Nashville Rebel

I've wanted to see this film for years, and now that I have, I'm quite impressed. The plot is basically a rewrite of Jailhouse Rock or Wild Guitar, with the innocent but talented young singer/guitarist making his way up the lower rungs of the ladder of success, while learning how rotten and corrupt the music business can be. Waylon basically plays himself, which is better than any forced dramatics. There are also performances by many vintage country stars-- Faron Young, Tex Ritter, Loretta Lynn with the Wilburn Brothers, etc. There's also an odd scene at a club where Henny Youngman tells jokes about Arlin Grove (Waylon's character) to try to destroy his career! The film has a similar look to many southern drive-in films of the mid-60s, with some nice location shooting of the 1966 Nashville edited in here and there for atmosphere. Gordon Oas-Heim, as the sleazy manager (he was previously seen in H.G. Lewis' Color Me Blood Read), is suitably arrogant and oily, although one wonders how someone who undercuts his artists' credibility BEFORE they become big stars has ever made much money! Overall, this should appeal to the Jennings fan (he carries the film quite well in his smoldering, laid-back way), the vintage C&W fan, or the lover of rural southern drive-in films. I'm surprised this film hasn't received more attention-- it certainly captures the era well and is an important chapter in the career of one of country music's greatest talents, Waylon Jennings.

What a coincidence; I first saw this movie at a drive-in in Dayton, Ohio. I was stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB and Waylon Jennings immediately became my #1 in Country Music. I have spent tons of money and hours collecting and listening to everything Waylon put out. I loved the movie because of the sound of Waylon Jennings. The acting was OK but Waylon's music will be in my heart and mind forever. The entire plot of this story to me seemed like something so realistic for Nashville at the time. Since then I've spent a lot of time in Nashville walking the streets and alley's spending time at the Ryman and the new Grand Ole Opry and it seems to me that Waylon sometimes walks beside me. Like I said I have ALL of the records.............not DVD's, not CD's - I have every album he ever produced. Still miss the Outlaw!

I saw "Nashville Rebel" at the drive-in in Dayton, OH when it first came out and was enthralled with Waylon. Bt today's standards, the movie may have been a bit hokey, for the time it was magical to me. With this movie, I began a lifelong love of his music. Such a waste of fine talent when he passed away. I lost my copy of the LP soundtrack from the movie in my divorce and have been searching for it since then! I was particularly impressed with the song "Green River"; such a haunting melody. Unfortunately, I've been unable to find another LP, CD or cassette from the movie. If any one has any ideas on where to locate it, please advise me through this site.

I saw this movie the first time in Lai Khe, South Vietnam. Yes we did get to see movies over there. Of all the movies we received, this was my favorite. I liked the music in the movie so much that I bought the album, wore it out and bought another. Now I can't find the movie or album anywhere in the states. Big disappointment. I would love to have a copy of both. Nashville Rebel and Green River are my favorites of all his songs. If you are a Waylon Jennings I would recommend trying to find this movie and watching it. He actually has short hair and no beard. He was so good in this movie I don't know why he didn't make another.

I loved this movie so much when it came out in 1966 that my boyfriend and I went to see it twice--something I rarely did in those days. All through the years I have looked/asked about this movie, never finding it available. I am so glad to see that, for whatever reason, it is now available. I thought Waylon's acting was very good in this movie, and the songs and guest stars made for a good story. My favorite song was the title song, and I don't remember ever hearing this song except in the movie. Considering Waylon Jennings is known for his music rather than his acting ability, I believe he did a super job and wonder why he never made another movie. This movie does a good job showcasing his talent as an actor as well as a singer. If you're a Waylon Jennings or a country music fan, this movie is for you!!