Melanie

My husband surprised me recently with the DVD - I had seen a mention of the movie when Burton Cummings had come to town to do a concert but unfortunately it was sold out anyway... I issued a challenge to my hubby to find the DVD and within an hour he had located and ordered it! Don Johnson does a great job as the hard-ass redneck husband who's fed up with his illiterate wife, Glynnis O'Connor, who plays a very strong and determined woman with just the right amount of vulnerability to make Paul Sorvino and Burton Cummings's characters want to protect her and fall in love with her.

Burton's acting was spot on, he's so charming and entertaining and his performance was effortless and natural. His singing is an especially great treat but I must confess that I did have to pause, rewind and re-watch that one particular scene a few times over. Thank goodness the sheet music was big enough!

I absolutely love this movie. It is one of the best movies I have seen, Why can't we buy it?

Where can I go to ask someone to put it in publication? It is a must to see. It is a great family movie. I guarantee anyone who see's this movie will love it.

Glynnis O'Conner is awesome in this, so is Burton Cummings.

Great music that Burton sings. Don Johnson is great in this movie.

All the people who are cast in this movie are great.

It's also a great love story. I wish I could find this movie. I will get several copy's for friends and family.

I, too, am surprised this movie isn't more popular. I wouldn't rest until I got a copy on eBay, as it is so hard to find. Although several years had elapsed between viewings, I found it as fresh and meaningful as the first time I viewed it. Glynnis O'Connor (whatever happened to her?) is charming and believable as the illiterate but tough and determined mother who will do anything to get her child back. Don Johnson is chillingly evil - or maybe just plain mean - as the redneck husband and father and his performance is excellent, one of his very best (although brief). Paul Sorvino is low-key and believable as the mentor who teaches Melanie to read and changes her life. And who knew Burton Cummings was a really good actor? All in all, a very heartwarming movie, but not sappy or insulting to the intelligence. I highly recommend it for everyone but young children (the sight of Don smacking Glynnis' character around might be hard to take).

I have loved this money ever since I saw it for the first time in 1982! initially, it may be the fact it is based on an Arkansas girl.....and I am PROUD to be one myself!

Love to actors and especially LOVE the soundtrack!

I have to say the only part I dislike, and I know it was for special "color".......is the scene where Glynnis (Melanie) and Carl (Don Johnson) are fighting and Don is wearing an "Arkansas Razorback" shirt! We do NOT support spousal abuse!!

Woooo Pigssss Soooiiieeeee! Go HOGS!!

If you have not seen this movie, find a way to see it!!

Thanks!

It's unfathomable why this film isn't more widely seen and loved. The tale of a young illiterate rural housewife who ventures to the big city to retrieve her child has so much to offer the average viewer: Melanie learns to read, falls in love, redeems the career of a dissolute singer. All the performances are terrific, especially that of Glynnis O'Connor, always an underappreciated talent. Burton Cummings of the Guess Who also gives a good performance, and throws in a few songs. Paul Sorvino and Don Johnson are also thrown into the mix. I recommend this to my friends and acquaintances every chance I get.