Um Covarde Redimido

This is a somewhat low-budget, predictable made-for-TV movie made in 1981 starring Kenny Rogers - who sang the song the movie was based on a few years earlier.

Still, some movies are just so relatable that no one can dislike them.

Is there anyone who can't relate to being harassed and belittled by bullies who just wouldn't leave you alone?

Is there anyone who can't relate the feelings that accompany the bullying? Anger, shame... and guilt? That maybe you're more responsible than the bullies for your predicament?

Is there anyone who can't relate to the scene in which the bullies finally get pulverized as the same one you played in your head over and over again at one time or another in middle or high school - even if it never actually happened in real life?

A lot of people say they like Shakespeare - even though I suspect many of them just don't want to admit Shakespeare doesn't really grab them on a personal level.

Anyone who says they don't like Coward of the Country - well I suspect they just don't want to admit how gratifying it was to see what Tommy Spencer finally did - after he stopped and locked the door.

I could sense that what you all were hoping for - but were too reticent to actively request - was a TV film based on the lyrics to a Kenny Rogers song. The story follows the lyrics very closely, while still managing to be a pretty good movie (which would have been more challenging with a film based on Islands in the Stream, so count your blessings). It's a mixture of coming-of-age and romantic-drama set during WWII. Its easy to get onside with the title character and it ends with a quality bar-room punch-up with Kenny and the coward finally going radge! The message of the movie says that pacifism is very noble but when it comes to some people the only option is to knock hell out of them. All together now 'promise me son not to do the things I've done, walk away from trouble if you can!' etc.

When critiquing Coward of the County, I must keep in mind that it is a made for TV movie based on a country song. I had a difficult time connecting with the "lead character" because I never was clear if that character was to be Matthew (Kenny Rogers) or Tommy. The film opens with Matthew giving a most unusual (and ineffective IMO) sermon about turning the other cheek. Why not start the film with "the final words my brother said to Tommmy"? A little more background of Tommy's character earlier in the film might have served better to draw the audience more into the character. The films trudges along with the outbreak of WWII and all the young men in town joining up and Tommy staying behind to meet Becky. It seems there was a lot of filler leading up to when "the Gatlin boys" came calling. Much of the space was filled with Matthew's shortcomings as a preacher, which had little to do with the story of the "Coward of the County". Overall, the film is good enough for TV and the acting was not bad. It is just slow at times and takes "the scenic route" in dealing with Tommy reaching the decisions that he does.

It's been many years since I've seen this movie but it stays with me to this day. While Kenny Rogers is not an actor, he put feeling into this movie from his song of the same name. Both the song and the movie gave me hope at a time in my life when it was sorely needed. This if for no other reason prompts my rating of the movie. I would recommend this movie for anyone who believes, or needs to believe, that we are the best of ourselves when that person is needed most.

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.