There's not much as far as the story in this country and western drama with songs, just a series of events involving Grand old Opry helpful Clint Eastwood traveling along with his nephew (real life son Kyle Eastwood) in hopes of getting a gig. The only real conflict is that he has tuberculosis, so it's obvious as to where this will be heading. Along the way, there are some amusing moments, particularly Eastwood's efforts to get his nephew laid (even though he's obviously underage), an attempt to rob a greasy spoon where the frantic woman behind the counter starts screaming hysterically, rushes to get her own gun, and when Eastwood encounters her again and tries to show her that the rifle is unloaded, she begins screaming uncontrollably again and fires in the air accidentally, not at him.
Then there is an encounter with blues singer Linda Hopkins on Beale Street in Memphis, and it makes you wish you was in the film a lot more. Why she notices that young Kyle seems to be drugged is never really explained. John McIntire, as Eastwood's aging father, is the only other familiar face, and really doesn't have much to do other than to be the cute old man.
Clint has a pleasant enough singing voice, but it really makes no sense as to why he would think that he has what it takes to make it at the Opry. That being said, it's easy to see why this film didn't do as well as other Eastwood films in the '80s because it is completely different from his action comedies and crime films, perhaps more personal and thus interesting on that level as a slice of life drama where you don't expect a linear story. So if you go in knowing that this is basically not going to engross you dramatically but maybe touch you here and there with Eastwood's sensitive portrayal, you'll find some enjoyment in it.
Then there is an encounter with blues singer Linda Hopkins on Beale Street in Memphis, and it makes you wish you was in the film a lot more. Why she notices that young Kyle seems to be drugged is never really explained. John McIntire, as Eastwood's aging father, is the only other familiar face, and really doesn't have much to do other than to be the cute old man.
Clint has a pleasant enough singing voice, but it really makes no sense as to why he would think that he has what it takes to make it at the Opry. That being said, it's easy to see why this film didn't do as well as other Eastwood films in the '80s because it is completely different from his action comedies and crime films, perhaps more personal and thus interesting on that level as a slice of life drama where you don't expect a linear story. So if you go in knowing that this is basically not going to engross you dramatically but maybe touch you here and there with Eastwood's sensitive portrayal, you'll find some enjoyment in it.