheriff, a deadbeat who owes Red some badly-needed money, an ambitiousyoung woman, car troubles - but finally arrive in Nashville where Redtakes his shot.Clint sings in this one, and he's not half bad; however, in one seenwhere his disease gets the better of him mid-song and one of thesession musicians has to take over at the microphone, the replacement'svoice outshines that of Red, an unintentional reminder of Eastwood'slimitations. There's a reason Kyle Eastwood has only appeared in only four films,all others being minor roles. But there is also a connection herebetween father and son, and it works. There are plot holes - whateverhappened to Grandpa? - but the final hour of the movie redeems the filmand it ends on a note that Hollywood wouldn't choose, almost always agood thing.6 out of 10.
moonspinner55 24 April 2012
Oddly unlikable, stolid effort directed and co-starring Clint Eastwood(in rueful, ambling spirits). Written by Clancy Carlile from his novel,the drama concerns a boozing Depression-era singer in Oklahoma,harboring health problems yet about to hit the road for the Grand OleOpry, having his street-smart nephew (Kyle Eastwood) along for thejourney as his driver. Real-life father and son Eastwood teaming neverquite achieves anything special, with young Kyle struggling with hisdelivery. Many famous country crooners are given cameos, and Clint'svocals are rather pleasing, but this story is low-keyed and uncertain;if it's supposed to be heart-warming, someone forgot the heart. Worse,the golden-hued photography is brackish and unappealing, and thesupporting players fail to add any energy. * from ****
dgpdolphin 24 April 2012
I was Totally impressed with the realism which was magnificentlycaptured and depicted throughout this movie! I found many occasionsthroughout the entire movie to laugh and thrilling times of holding tothe arms of my chair intensely sitting on the edge of my seat.. and yesdefinite moments of genuine sadness!The young lad who played Hoss impressed me with how well he portrayed alad of the time! I believe this young man has fabulous qualities. ISure am looking forward to seeing more movies with Him. I applaud ClintEastwood who portrays realistically a trueness of his characterrole.... But enough before I give it away ... Definitely worth Seeingagain! Personally I would like to see on Screen most of these actorsand actresses again in the near future! Definite Congratulations also for the choice of songs and to all thesingers and writers with thanks also for all those who are off screenmaking a movie such as this possible to be viewed!
in-the-fade 22 April 2012
An under appreciated 80s effort (being Eastwood's ninth stint directinga major feature), which rarely gets a mention and if so it mainly getsa "meh". This Clint Eastwood directed/performed feature 'Honkytonk Man'shows much more a vulnerable Eastwood in a very dramatic role (of anaging, alcoholic drifting country singer) that asked a lot from him.Set during the period of the great depression that ravaged the 1930s,Eastwood manages to capture the authentic atmosphere and dustylocations of the times with Bruce Surtees's earthy photography and hisvery-grounded direction, but also letting the harshness move over forsome very sentimental openings that never manipulate the situations.There's a real homegrown feel, mixing elements of a coming of age storyto someone longing to be somebody and this is all coming together tolearn not to take everything on face-value. We watch two people,fulfilling a dream as it ignites the passion leaving to a series ofadventures and an insightful script exploring the interactions. It's an inspired turn by Eastwood, but his son Kyle Eastwood is just asimpressive in a sincerely down-to-earth performance as the young ladWhit, the 14 year old nephew that makes sure that he gets his uncle tothe Gran Ole Opry stage to do his thing albeit trying to keep himsober to perform. Along for the journey you'll find the likes of JohnMcIntire, Alexa Kenin, Tim Thomerson, Barry Corbin, Macon McCalman, JoeRegalbuto and Charles Cyphers making up a splendidly admirable cast. Avery heart-warming Verna Bloom and sturdy Matt Clark do leave theirmarks as Whit's worrying parents. While rather long, the chemistrymakes sure the story marvelously flows and the relax temperament letsthe emotional factor seep in. I don't know, but I found it hard not tolike. The score is a perfectly delightful country twang featuringnumerous names in Marty Robbins, Frizzel and West, Ray Price, LindaHopkins and supervised by Snuff Garrett. Let's not forget Eastwoodhimself adding to the arrangement.A wonderfully brassy and enterprising Eastwood fable.
