One Of Those Unknown Good Ones
Added 5/28/2009
Well, I've seen this fairly-unknown film three times now and perhaps that's enough, but I'm sorry that in 2009 it is still not out on DVD. It deserves being seen on disc and discovered. Why this is so "unkonwn," I don't know.
Robert Duvall, who almost never gives a bad performance, is excellent in here, too, as the ever-optimistic "Mr. Cox." He's a self-described oil man but in truth has never done anything noteworthy in the business. However, after finding himself in a small Texas town called "Henrietta," (which really exists) he thinks this one residence has a lot of oil on its property. The tough part is trying to convince the literally-poor landowner (Aiden Quinn) that he should invest $5,000 on a well.
All kinds of obstacles ensue - an non-supporting wife (Frances Fisher), an antagonistic and hot-tempered villain who runs things in the area (Brian Dennehy) and just plain bad luck.
Duvall and his pet cat who sticks by him like glue throughout much of the film, keeps this story together.
If you like a good drama and appreciate Duvall's talents, you should like this.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Robert DuVall !!!
Added 6/1/2008
I saw this on TV. This movie needs ta come out on dvd, it's awesome. If ya like Robert DuVall, you'll love the movie. I hope Amazon will contact me soon as it's out on dvd. Thanks, Rich!!!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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a lovely, heartwarming movie - highly recommended
Added 4/27/2008
I tracked down an old VHS tape through aLibris after reading these reviews (when is the DVD coming out?), and the effort was worth it. This is one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time, and I have watched it several times already. This film shows a vintage piece of Americana, and says something about the indomitable human spirit, especially the American frontier spirit, where capitalism meets Wild West mentality.
As others have said, Robert Duvall is terrific in the character role of Mr. Cox, submerging himself in the role. But for me, the most moving role and acting were those of Aidan Quinn, as the beaten-down scorned dirt farmer, Don Day, who still has the soul of a dreamer. Day and Cox are kindred spirits, but Quinn's character never loses his integrity and gentleness - Quinn is so good at portraying strength and tenderness in the same character. He looks like someone straight out of one of those old WPA Depression photos. The story of what happens to Cox and the Day family on their failing farm is emotionally satisfying.
The settings are wonderfully specific to the time and place. My husband, a 5th-generation farmer, related strongly to the story, and loved seeing the old tractors, pickups, and automobiles.
You and your whole family will love this movie, and it would be a great film for history classes studying the Depression. Highly recommended.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Duvall @ his best !!
Added 3/1/2008
Robert Duvall ( none better today )as an excentric sorta genius, early oil phenomenon, dirt poor Oklahoma/Texas folk in the period ...... and a great story line - simple while intensely dealing with hopes & dreams of the day. This wonderful flick has all of the above, including a well trained cat as Duvall's heart light, addresses the human refusal to give up ...... and is for the whole family (surprise these days ). This thing is intellectual, it is ordinary entertainment for those preferring that realm, and it is indeed pure Americano thru & thru.
Of course, Duvall makes all of this possible with his incredible ability to truly act !!
A 5 star for everyone ...... guaranteed !!
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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GREAT MOVIE - Once upon a time
Added 12/28/2007
I ordered this because I really think a lot of this movie, and the actors and actresses in it. But, it got lost in the mail, so I am looking for another copy somewhere else. If anyone knows of one, I will be glad to drive rather than depend on USPS.
Regards,
A Fellow Oilman
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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One Of Those Unknown Good Ones
Added 5/28/2009
Well, I've seen this fairly-unknown film three times now and perhaps that's enough, but I'm sorry that in 2009 it is still not out on DVD. It deserves being seen on disc and discovered. Why this is so "unkonwn," I don't know.
Robert Duvall, who almost never gives a bad performance, is excellent in here, too, as the ever-optimistic "Mr. Cox." He's a self-described oil man but in truth has never done anything noteworthy in the business. However, after finding himself in a small Texas town called "Henrietta," (which really exists) he thinks this one residence has a lot of oil on its property. The tough part is trying to convince the literally-poor landowner (Aiden Quinn) that he should invest $5,000 on a well.
All kinds of obstacles ensue - an non-supporting wife (Frances Fisher), an antagonistic and hot-tempered villain who runs things in the area (Brian Dennehy) and just plain bad luck.
Duvall and his pet cat who sticks by him like glue throughout much of the film, keeps this story together.
If you like a good drama and appreciate Duvall's talents, you should like this.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
Robert DuVall !!!
Added 6/1/2008
I saw this on TV. This movie needs ta come out on dvd, it's awesome. If ya like Robert DuVall, you'll love the movie. I hope Amazon will contact me soon as it's out on dvd. Thanks, Rich!!!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
a lovely, heartwarming movie - highly recommended
Added 4/27/2008
I tracked down an old VHS tape through aLibris after reading these reviews (when is the DVD coming out?), and the effort was worth it. This is one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time, and I have watched it several times already. This film shows a vintage piece of Americana, and says something about the indomitable human spirit, especially the American frontier spirit, where capitalism meets Wild West mentality.
As others have said, Robert Duvall is terrific in the character role of Mr. Cox, submerging himself in the role. But for me, the most moving role and acting were those of Aidan Quinn, as the beaten-down scorned dirt farmer, Don Day, who still has the soul of a dreamer. Day and Cox are kindred spirits, but Quinn's character never loses his integrity and gentleness - Quinn is so good at portraying strength and tenderness in the same character. He looks like someone straight out of one of those old WPA Depression photos. The story of what happens to Cox and the Day family on their failing farm is emotionally satisfying.
The settings are wonderfully specific to the time and place. My husband, a 5th-generation farmer, related strongly to the story, and loved seeing the old tractors, pickups, and automobiles.
You and your whole family will love this movie, and it would be a great film for history classes studying the Depression. Highly recommended.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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