Coward of the County

This is a somewhat low-budget, predictable made-for-TV movie made in 1981 starring Kenny Rogers - who sang the song the movie was based on a few years earlier.

Still, some movies are just so relatable that no one can dislike them.

Is there anyone who can't relate to being harassed and belittled by bullies who just wouldn't leave you alone?

Is there anyone who can't relate the feelings that accompany the bullying? Anger, shame... and guilt? That maybe you're more responsible than the bullies for your predicament?

Is there anyone who can't relate to the scene in which the bullies finally get pulverized as the same one you played in your head over and over again at one time or another in middle or high school - even if it never actually happened in real life?

A lot of people say they like Shakespeare - even though I suspect many of them just don't want to admit Shakespeare doesn't really grab them on a personal level.

Anyone who says they don't like Coward of the Country - well I suspect they just don't want to admit how gratifying it was to see what Tommy Spencer finally did - after he stopped and locked the door.

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.

Made for TV movie based on the Kenny Rogers hit record of the same name that was released two years earlier in 1979, if you know the song then you will know the plot of this film. Set in an American small town in 1941, the USA has just entered World War Two as a result of the Japanese bombing of Pearl harbour. Some real black and white archive newsreels are shown. Young men are eager to sign up for the military, all that is except for Tommy Spencer who is known as "yellow" amongst the local bullies for his pacifist beliefs. If you know the song then you will know that he is pushed until he can hold back no more. Country singer Kenny Rogers plays his Uncle Matthew, once a hellraiser, now a man of the church who has a constant supply of words of wisdom. Kenny is good fun but I don't think that I would be mean in saying that his acting skills aren't as good as his singing. Overall the cast is pretty good. As mentioned this was made for TV and as a result the gang rape scene or it's direct aftermath are not seen, merely implied. Likewise the barroom fight finale is very exaggerated with flimsy props easily breaking and it is rather amusing, Kenny seemed to be enjoying himself! Legend TV (UK) recently screened this in its 4:3 ratio, sadly the picture quality was rather poor the the film itself was a good drama/love story.

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.

A sappy story based on a sappy song. Kenny Rogers in not an actor, and does discredit to the screen. The direction and editing is horrible from face cuts to inexplainable textures. The supporting actors are exceptional. Maybe the film is worth watching only for Noble Willingham. But I can't recommend you spend two hours watching this tripe.