FRIDAY MOVIE SUGGESTION NIGHT PRESENTS: "COUNTRY"!
Ordinarilly, I'm not one who likes to look back a lot. However, as dusk is my favorite time of the day--always has been as far back as I can remember--I wonder what might have become of me had I been selected as a Co-Host of the now defunct television entertainment program "PM Magazine" ( predecessor to "Entertainment Tonight"). This was a topic I discuss in my videotaped interview from 2007 over on my REEL Page (at www.michaelmanning.tv). And I bring that up for this post because my very first agent (when I was 22) telephoned me and said "Better pack your bags. You're going to Waterloo, Iowa". Wow! I was at once excited and scared. I had taken a huge leap and relocated from Ohio to Texas, and here I was ready to pack up again to move off into my first broadcastng break in of all places--Iowa! At the last minute, a TV weather anchor with experience was properly hired. Had I relocated to Iowa, I would have likely produced a story about the film I have chosen for tonight, "COUNTRY". Fiming took place in Black Hawk County, Iowa and Readlyn, Iowa. Who knows? I might have interviewed Jessica Lange and Sam Shepard! Truthfully, that is one of the few "what if's" I allow myself to engage in.
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The timing of my choice for tonight's film coincides with the turmoil that is playing out in our financial markets with the tragedy of a Greek opera. However, it is poignant that this film is our feature! The founding of "Farm Aid" began in earnest after the FHA and banks encouraged farmers to expand their operations (in a highly speculative move bereft of any common sense). The consequense of this tragic mis-step materialized into over-reaching financial commitments just as grain and livestock prices dropped dramatically. This is a portion or the film's subtext with the human drama of Jewel Ivy (Lange) attempting to hold together her family.
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The relationship of the Ivy family (Lange and Shepard) is a sensitive portrayal. Also, my feeling in making tonight's film selection was that we haven't seen enough of Jessica Lange over the years. I had considered featuring her performance in "Frances" in recent years (as the late actress Frances Farmer), but I simply felt it was too jarring after reading the late actresses autobiographical account of her life (not for the faint of heart). So, tonight we have before us a well balanced and very believable film that I feel will move you. Nominated at the 1985 Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role: Jessica Lange. Directed by Richard Pearce and Written by William D. Wittliff. "Country" was released September 29, 1984 in theaters worldwide.
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I hope you enjoy it!
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You are welcomed to visit my full website anytime at:
posted by Michael Manning @ 12:00 AM
21 comments
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21 Comments:
This is an excellent - certainty worth seeing again.
I was so out of it in '85. Working a lot of jobs to keep it going. I missed most movies and am totally unaware of this one. Those are two strong actors. I'll out it on my list. Thanks, Michael.
never saw this one!
here's to wishing you a fantastic thursday!
oooh "you rocked" me yesterday, and i forgot to do it to you.
hahaha.
you rock(wed), you rock,
dari
Seamus: I have revised the last 12 offerings for 2008 and it includes Robert Mitchum, Joanne Woodward, Mel Gibson (whom I've decided to forgive), Michelle Pfeiffer, Elizabeth Taylor, Sean Connery, Warren beatty, Gregory Pek, Tom Hanks, Bridget Bardot, Orson Welles and Burt Lancaster. Amen!
Bud: Yes, they are! Sam is an Excellent playwright and Jessica Lange is terrific. I've posted aboe to Seamus who I have temtatively scheduled for the rest of 2008. Keep us advised Bud on any of your appearances!!!
Dari: I wish all women shared your enthusiasm for me. That would certainly have made life in high school and college a lot more exciting! Thanks and safe travels to visit our dear Gunner, Dari! :D)
PM Magazine! WOW I have not heard that said for several years. In the days before the proliferation of cable and satellite TV this was one of those shows you had to watch. We had one in C-Bus and amongst the hosts was Gail Hogan who still has a spot in the local industry actually premiering a show not unlike the good 'ol PM just last week. I don't miss the lack of channels, but I do miss the folksy shows like PM.
I saw Country many years ago and it was not my style as a twenty year old, but I'll put it on my list at the library. Have a great one. I'll be engrossed in the usual--youth hockey for both kids and watching the Petit LeMans from Road Atlanta. It will be on Speed Channel most of Saturday. Thats the kind of racing I do Michael.
jessica lange is a treasure. i saw this movie years ago. it's great. good choice, michael!
This is a new one to me, but I'm a big fan of Jessica Lange.
dj davy b: I trust you have the hard bound coffee table book "McQueen's Machines: The Cars and Bikes of a Hollywood Icon" and "A French Kiss with Death: Steve McQueen and the Making of Lemans". Great stuff!
Seraphine: You are a trea sure too! ;)
jean-luc-picard: Me too. She's quite unique!
Oh I love me some Sam n' Jessica! Great movie pairing!
What a great suggestion Michael.
Thanks very much!
Glenn Bishop
Morning, Patti: Yeah, they work very well together. I like the work Sam has directed. I first saw him in "The Right Stuff" as General Chuck Yeager. In 2003, I attended a speech by General Yeager and he was fantastic! Have a good weekend, Patti!!!
Glenn: See ya soon over at your place! :)
Jessica Lange always transcends every role she plays...
Great choice!
I'll never forget this movie, but the story is a bit gross (so of course, I have to share). We watched this movie on the plane back from visitng our mom in Hawaii to Spokane, WA and my youngest brother threw up while sleeping and I had to help clean it up. Good times :)
Becky: I think it was Jon Bon Jovi who sang "You Want To Make A Memory"! :D)
While Hubba and I were in Stillwater
for a wedding, we drove by the home Jessica and Sam shared.
It was recently sold..Minnesota's loss..
Love her movies..
Green Tea: It's always interesting to hear who has a home and where. Whenever I travel, I enjoy (sincerely) asking locals where they're from and how they chose where they live. Many cool stories!!! Hope you're enjoying today! :)
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