The Stars Fell on Henrietta

I saw this movie, because I'm a big fan of the produced Clint Eastwood. I did not expect too much though, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's not anything big, but it describes the time period in a convincing manner, and Duvall is good as the ever unlucky oil man. The important thing to me is that I was in a good mood when the movie was over. (7/10)

I also regret this movie not being in wide release. The oil derricks were authentic for the period. I was part of the security for this film. Some interesting facts were that during one night an old barn owl made it into the set, and the interior of the house had to be re-blocked. A severe thunderstorm also damaged some of the vintage cars that were parked under a tent. The production crew were wonderful and very hospitable. Malpaso Productions is a first rate organization. The producer, Clint Eastwood was very personable and great to work for. I only wish this film was released in wide release. Maybe at some point it will be on DVD.

Set in the 1930s at Henrietta, Texas, near Wichita Falls. Don Day is a farmer. He and his family are surviving on cornbread. Robert Duvall plays Mr. Cox, an oil prospecting expert. A realistic dust storm is shown. Mr. Cox tells Don Day that there is oil under his land, although the area is thought to be dry by the oil drilling industry. Don Day bets everything he has on striking oil. He pulls a drilling rig home with his Fordson. Mr. Cox is a decent sort of a man, but the oil drilling industry has some unsavory characters in it. They do strike oil, and pressure blows the pipes out of the ground. Don't know if this is a true story, but seems like it could have been.

This movie does an outstanding job of reclaiming the human spirit. Robert Duvall's character believes in himself and strongly adheres to his gut feelings, when everyone else treats him with humiliation or passes him off as a quack. For people to have faith in their dreams and keep their dignity in the face of all diversity are wonderful things. Hitch your wagon to a star sweetheart, I've lived my life by that (one of the best movie quotes in the world).

This movie does an outstanding job of reclaiming the human spirit. Robert Duvall's character believes in himself and strongly adheres to his gut feelings, when everyone else treats him with humiliation or passes him off as a quack. For people to have faith in their dreams and keep their dignity in the face of all diversity are wonderful things. Hitch your wagon to a star sweetheart, I've lived my life by that (one of the best movie quotes in the world).