Woodyanders 22 April 2012
Clint Eastwood, looking drawn, rumpled and weathered, takes a radical,courageous departure from his usual reliably stalwart tough guy personain this gently moving, defiantly unheroic and very low-key seriocomic30's Depression-era set drama as Red Stovall, a boorish, feckless,dissolute, alcoholic drifter, failed would-be country-and-westernsinger/songwriter and general all-around worthless, ill-tempered andirresponsible rapscallion with an unfortunate knack for getting intotrouble, messing things up and making life hell for everyone who getsclose to him. Slowly dying from tuberculosis, Red makes a lengthy,arduous pilgrimage from Oklahoma to Tennesse to make his dream ofperforming at the legendary Grand Ole Opry come true, taking hisfoolishly awestruck nephew Whit (nicely played by Clint's then14-year-old son Kyle) and his frisky grandfather (a superb JohnMcIntire) along with him. During their eventful odyssey Whit breaks Redout of jail after Red is arrested by drawling good ol' boy sheriffJerry Hardin for stealing chickens, Red takes Whit to a whorehouse sothe boy can lose his virginity, and the group has colorful encounterswith an obnoxious, conniving teenage girl (a perfectly irritating AlexaKenin) who tries to dupe Red into believing he impregnated her, grubbymechanic Tracey Walter, venal highway patrolman Tim Thomerson, andmean, untrustworthy bar owner Barry Corbin prior to Red arriving inNashville for his do-or-die audition, only to erupt into a coughing fitin front of the hard-nosed talent scout (a marvelous cameo by JohnCarpenter movie regular Charles Cyphers) while in the middle of beltingout the wonderfully regretful and reflective titular song. Eastwood's subtle direction doesn't in any way force the wry humor ordelicately heart-breaking sentiment found in Clancy Carlile's folksy,quietly observant script, allowing the story's considerable poignancyto stem naturally from the characters and the experiences they have.Eastwood furthermore delivers an excellent and convincing performanceas Red, an atypical Eastwood lead who's initially quite unappealing andonly becomes endearing in the picture's tragic closing sequences inwhich Red's deep-seated yearning to belatedly realize his potential andsubsequently be somebody makes itself touchingly apparent. The rest ofthe cast, which also includes Verna Bloom and Matt Clark as Red'stolerant, long-suffering relatives, are every bit as fine.The elegant, lyrical cinematography by Bruce Surtees gives the film amisty, lived-in look that's a beguiling blend of warm heartfeltnostalgia (Eastwood was born in 1930 and partially grew up during theGreat Depression; he traveled about the country with his itinerantlaborer father during this troubled time) and scrappy downcastauthenticity. Noted country-and-western producer Snuff Garrett was themusic supervisor for the stand-out soundtrack; such famous and reveredsinging stars as Ray Price, Porter Wagner, Frizzell and West, bluessinger Linda Hopkins, and especially Marty Robbins have telling bitparts -- Robbins, who died shortly before the movie openedtheatrically, has a lovely moment as a back-up session musician whoassumes lead vocal chores when Red becomes too weak and sickly tofinish the song himself. Eastwood sings a few numbers with a frayed,raspy, worn-out baritone -- it's a hoarse, yet affecting croak whichbespeaks countless years of hard living and heavy drinking with abracingly matter-of-fact directness. Why, "Honkytonk Man" even comescomplete with a provocative philosophical message: Sometimes it's thepeople you expect the least from who teach us the most about life.Unjustly vilified by most critics and ignored by audiences when itfirst came out, this tender little gem deserves to be rediscovered asone of Clint Eastwood's most surprising and adventurous as well asthoughtful and underrated change-of-pace cinematic excursions that hehas ever made to date.