Straight Talk

There's something about this movie that keeps bringing you back for more. I bought the video used for about three bucks (the price is why I bought it!) and was pleasantly surprised. And watch it again and again and again. I notice other viewers who have done the same and can't help but wonder what it is. I have even seen lines from this movie quoted in magazines (attributed to Dolly rather than the script writer)!

There are some gaping goofs, of course. Suddenly "Jack" says "you probably think you just heard a doorbell", although no doorbell has rung at all (maybe they fixed that in later releases)! Also, nobody but Shirlee and her boss "Alan" is supposed to know that she is not a doctor despite the fact that the receptionist took her resume filled with occupations such as "bartender, waitress, waitress, dance instructor..." There are others. But even so, you keep coming back for more.

A few of the one-liner bit parts have awful acting skills, but even so.

So, what is it about this movie? Maybe it's the sound track. I hate C/ W but the all-Dolly soundtrack is wonderful and her songs fit each situation as if it were a musical. Also, Dolly is a very believable actress despite the very unbelievable situation. Believing Dolly is a shrink is like believing Whoopi is a nun. You know it's ludicrous, but they somehow get you to accept it and enjoy. You want to believe it!

Some of her advice is like Zen, for example the one about women and corn flakes: you just don't get it. There is a lot you just don't get in this movie. But you still love it. That's a lot like loving a person, I guess.

Dolly starts out working at a dance hall but gets fired by her boss (played by John Sayles) and is sick of her abusive boyfriend (Michael Madsen) so she leaves for Chicago with his bowling ball.

Through a highly improbable set of circumstances, she becomes a radio 'therapist'; it comes easy to her since she's thoughtful, has common sense and some down-home charm. Soon she has a national following as 'Dr. Shirley.'

Soon she has James Woods' reporter following her around. He smells a story and thinks she might be a fake but cannot prove it. He also falls for her.

Comedy is supplied by Griffin Dunne's maniac/radio station exec, a very funny scene with Dr. Shirley on a talk show, and the chemistry between James Woods & Dolly Parton, two actors you might not think of in the same galaxy but who work together very well.

Small movie has a lot going for it. 7/10.

Dolly Parton, James Woods, Griffin Dunne, and Michael Madsen star in this warm, funny, and terrific film. Dolly Parton stars as Shirlee Kenyon, a down-to-earth dance instructor who has just been fired. Then she decides to go to Chicago where she hopes to make it big. Soon she becomes Chicago's leading radio personality and everything starts going her way. Anybody who likes a funny movie should definitely watch this.

Shirlee Kenyon (Dolly Parton) loses her job for talking too much with the dance students. She loves giving advice. She is tired of her small town and her dismissive unemployed boyfriend Steve (Michael Madsen). She packs up for Chicago. She's trying to retrieve $20 she dropped on a bridge when reporter Jack Russell (James Woods) mistakenly jumps in to save her thinking she's trying to jump. She gives Janice (Teri Hatcher) advice which she uses to break up with boyfriend Jack Russell. Next, Shirlee gets a radio station receptionist job. She is mistaken for the new radio talk show doctor that manager Alan Riegert (Griffin Dunne) had hired. Riegert fires both Shirlee and the producer. Her small town charm makes her a big success and Riegert has to rehire her but only if she pretends to be a doctor which the owner demanded.

The story is a bit hokey but Dolly Parton has that sweet aw-shucks personality. It works for her. It has her down home charms. The movie has some light fun. It doesn't have big laughs but it's a sweet rom-com.

this is the best dolly parton movie ever.she is great in it along with james woods griffen dunne and teri hatcher.it tells the story of the woman who sent to go to chicago but got more.i loved this movie ever since it came out and i watched at least once a week.i give this movie two thumbs up.