Square Dance

Greetings, readers. I played Dub Mosely, the preacher in this film. I thought you might like to read a few notes about Winona, who was around 15 at the time we shot this on a sweltering summer day in Waxahatchie,Texas. I have met few young women of her age with the poise and sophistication she possessed. Working with her and Jane Alexander was truly a learning experience and a wonderful one. Although I didn't have scenes with Rob Lowe, I'm proud to have been in this film with him. His portrayal of the young violinist was astounding. I have never seen him do better work, either before or after.

Now, here's a little inside stuff. After we shot the film, Daniel Petrie, the director, found that my southern accent wasn't broad enough. He and I discussed the situation after the film was cut and I explained my thoughts as to the reason I kept the "twang" to a minimum: It was at the time of Southern preacher Jimmy Swaggart's problems with a woman of -shall we say- easy virtue, and my characterization was founded on the feeling that "sounding" like that sort of a preacher might remind the audience of Swaggart's indiscretions and they could maybe "lose their concentration" on the film and,instead, wander to thoughts of the current events of the day, making it difficult to get back into the film at hand.

Petrie had actually booked me to fly from Texas to Los Angeles to re-voice the role in the required accent. Naturally, I would do anything he wanted -he was the director and it was his film. Unfortunately I was performing in a stage production in the Houston area at the time and could not make the scheduled taping session. Another actor was flown in and the part was, indeed, re-dubbed.

Petrie didn't like what he heard, evidently, and decided to stick with my original voice and accent. As a result, what you hear is my original interpretation. Actually, you hear me more than you see me. That's my voice over the shot of the radio during the opening moments of the film. And, don't blink during the revival scene. That's your's truly at the pulpit.

I don't know if they'll let me cross-recommend here, but if you want to see more of me check out "They Still Call Me Bruce" and "Not For Publication".

I hope you enjoy "Square Dance". It is definitely worth your time and should be in your home library, if only for Winona's and Rob's portrayals.

The only Winona Ryder film to elude me trying to buy a US import in the UK in the early 90s, and after watching for the first time a couple of decades later it was such a shame it has taken me this long to finally achieve this.

Whilst Lucas may have been WR's film debut, this film takes her to another level in her first starring role and opens up the door to the rest of her career.

The film is very slow paced with no real direction or much of a story other than moving from one place and back again, it feels almost depressing knowing she will probably end up their for the rest of her life in her final destination.

But saying that it's still enjoyable for the most part, with some great acting from all the lead characters especially Winona, but the film is lacking that certain something and its not a film i will return to very often.

So sorry to correct Mr. Moeller, but this was filmed in Fort Worth, Texas. I had always bragged about the Belknap Bridge on Belknap Street coming down from downtown at the end of it was where Winona got off from the bus. Then, she crossed over to the other side to the garage with the upstairs apartment where her mother lived with the boyfriend. The garage is still there, but I was sad to see the apartment knocked down. The beauty shop is still there that the mother had and the club is "The Stagecoach." This was filmed in the 2400 block of Belknap Street.

Square Dance had a great cast and great acting, which helped make it's story more alive.Some parts were slow but over all it was a good movie.Throughout the movie I was impressed to see that Lowe could be a good actor.All those true Romance fans will love this one.Square Dance was also Ryder's first staring role.

Square Dance, a near unknown film (probably because it is violentless) is actually a nice feel-good movie. The best thing about this movie is the acting, Lowe especially... in a enduring performance. Noted mainly because of Ryder's first film, whom is also great (as usual). The only bad thing about this film is what can be expected... it is rather slow at times, and yet still seems to leave loose ends. But it is very much rewarding with a nice ending and notable symbolism of the actual square dances, which leads Ryder back home.