Rodeo bull-riding star Ron White (as Josh Morgan) and his more grounded wife Rebecca Jenkins (as Lucy Edwards) have formed a perfectly balanced relationship, traveling on the road with son Joshua Ansley (as Shane).
Then, tragedy strikes
Based on the popular (particularly among teenagers) novel by Marilyn Halvorson, "Cowboys Don't Cry" turns out to be a very predictable film. However, director Anne Wheeler and her father/son co-stars make Ms. Halvorson's already appealing story believable. A couple of the ending events are obvious; they are (thankfully) left out completely. The film emphasizes the conflict between Mr. White and Zachary Ansley (as 14-year-old Shane) and (necessarily) drops some strong original material. If this were made today, the high school bullying of Mr. Ansley would be included. The story is a strong one for post-teenage children, who will relate to the strong, realistic characters and messages - chiefly, your parents are not perfect, but it doesn't mean they don't love you.
Both White and young Ansley were nominated for "Genies" (the Canadian "Oscar") in the leading "Best Actor" category in Canada; a good call, though the dual consideration certainly diminished their winning chances.
******* Cowboys Don't Cry (5/10/88) Anne Wheeler ~ Ron White, Zachary Ansley, Janet-Laine Green, Candace Ratcliffe
Then, tragedy strikes
Based on the popular (particularly among teenagers) novel by Marilyn Halvorson, "Cowboys Don't Cry" turns out to be a very predictable film. However, director Anne Wheeler and her father/son co-stars make Ms. Halvorson's already appealing story believable. A couple of the ending events are obvious; they are (thankfully) left out completely. The film emphasizes the conflict between Mr. White and Zachary Ansley (as 14-year-old Shane) and (necessarily) drops some strong original material. If this were made today, the high school bullying of Mr. Ansley would be included. The story is a strong one for post-teenage children, who will relate to the strong, realistic characters and messages - chiefly, your parents are not perfect, but it doesn't mean they don't love you.
Both White and young Ansley were nominated for "Genies" (the Canadian "Oscar") in the leading "Best Actor" category in Canada; a good call, though the dual consideration certainly diminished their winning chances.
******* Cowboys Don't Cry (5/10/88) Anne Wheeler ~ Ron White, Zachary Ansley, Janet-Laine Green, Candace Ratcliffe