Lolly-Madonna XXX

Two rustic families, headed by patriarchs Laban Feather (Rod Steiger)and Pap Gutshall (Robert Ryan), begin a feud. At first, it is comical, with the sons of the two families playing tricks on each other. One such trick gives the Feather boys the idea to kidnap a girl, who turns out to be innocent bystander Roonie, not the made-up girlfriend named Lolly Madonna. As events escalate, Jeff Bridges' character, Zack Feather, and Roonie fall in love and try to bring the others to their senses. What Roonie doesn't know is that Zack has a dark secret, which will explain why there is much real pain between the two families that once were close friends.

The plot really pushes forward in this movie, which I believe is in part an allegory for the mindlessness of war in general, and for Vietnam in particular (the Paris Peace Talks were about to start when the movie was released). The touching performances make you feel for and care about every character, from wannabe "Elvis" Hawk Feather (Ed Lauter) and his sensitive brother, Thrush Feather (Scott Wilson), both patriarchs, each with a different cross to bear, to the patient, wise, quietly suffering matriarchs (Tresa Hughes and Katherine Squire). Relative newcomers Jeff Bridges, Gary Busey and Season Hubley bring focus and hope to the film. Even the simple melodic score is perfect, coming forward at just the right time.

"Lolly-Madonna XXX" brings tears to my eyes every time I see it... and I'm no wimp!

This viewer had been wanting to see this little movie for years. Not only does it have a strong cast of veterans and then up-and-coming young stars, but it sounded like fun. He expected something trashy and action-driven, but ended up getting something more. This is really a pretty thoughtful melodrama with very convincing rustic atmosphere and efficient direction by Richard C. Sarafian (of "Vanishing Point" fame).

Rod Steiger and Robert Ryan (the latter in one of his final film roles) play Laban and Pap, the patriarchs of the Feather and Gutshall families. These families used to be close, but eventually things got bad, real bad. The Hatfields and McCoys type feud starts out somewhat mild, with pranks being pulled. The title comes from a phony postcard, signed by a made-up woman, "Lolly-Madonna", designed to get one family to abandon their still. This leads the Feathers to kidnap a young traveller (Season Hubley) who they are convinced must be this "Lolly- Madonna".

It's interesting to note that this was an early credit for the famed author Sue Grafton, who also wrote the screenplay with producer Rodney Carr-Smith. It's a very serious meditation on the utter futility and madness of any war, especially the Vietnam war. The material gives some juicy acting opportunities to a superb ensemble. Steiger and Ryan mostly play it low key (although Steiger *does* eventually erupt into typical Steiger-esque acting) in order to let the younger generation make their mark. And what a supporting cast: Jeff Bridges, Scott Wilson, Timothy Scott, Kiel Martin, Ed Lauter, Randy Quaid, Gary Busey, Paul Koslo. Lauter is especially fun as Hawk, who has fantasies of being an Elvis-like rock star. Bridges plays Labans' son Zack, and as he and Hubley make a connection, you realize that they're the biggest hope for some semblance of sanity and reason in this story. Still, it's hard to deny the somber feeling of inevitability to everything here.

The rough, grainy look is actually appropriate for the mood, and Fred Myrow contributes a very affecting music score.

This is an intriguing, now somewhat obscure, movie deserving of another look.

Eight out of 10.

I saw this movie when I was a boy and it had an indelible effect on me. I am 41 years old and I still remember how its simple folk and their seemingly insurmountable problem touched me. Like another reviewer I also recall the score as being perfect. See this movie if you can. I am only sorry it is not available on VHS or DVD. I would surely buy it.

This is a movie I, like many others, caught on late night TV. Being a long-time Jeff Bridges fan, I thought I would give this a whirl when it showed up on TBS back in the 80's. I was immediately transfixed by the atmosphere, the haunting music and most of all the casting. All of the characters were on target and I can't recall a movie with more "character" actors than this one. Scott Wilson, Randy Quaid, Ed Lauter, Keil Martin and 70's staple Paul Koslo all add to the richness of this flick. There were no real bad guys in my mind. Even Rod Steiger's psychotic yet tortured portrayal evoked sympathy. I was able to tape a showing about 15 years ago and still have the VHS. I am half afraid to watch it because if anything happened to it it's practically irreplaceable. With all the garbage being released on DVD these days I would love to see more quality pictures such as this being released.

I saw this movie on TCM late at night (must be around 2 AM) when I was channel surfing. I was actually intrigued by its title and decided to watch it assuming it was a campy 70's sex romp. But once you see established names like Rod Steiger, Robert Ryan, Jeff Bridges, Randy Quaid, Scott Wilson, Ed Lauter and Gary Busey, you know you are wrong.

Though not everybody's cup of tea, Lolly Madonna XXX is a surprise treat - one of those movies that surprise you just when you think you know whats going to happen next or assume nothings going to happen at all. With terrific performances especially by Ed Lauter, a(very thin looking)Randy Quaid and a very young Jeff Bridges besides a beautiful score thats just right,this is a movie you shouldn't miss.