Songwriter (1984)

80% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
41% of users liked it
(79 ratings)

A good ol' boy comedy-drama, Songwriter flashes enough substance between the songs and the hijinks to qualify as a sometimes astute look into the darker areas of the music business. Willie Nelson plays Doc Jenkins, the title character, who conspires with longtime pal Blackie Buck (Kris… More A good ol' boy comedy-drama, Songwriter flashes enough substance between the songs and the hijinks to qualify as a sometimes astute look into the darker areas of the music business. Willie Nelson plays Doc Jenkins, the title character, who conspires with longtime pal Blackie Buck (Kris Kristofferson) to turn the tables on a shady promoter, Rodeo Rocky (Richard Sarafian), who has Doc signed to a contract that is one step short of indentured servitude. Lesley Ann Warren plays Gilda, an up-and-coming country chanteuse whom Doc is tutoring. The rest of the supporting cast is a mix of veteran character players (Rip Torn, Melinda Dillon) and musicians associated with Nelson (Mickey Raphael, Bee Spears, Jody Payne, Johnny Gimble). There are also plenty of musical numbers featuring Nelson and Kristofferson (solo and duets). The musicians/actors went on to co-star in two TV movies, A Pair of Aces and Another Pair of Aces, essentially playing the same kind of good ol' boy characters, though as detectives, not songwriters. ~ Tom Wiener, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Alan Rudolph
Written By: Bud Shrake
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Drama

In Theaters: Oct 14, 1984 Wide
On DVD: Jun 22, 2004
Studio: TriStar Pictures

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
If you're fans of country music and especially of Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, you should love this free-wheeling road film.
Michael A. Smith, Nolan's Pop Culture Review
Two of the best songwriters of all time doing what they do best.

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Cast

            Willie Nelson as Doc Jenkins

            Kris Kristofferson as Blackie Buck

            Melinda Dillon as Honey Carder

            Rip Torn as Dino McLeish

            Lesley Ann Warren as Gilda

            Mickey Raphael as Arly

            Rhonda Dotson as Corkie

            Richard C. Sarafian as Rodeo Rocky

            Sammy Allred as Disc Jockey

            Cleve Dupin as Road Manager

            Steve Fromholz as Engineer

            Johnny Gimble as Fiddle Player

            Jackie King as Guitar Player

            Poodie Locke as Purvis

            Jeff Mackay as Hogan

            Sage Parker as Pattie McLeish

            Gailard Sartain as Mulreaux

            John Shaw as Cashier

            Bee Spears as Bass Gilda's Band

            Shannon Wilcox as Anita

            Bob Gould as Ralph

            Booker T. Jones as Keyboard Gilda's Band

            Bob Nelson as Piano Gilda's Band

            Glen Clark as Paul

            Paul English as Drums Gilda's Band

            Donnie Fritts as Roarers Band

            Joe Keyes as Eddie

            Grady Martin as Guitar Gilda's Band

            Catherine Molloy as Doc's Girl Friend

            Jody Payne as Guitar Gilda's Band

            William Boyd as Blind Tommy's Brother

            Stephen Bruton as Sam/Member of Roarers Band

            Robert Gould
            
See full cast

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