Coward of the County

It was a good idea at one point to turn a hit song into a movie and some actually hit the nail on the head. Some failed miserable and others well let's just leave it there. Who told Kenny Rogers he could act must have had low taste in talent. Not saying it was a waste of film either. At times this movie struggles to translate the message it's trying to tell. It's main topic is rape which like the hit song of the same name is shown and how Tommy has to step up to the plate to defend his not only honor but his sweetheart.

Now Kenny Rogers playing a not so Honest preacher is something to see. I also give or gave Kenny Rogers credit cause he made movies that weren't musicals and acting had to shine through. He somehow held his own with a good cast which included his then wife Marianne Gordon.

Is it good, let's just say entertaining but it is a TV movie and TV budget's are nowhere near big screen budget's. It does have it's high points and low points and does tell the story well or follows the hit song pretty good. I felt that omitting any part of Tommy and his father was a poor choice as it was a big part of the song. It does mention it in dialogue but should have shown it for a stronger development for Tommy's character. If you are a Kenny Rogers fan this movie will serve it's purpose if not then this movie will struggle to hold your attention. Like any movie the climax will excite you as it wrap's up the movie. Other words this plotline has been told before with better writing and acting but it comes off more as a custom made vehicle for Kenny Rogers who at the time was at his peak. The Gatlin Brothers name like the song is a homage and inside joke to his fellow recording act and real life friends The Gatlin Brothers.

I remember watching this show as a kid. I still enjoy it as an adult. It holds true to the song. Carwash is still my favorite character.

A sappy story based on a sappy song. Kenny Rogers in not an actor, and does discredit to the screen. The direction and editing is horrible from face cuts to inexplainable textures. The supporting actors are exceptional. Maybe the film is worth watching only for Noble Willingham. But I can't recommend you spend two hours watching this tripe.

Now obviously this is a vehicle for Kenny Rogers popularity at the time, but it is an honest one. As a person who admits to past mistakes, learns from them, and then passes on these lessons ,this comes close to his real personality. That he was able to do this on record, in interviews, and then on film, speaks to his considerable ability to get across his views on life to his audience.While I feel he never quite matched the creative daring on his own that he displayed in the First Edition, through 1983 everything he did was a success. This movie reflects why. The script had old fashioned conservative values that most of his fan base share, and thus could make a connection with. This is a family movie about rape, and that in itself is an accomplishment. There is much to enjoy in the movie, the characters are well developed, the actress playing Becky is a knockout, and there are many in jokes for Kenny's fans to catch. Watch for his mother in an amusing cameo and his brother Lelan is there too. Also notice in the first scene that he is singing the traditional version of "Love Lifted Me". As most fans know it was a modernized version of this track that launched his solo career in 1975, and this scene (and the fact the his characters sermon is based on it) is a nice homage to that. All in all if you like Kenny and or movies for the whole family Coward Of The County is for you.

The movie is 30 years old and I still consider it one my favorites. I was probably 12 when I saw it but it must have made an impression. Yes, it was made for TV and not the greatest quality, but it still was pretty good and I like the message. Kenny R.'s acting wasn't great but everyone else's was. Becky and Tommy stole the show. A great story about trying to do the right thing but sometimes other people in this world simply make you kick some A. A man's gotta do what he's gotta do. Know what I mean? I would recommend it to anyone. I list it as one my top ten movies. Don't believe me? Believe me. Some movies stick out and this one does for some reason. Watch it.