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IMDbPro

Happy, Texas

  • 1999
  • Tous publics
  • 1h 38m
IMDb RATING
6.3/10
10K
YOUR RATING
Steve Zahn in Happy, Texas (1999)
Trailer
Play trailer0:31
1 Video
7 Photos
SatireActionComedyCrimeDramaRomance

3 prisoners escape. 2 end up in Happy, Texas, where they're mistaken for a gay couple expected there to help with the small girls beauty pageant. As the 2 are paid $1000, they decide to stay... Read all3 prisoners escape. 2 end up in Happy, Texas, where they're mistaken for a gay couple expected there to help with the small girls beauty pageant. As the 2 are paid $1000, they decide to stay until the heat is gone.3 prisoners escape. 2 end up in Happy, Texas, where they're mistaken for a gay couple expected there to help with the small girls beauty pageant. As the 2 are paid $1000, they decide to stay until the heat is gone.

  • Director
    • Mark Illsley
  • Writers
    • Ed Stone
    • Mark Illsley
    • Phil Reeves
  • Stars
    • Jeremy Northam
    • Steve Zahn
    • William H. Macy
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.3/10
    10K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Mark Illsley
    • Writers
      • Ed Stone
      • Mark Illsley
      • Phil Reeves
    • Stars
      • Jeremy Northam
      • Steve Zahn
      • William H. Macy
    • 125User reviews
    • 57Critic reviews
    • 62Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 6 wins & 6 nominations total

    Videos1

    Happy, Texas
    Trailer 0:31
    Happy, Texas

    Photos6

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    Top cast28

    Edit
    Jeremy Northam
    Jeremy Northam
    • Harry
    Steve Zahn
    Steve Zahn
    • Wayne
    William H. Macy
    William H. Macy
    • Chappy
    Ally Walker
    Ally Walker
    • Joe
    Illeana Douglas
    Illeana Douglas
    • Ms. Schaefer
    M.C. Gainey
    M.C. Gainey
    • Bob Maslow
    Ron Perlman
    Ron Perlman
    • Nalhober
    Mo Gaffney
    Mo Gaffney
    • Mrs. Bromley
    Paul Dooley
    Paul Dooley
    • The Judge
    Jillian Berard
    • Madison
    Scarlett Pomers
    Scarlett Pomers
    • Jency
    Melissa Arnold
    • Other Happy Girl
    Cassie Silva
    Cassie Silva
    • Other Happy Girl
    Tiffany Takara
    • Other Happy Girl
    Tim Bagley
    Tim Bagley
    • David
    Michael Hitchcock
    Michael Hitchcock
    • Steven
    Ed Stone
    • Alton
    Rance Howard
    Rance Howard
    • Ely
    • Director
      • Mark Illsley
    • Writers
      • Ed Stone
      • Mark Illsley
      • Phil Reeves
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews125

    6.310.4K
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    Featured reviews

    8tord-1

    A real feel-good film

    Happy, Texas is one of these films that you know from the beginning will end well, where everything work out, eventually, and nobody gets killed.

    But it sure ain't all sweet, as foul language and sex is comic parts of the story, as are two supposedly gay men (they have stolen a camper belonging to two gay mane, so they, two escaped convicts, have to impersonate these guys for a while), a gay sheriff and so on.

    The acting is nigh perfect, the story ludicrous, and it is all a great saga, but very modern at that. When Wayne Wayne Wayne Jr teaches the small girls how to dance on scene is one of the funniest scenes I've seen for a long time, and in all it outshines similar films by quite some distance!

    If only Stuart Little had some of this energy and love of life, sigh!

    8/10
    8wendellfountain

    A light comedy which is memorable

    Once again, William Macy proved that he has incredible talent, and that does not include the wonderful performances of the other actors. The writing was outstanding. This was a fresh and creative plot. This is the type of movie I thoroughly enjoy. The children in the film also did a fine job. It has a lot of twists and turns which add greatly to the movie. Happy, Texas is a rather fast-paced comedy which holds your attention. Even though as film-making goes, this was a low-budget production, that did not in any way detract from the professionalism and filming. All of the actors truly excelled. I highly recommend this film.
    9fwomp

    Small Texas Town Lives Up To Its Name

    Happy Texas is one of the greatest comedies you've probably never heard of. Shot in just 29 days on a shoestring budget, this film's acting, directing, script and comedic timing are so clever and incisive that it has attracted an almost cult following, especially among Steve Zahn fans.

