El cobarde del condado

It was a good idea at one point to turn a hit song into a movie and some actually hit the nail on the head. Some failed miserable and others well let's just leave it there. Who told Kenny Rogers he could act must have had low taste in talent. Not saying it was a waste of film either. At times this movie struggles to translate the message it's trying to tell. It's main topic is rape which like the hit song of the same name is shown and how Tommy has to step up to the plate to defend his not only honor but his sweetheart.

Now Kenny Rogers playing a not so Honest preacher is something to see. I also give or gave Kenny Rogers credit cause he made movies that weren't musicals and acting had to shine through. He somehow held his own with a good cast which included his then wife Marianne Gordon.

Is it good, let's just say entertaining but it is a TV movie and TV budget's are nowhere near big screen budget's. It does have it's high points and low points and does tell the story well or follows the hit song pretty good. I felt that omitting any part of Tommy and his father was a poor choice as it was a big part of the song. It does mention it in dialogue but should have shown it for a stronger development for Tommy's character. If you are a Kenny Rogers fan this movie will serve it's purpose if not then this movie will struggle to hold your attention. Like any movie the climax will excite you as it wrap's up the movie. Other words this plotline has been told before with better writing and acting but it comes off more as a custom made vehicle for Kenny Rogers who at the time was at his peak. The Gatlin Brothers name like the song is a homage and inside joke to his fellow recording act and real life friends The Gatlin Brothers.

It's been many years since I've seen this movie but it stays with me to this day. While Kenny Rogers is not an actor, he put feeling into this movie from his song of the same name. Both the song and the movie gave me hope at a time in my life when it was sorely needed. This if for no other reason prompts my rating of the movie. I would recommend this movie for anyone who believes, or needs to believe, that we are the best of ourselves when that person is needed most.

I could sense that what you all were hoping for - but were too reticent to actively request - was a TV film based on the lyrics to a Kenny Rogers song. The story follows the lyrics very closely, while still managing to be a pretty good movie (which would have been more challenging with a film based on Islands in the Stream, so count your blessings). It's a mixture of coming-of-age and romantic-drama set during WWII. Its easy to get onside with the title character and it ends with a quality bar-room punch-up with Kenny and the coward finally going radge! The message of the movie says that pacifism is very noble but when it comes to some people the only option is to knock hell out of them. All together now 'promise me son not to do the things I've done, walk away from trouble if you can!' etc.

The movie is 30 years old and I still consider it one my favorites. I was probably 12 when I saw it but it must have made an impression. Yes, it was made for TV and not the greatest quality, but it still was pretty good and I like the message. Kenny R.'s acting wasn't great but everyone else's was. Becky and Tommy stole the show. A great story about trying to do the right thing but sometimes other people in this world simply make you kick some A. A man's gotta do what he's gotta do. Know what I mean? I would recommend it to anyone. I list it as one my top ten movies. Don't believe me? Believe me. Some movies stick out and this one does for some reason. Watch it.

I remember watching this show as a kid. I still enjoy it as an adult. It holds true to the song. Carwash is still my favorite character.