(13 May 2013)

A forgotten gem

One of Clint Eastwood's biggest flops and least-known films, Honky Tonk Man is one of his best 'small' films, casting the star as a country and Western singer dying of consumption while on his way to grab a last chance of fame by cutting a record in Nashville with his estranged son (Kyle Eastwood) tagging along. A character-driven low-key road movie with a well-realised Depression era setting, it veers from the redneck comedy of his orangutan outings to the darker undercurrents of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, with the characters gradually working their way into your affections to make the underplayed ending genuinely touching.The ony extra on the DVD is the theatrical trailer.

dgpdolphin (12 May 2013)

Definitely worth seeing again

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!

Javier Marin (11 May 2013)

minor classic

Despite almost every critic I've read, I think this is a real gem byClint Eastwood. A honest, sensitive effort in the road movie tradition.The minor tone, the naive sequences soothe Red Stovall's journey to hisfate. The movie also displays a touching view of the depression era inUSA. Like animated Roy Emerson Stryker's pictures the photography isremarkable as well as the sound track. I've learned about lots ofsingers and musicians that recorded only to give a final testimony oftheir art. I guess stories like these deserved a movie like HonkytonkMan. Long life to Clint, one of the most underrated talents not only inHollywood but in the rest of the world.

(10 May 2013)

Honkytonk man

This review is from: Honkytonk Man (DVD) Good story line. Holds your attention. Kyle Eastwood did a very good job on this film.

Woodyanders (09 May 2013)

One of Clint Eastwood's most underrated films

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.

(08 May 2013)

Eastwood Sings Country.

Eastwood play uncle Red, a drifter trying to get to the Grand Ole Opry. Along for the ride is Eastwoods son Klye.

steve-214 (01 May 2013)

Honkytonk Man Has A Few Moments But Not Enough Of Them!

Clint Eastwood plays Red Stovall, a country music singer trying to get toNashville before he dies of Tuberculosis. Kyle Eastwood co-stars and doespretty well, but Honkytonk man fails on many levels.Kyle Eastwood'scharacter Whit see a movie poster advertising a film made in 1934 butEastwood drives a classic 1937 Lincoln throughout the entire film. A 1939Chevy can also been seen in the one scene of a jail break. There are somebrief cameos of country music legends including Marty Robbins who diedbefore the picture was released. Guitar,Singer Songwriter Merle Travis isseen as one of the Texas Playboys.

moonspinner55 (01 May 2013)

Lethargic Depression-era entry...

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 ****

Oghier Ghislain (30 April 2013)

A Flawed Piece With Some Worthwhile Moments

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.

Ryan Hillman (30 April 2013)

An interesting film

This film is an interesting musical/drama film starring Clint Eastwood.If I were to give my opinion on this film in one sentence, it would bethat: "if you don't like Clint Eastwood, you won't like this film." Iam an Eastwood fan from way back and I probably am being a bitsympathetic towards it. I thoroughly enjoyed this film however that maybe because of Clint.I enjoyed the storyline of a man suffering from tuberculosis who knowshe has not long to live. Particularly how he decides to show his nephewinto the world. The overall plot was OK however there were a few weakscenes, particularly the whore house. (If that scene was removed fromthe film, I would probably give it an 8).The film score "Honkytonk man" was awesome, particularly my favouriteactor singing. (I like it so much I even put it on my Ipod).Summing up this film is a must see for Clint Eastwood fans! It won'tdisappoint you. If you aren't a Clint Eastwood fan, you may not find itas good.7/10

Jack (30 April 2013)

Honkytonk Man

Clint Eastwood teams up with his son, Kyle, to tell the story about a country singer, who finally made it big, but it came way too late. The story's setting is the depression era midwest. Clint is offered an audition at the Grand Ole Opry. He drives from California to Tennessee, with a stop in Oklahoma. He picks up his nephew and off to Nashville they go. They run into adventures along the way. Once in Nashville, Clint's TB really takes hold and he blows the audition. I will not blow the rest of the story, but this movie is worth watching. It does finish on a downbeat note.

(30 April 2013)

Clint can't sing, well anyway, but that is OK.

