Eastwood plays Red Stovall, a failed country singer, who knows that his last chance at making the big time is coming fast. He's on the way to the Grand Ol Opry, on the way he picks up his nephew Wilt (played by Clint's son, Kyle) as well as Granpa (originally the role was to go to James Stewart but the actor was too ill to perform). Soon they pick up the Lolita like Marlene and share many adventures and mis-adventures on their drive across America - a series of adventures which include the nephew's "coming of age" in a house of ill repute, he and Uncle Red finally arrive at Nashville, only to have the tuberculosis reach a critical stage in the middle of the recording session, where Red's lines are filled in by a slide guitarist (played by Marty Robbins). Red finally succumbs while his nephew vows to tell the story of his uncle. Red's vintage touring auto, prevalent throughout the movie, finally 'dies' at the cemetery where Red is laid to rest.
The film is a masterpiece and shows Eastwood was more than just an action star, but it was a pity that his fans didn't really appreciate the movie at the time. It's made in Eastwood's usual no nonsense style which suits the depression era milieu. And the fact that Eastwood is playing a TB ravaged singer means that for once even his singing suits the movie. Check out the video embedded below:
Like Bronco Billy (another undervalued classic) fans were dismayed to see Clint in the gentle comedic drama, and stayed away in droves. More fool them - Clint's performance here is superb and the actor/director is clearly enjoying recreating the depression era, which were the years that he himself grew up. There are some wonderful western landscapes but the strongest element in this movie is character. Clint is excellent, as is Kyle (http://www.kyleeastwood.com/) who these days is an accomplished Jazz musician. Several real country music stars feature in the movie - Marty Robins most prominently.
One word - excellent.
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