American Blue Jeans

I saw the 'lighter' version of this period drama which was still a somewhat depressing saga, but nonetheless bittersweet tale of romance between the classes in conservative 1950's Texas. Fisher and Dillon make a charming couple who run afoul their disapproving parents who've more in common than they realise.

Connelly is solid as Fisher's protective father, unable to endorse his daughter's newfound love, whilst country singer/actor Axton has a comparably much smaller role playing Dillon's hard-working, more understanding dad. I also really enjoyed the antics of Dillon's roustabout friends Greenleaf and Atkins, and then Tyrrell later in the film as the 'entertainer' who befriends Fisher. The film's big stars have small but sympathetic roles, Crawford playing a compassionate family patriarch, whilst DeCarlo has a strangely superficial role (looks like it may have been edited down) as a kindly landlady.

Attractive sets and a likeable cast make it a little easier to consume what is otherwise a rather disturbing drama which doesn't always handle its subject matter as effectively as the plot demands - the cliffhanger unfolds too quickly, despite there being sufficient time for greater suspense, especially given how unsettling the consequences were to contemplate. Instead, the plot threads connect too conveniently in the film's rushed climax, which doesn't do the rest of the otherwise carefully curated film justice.

Nevertheless despite some mishandling of the more sensitive moments, the overall film is still compelling viewing and worth a watch, although having only seen what's referred to as the 'happy' version, the alternative ending could be too much to endure, all things considered.

LIARS MOON is a genuine rarity: a very well produced teenage "Romeo and Juliet' drama made in 1981 and set in the deep south of the good ol' USA in 1950 - and thank god, nobody jumps off the Tallahatche Bridge a-la Ode To Billy Joe. I do believe this gorgeous film made no impression at the time... and I recently found this exquisite film on DVD in 2008 - and I am thrilled to tell ya all, this is a really really good film. There are many excellent and interesting aspects to LIARS MOON: the fantastic and accurate set design and art direction; the astute casting; the fact that the film is also made on genuine locations that really add HUD and RACING WITH THE MOON big studio quality imagery; and then there is Matt Dillon... aged about 18 and on the cusp of super-stardom thanks to THE OUTSIDERS and RUMBLEFISH. Other great acting parts belong to Broderick Crawford, Yvonne de Carlo and Susan Tyrrell, each equally effective in this beautifully created film. The photography and the lighting especially add authenticity with superb photography and image ideology. The costumes and use of real locations are the sort of quality wish-list we all want to see in a film of this style and emotion. It all works because this film is made with love care and some healthy budget. Find it and show it to teenagers.. especially daughters and nieces who will swoon squeal and cry on cue for a delicious family night at home on DVD ..in a film that does not flinch from difficult topics and good romantic suspense. In the credits you will also find Patrick Swayze's mum as choreographer.

I saw this movie on TV in the 80's and loved it. I was a young teen in love myself at the time and totally related. I taped this on a VCR and watched it over and over until the tape broke. One of the things I enjoyed most was the soundtrack, especially the love song which I have been trying to find out the name and artist for over 20 years! I had wanted to use it in 1984 as my wedding song but no band or DJ knew the song or movie... Can anyone help? The song name might be "I'll Love you Forever"?? I am not sure, but it had those words in the song....would appreciate any help. This song was also used years ago in an episode of the soap opera All My Children. It has stayed with me for so many years and when I saw this site I thought maybe I can finally put this lingering question to rest (and use it at my 2nd wedding!) Thank you!

The real downfall to this movie is Mike, played by Jim Greenleaf. Unfortunately his over the top goofy portrayal of a doofus hillbilly is nowhere near genuine, and only detracts from the momentum of the film. The other friend is likewise forgettable, and the idiotic slapstick scenes they're in add nothing to the film's drama. Joe Don Baker is the same typical non-presence he always is. Thankfully he doesn't get much screen time. The rest of the cast is quite effective, albeit it not exactly very likeable. Ginny's father was way too overbearing for credibility. Not much subtlety in any of the performances. I liked the story, and Cindy Fisher and Matt Dillon were pretty good together. Despite some hokey scenes and awful music, it was still rather cute. Cindy was truly stunning in this movie. Matt Dillon is always a force in any role he tackles, and this is no exception. I'd say he's rather on the bland side in this one. It's not a classic movie or even an excellent one, but it's strong enough to keep the viewer watching and interested. 5.5 rounded up to 6. There's really not much here that the viewer will remember after the credits roll, but it's still all right. Light hearted fare.

This is one of my favorite movies. I saw it on cable when it first came out. The first time I saw it, it was one of those feel good movies. Then the next day when I settled in to watch it again it turned into a sad movie because of the different ending. When it came out on video I bought it hoping the feel good ending was used. It was not. I recently found out that the DVD version doesn't have both ending available on it but it DOES have the feel good ending. Now I HAVE to buy a DVD player!