This review is from: Honkytonk Man (DVD) Eastwood will never hit the music charts But the acting by all those involved was great. Surprised that it good a PG RATING since Eastwood's son experienced a brothel--no bare bodies--but the story line was realistic and held my attention.There is a stand-in vocalist for some of the songs, which is unmistakable even though they sound alike.The movie is certainly like no other Clint has done but I thought it worth watching and added it to my collection.

(27 April 2013)

honky tonk man

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.

(27 April 2013)

A forgotten gem

One of Clint Eastwood's biggest flops and least-known films, Honky Tonk Man is one of his best 'small' films, casting the star as a country and Western singer dying of consumption while on his way to grab a last chance of fame by cutting a record in Nashville with his estranged son (Kyle Eastwood) tagging along. A character-driven low-key road movie with a well-realised Depression era setting, it veers from the redneck comedy of his orangutan outings to the darker undercurrents of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, with the characters gradually working their way into your affections to make the underplayed ending genuinely touching.

TxMike (25 April 2013)

Two Eastwoods make country music towards Memphis.

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.

(25 April 2013)

I'm a Honkytonk man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This review is from: Honkytonk Man (DVD) Ole Clint certainly has made better movies, but you want be disappointed if you like music. Him being a great actor doesn't hurt either!!!! Also his real life son plays in it also.

Paul Emmons (24 April 2013)

Verismo!

The critics didn't like this film, but I beg to differ. Perhaps I'mnaive and gullible, but to me it rings true in its local color and thecoping of poor people in the Depression amidst the aspirations of youngand old alike.My father, a published author in a small way, once mused to me that ifhe were to write a novel, it would be about someone trying to come toterms with his own mediocrity. Such is the theme of this movie, andhardly typical a consideration it is in a time when the media bombardus coast to coast, for our adulation, with the glamorous images of amere handful of individuals who happen to have landed vast fame andfortune. What does any of this have to do with most of us? On the onehand, we live day to day. On the other, a recurring dream whispers"maybe..."Knowing that he is living on borrowed time, Red, humble andhand-to-mouth but respected more than he knows by a few somewhat moresuccessful colleagues (and an unusually fallible and vulnerablecharacter for Eastwood, which he plays well) is granted, in extremis,an apparent opportunity to reach for the stars. More down-to-earth, heis also fortuitously blessed/burdened with not just one but two youngproteges: first his nephew, then also a girl at loose ends. Perhapsneither is particularly talented; nevertheless both have a claim on hisattention which he reluctantly fulfills in his own unassuming way,while making no exalted pretenses as to their prospects. When on hisdeathbed he can do no more for them, he commends them to each other."You take care of her, now" he rasps to Whit. "She's okay. Help herwith her singing." While they may never reach celebrity, the texture oflife can sustain them if they face it together.As, dying and perhaps delirious, he gazes up into Marlene's face, hesees the "raw-boned Okie woman" he had loved for several years as amistress, and whom he later had regretted leaving. She had borne a girlwhom he had never met. Marlene was a fatherless waif of about the rightage. Did he recognize at the last moment his long-lost daughter? It isa question which the film leaves hanging in the air. Does genealogymatter? In practical terms, that is what she became almost too late.For my money, it's a raw-boned, American Okie "La Boheme."

Rob Gonsalves (23 April 2013)

One of the unnoticed treasures of the '80s.

(22 April 2013)

Great

This review is from: Honkytonk Man (DVD) I like the fact that Eastwood did his own singing in this movie.Who would have known he could sing.

(22 April 2013)

Most Country Music "Stars" Can't Sing Either!!!

This is yet another wonderful offerring by Clint Eastwood. In this movie Clint plays Red, an aspiring guitarist and singer who dreams of performing in Memphis. We see Red's deterioration through Tuberculosis as the movie progresses. His final cry to a lost love is more believable than anything I have seen or read by that so called "Master Of Vulnerable Sentimental Nostalgia" Tennessee Williams.I give this movie 5 stars because Mr. Eastwood can't sing which means he has something in common with most Country Music Stars today.