    There are plots within plots that all pull together in the end to make a perfect film. Starting with escaped convicts (Wayne Wayne Wayne played by Steve Zahn and Harry Sawyer played by Jeremy Northam) who have to hide and steal an RV belonging to two gay pageant designers, to discovering the gay lifestyle in a small Texas community (Happy), to finding love in the arms of a doe-eyed banker (Ally Walker ...sorry for the cliché, but she really does have doe-eyes), this movie hits on all aspects of life and puts a hilarious spin on them.

    The greatest things about this film were Steve Zahn's acting while trying to teach pre-teen girls how to dance, and William H. Macy's stunning performance as Happy's town sheriff who comes out of the closet.

    Always sharp, incredibly funny, superbly paced, this movie's small budget belies its excellent acting and directing.

    Few films will tickle your funny bone as perfectly as HAPPY Texas. Watch it. Buy it. Live it!
    8redkiwi

    Thoroughly entertaining filmette

    This was not what I expected whatsoever - a thoroughly delightfully funny little film that kept me smiling for a long time after leaving the cinema.

    Two small time criminals skip prison after their transportation vehicle crashes and steal a motor home - however the motor home belongs to a pair of pageant directors, and due to being accosted by the local sheriff they assume their identities.

    There are several brilliant moments in this film - not the least of which being when the two find out they are supposed to be gay lovers, and that the beauty pageants are for children rather than the models they were expecting.

    The local sheriff is the star of this film as he comes to terms with his sexuality in red neck land, but this was just a lot of fun all round.

    Definitely a small time film, but one certainly worth watching.
    Gordon-11

    Warm and funny

    This film is about 2 straight escaped prisoners having to pose as 2 gay beauty pageant organisers to conceal their identities.

    This film started a bit slow, but soon afterward it became very funny. Steve Zahn did very well in his role, and he was very convincing as a rough bandit. His solo performance on doing funny movements and pulling silly faces was fun to watch.

    I also enjoyed the subplot about the sheriff (William H Macy) and David (Jeremy Northam) a lot. Wiliam H Macy gave a fine performance especially in the scene where they went hunting for hares, and in the scene where David refused him to enter the room when they were preparing for the performance. I could relate to sheriff's character so much that I felt his pain. My heart ached when I saw the sheriff crying on the hill.

    I do recommend this film, it is warm and funny!

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      With the exception of a few scenes, the film was shot entirely on location in Piru, California.
    • Goofs
      There are no mountains or vineyards anywhere near Happy, Texas.
    • Quotes

      Sheriff Chappy Dent: Give me the meanest steak you got! Rare, and I mean rare! Just de-horn it, wipe its butt and send it in.

    • Crazy credits
      Thanks to the people in Happy, Texas... even though we shot entirely on location in Piru, California. Sorry.
    • Alternate versions
      The version shown on Comedy Central tones down some of the profanity and violence.
    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: Three Kings/Happy, Texas/Guinevere/Mystery, Alaska/Drive Me Crazy (1999)
    • Soundtracks
      Passin' Thru
      Performed by Randy Scruggs with Joan Osborne

      Written by Johnny Cash and Randy Scruggs

      Published by Mighty World Music LLC

      (A division of Mclachlan-Scruggs International (BMI)) /

      Song of Cash Inc. (Adm. by Bug) (ASCAP))

      Randy Scruggs appears courtesy of Reprise Records

      Joan Osborne appears courtesy of Blue Gorilla / The Island Def Jam Music Group

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    FAQ

    • How long is Happy, Texas?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 9, 2000 (France)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Місто щастя, штат Техас
    • Filming locations
      • Piru, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Marked Entertainment
      • Miramax
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $2,500,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $1,955,933
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $72,056
      • Oct 3, 1999
    • Gross worldwide
      • $1,955,933
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 38 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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