Melanie

I, too, am surprised this movie isn't more popular. I wouldn't rest until I got a copy on eBay, as it is so hard to find. Although several years had elapsed between viewings, I found it as fresh and meaningful as the first time I viewed it. Glynnis O'Connor (whatever happened to her?) is charming and believable as the illiterate but tough and determined mother who will do anything to get her child back. Don Johnson is chillingly evil - or maybe just plain mean - as the redneck husband and father and his performance is excellent, one of his very best (although brief). Paul Sorvino is low-key and believable as the mentor who teaches Melanie to read and changes her life. And who knew Burton Cummings was a really good actor? All in all, a very heartwarming movie, but not sappy or insulting to the intelligence. I highly recommend it for everyone but young children (the sight of Don smacking Glynnis' character around might be hard to take).

It's unfathomable why this film isn't more widely seen and loved. The tale of a young illiterate rural housewife who ventures to the big city to retrieve her child has so much to offer the average viewer: Melanie learns to read, falls in love, redeems the career of a dissolute singer. All the performances are terrific, especially that of Glynnis O'Connor, always an underappreciated talent. Burton Cummings of the Guess Who also gives a good performance, and throws in a few songs. Paul Sorvino and Don Johnson are also thrown into the mix. I recommend this to my friends and acquaintances every chance I get.

The movie storyline was original and the music, thank-you Burton Cummings of The Guess Who, was great! He really surprised me as both a comedic and dramatic actor. The rest of the cast for this low budget film endevor came off as quite good. A sleeper movie during the early 80's, it did quite well on cable. Hard to find on tape or DVD but shouldn't be too hard to find on e-bay. There were many toe-tapping moments during the film, but what really came as a shocker and quite a pleasant surprise was the fact that Miss O'Connor exposed her bare breast for the first time in front of the camera. NICE! This occurred within the first 15-20 minutes of the opening before she left home to move to California with a friend.

I have tried for years to remember this movie. I knew it started when it an M. I happen to look at Glennis O'Connor's acting since I knew she had been in "Ode to Billie Jean" and there it was "Melanie". I am watching it right now on YouTube on my TV. It is not a real clear copy but great to finally have found it after over 40 years. Remember the male lead singing song over and over with lyrics "Real, real, real good and real, real, real......" with back up singers repeating "real, real, real..... I remember watching it a lot with my Dad over 40 years ago but could never remember the title except that it started with an M. The male I remember singing was Burton Cummings. I will never forget it again.

I have loved this money ever since I saw it for the first time in 1982! initially, it may be the fact it is based on an Arkansas girl.....and I am PROUD to be one myself!

Love to actors and especially LOVE the soundtrack!

I have to say the only part I dislike, and I know it was for special "color".......is the scene where Glynnis (Melanie) and Carl (Don Johnson) are fighting and Don is wearing an "Arkansas Razorback" shirt! We do NOT support spousal abuse!!

Woooo Pigssss Soooiiieeeee! Go HOGS!!

If you have not seen this movie, find a way to see it!!

Thanks!