Tender Mercies (1983)

Tender Mercies (1983)
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Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall), a once-famous country western singer, wakes up broke, alone and hung over in a tiny Texas motel run by widowed Rosa Lee (Tess Harper). Having nowhere else to go, Sledge takes a job at the motel, and through the kindness and faith of Rosa he changes his self-destructive ways. He marries Rosa (after he's baptized at her urging) and becomes a father/pal to her son (Allan Hubbard). Given an opportunity to make a comeback, Sledge considers leaving his new family behind, but after a reunion with his own unhappy daughter (Ellen Barkin), he vows never again to ruin anyone else's life. A simple story simply told, Tender Mercies is a warm, persuasive tale of redemption, with Robert Duvall giving one of his finest performances. Also appearing is Betty Buckley as Duvall's ex-wife, a Dolly Parton-type country star, and Wilford Brimley as Duvall's former manager. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Robert DuvallTess Harper, (more)
Director(s):
Bruce Beresford
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of Tender Mercies

Mac Sledge (Robert Duvall), a once-famous country western singer, wakes up broke, alone and hung over in a tiny Texas motel run by widowed Rosa Lee (Tess Harper). Having nowhere else to go, Sledge takes a job at the motel, and through the kindness and faith of Rosa he changes his self-destructive ways. He marries Rosa (after he's baptized at her urging) and becomes a father/pal to her son (Allan Hubbard). Given an opportunity to make a comeback, Sledge considers leaving his new family behind, but after a reunion with his own unhappy daughter (Ellen Barkin), he vows never again to ruin anyone else's life. A simple story simply told, Tender Mercies is a warm, persuasive tale of redemption, with Robert Duvall giving one of his finest performances. Also appearing is Betty Buckley as Duvall's ex-wife, a Dolly Parton-type country star, and Wilford Brimley as Duvall's former manager. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
92 mins

Complete Cast of Tender Mercies


Director(s):
Bruce Beresford
Writer(s):
Horton Foote
Producer(s):
Robert DuvallHorton FootePhilip Hobel
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Adult Situations, Adult Language, Questionable for Children)
Tender Mercies Awards:
  • 1983 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
  • 1983 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actor
  • 1983 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Actor
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Member Reviews
 
Jill S.

It is hard to believe I had never seen this sweet, beautiful movie before. Robert Duvall's talent abounds; he's a down and out song writer/musician who had to hit bottom before he pulled himself up, and with the aid of the very young widow played by beautiful Tess Harper. This is a must see.

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John B.

this is a little gem of a film. superbly acted and directed. robert duvall at his best. and the music is wonderfukl. i didn't know he could sing.

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Terri C.

Robert Duvall is truly one of the most talented actors ever! Tender Mercies was a wonderful story and goes to show that you don't need millions of dollars to make a good film. In fact, the "low budget" aspect of this movie made it so believable and depicted Texas and this lifestyle brilliantly. This is certainly not a fast-moving story, but not at all boring. I'm sure this movie inspired Robert Duvall's work on Crazy Heart.

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