Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)

Sissy Spacek won a well deserved Academy Award for her immensely appealing performance as country music legend Loretta Lynn, in this likable and satisfying biopic. Loretta is all of 13 in the post WWII years when outgoing Doolittle "Mooney" Lynn (Tommy Lee Jones) begins courting her. Soon, she's settled into a life of domesticity, where it seems that she might stay, but Mooney recognizes that she has a gift for music and buys her an acoustic guitar for an anniversary present. Then it's only time before her talents start earning her success in a tough and busy field.It's true that the second half does gloss over some of the "down side" details, but for the most part this is a respectable movie treatment of Lorettas' life. It benefits from the straightforward approach of British director Michael Apted, capable storytelling, fine use of locations (and thus, plenty of flavorful atmosphere), lots of great music, and, most of all, the excellent performances by a well chosen cast. Sissy is radiant and just wonderful, and did her own singing, to boot. Co-star Beverly D'Angelo likewise did her own singing for her performance as another music legend, Patsy Cline. Jones is superb playing a character whom you think at first might turn out to be a real heel, but Mooney does genuinely love Loretta, and he never doubts that Loretta is destined for big things. Levon Helm, drummer and singer for rock group The Band, makes his acting debut as Lorettas' coal miner father, and he also feels completely authentic. Making an impact in smaller roles are character actors like William Sanderson, Bob Elkins, and Bob Hannah. Entertainers Ernest Tubb, Merle Kilgore, Roy Acuff, and Minnie Pearl make cameo appearances.Scripted by Tom Rickman, from the autobiography that Loretta wrote with George Vecsey, "Coal Miner's Daughter" is a solid example of Americana, and remains compelling due to having a main character for whom one can easily root.Eight out of 10.

Loretta Lynn (Sissy Spacek) is born to the poor Webbs in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky. She is 13 when she catches the eye of Doolittle Lynn (Tommy Lee Jones) when he returns from the war as a dashing soldier. Soon they're married and she's a mother of 4 by the time she's 19. He buys her a secondhand guitar for their anniversary as she goes on a long journey to country music fame.This is a tour de force performance from Sissy Spacek. She is asked to take on quite a long length of her life. Of course, she's never going to look 13 but Sissy gives as much of that perception as possible. Loretta Lynn comes from a poverty stricken life that is Dickensian. Her rise is the stuff of legends. Through it all, Sissy Spacek gives an Oscar worthy performance. She is believable as a love sick 13 year old as well as a suffering middle age woman. It is as much about her acting than any makeup or lack thereof.

If you are wondering why and how Coal Miner's Daughter got made here is the history. In l980 I worked for Bernie Schwartz, the producer of this film. There was a "Reader's Digest Condensed Book" sitting on the coffee table in the front office. I picked it up and read "Loretta Lynn's Story." I finished it and thought it would be a good TV film. I went to Bernie and told him. He called Ned Tanen, Head of Universal Pictures. He saw him the next day and got a deal. Ned figured at the very least they could sell the album since Loretta Lynn recorded for MCA records. They also owned Universal. Bernie then called Thom Rickman, who wrote it. The Englsh director, Apted, came over to direct it and they got Sissy. Ironically, I read the book because the scripts I had been reading were boring. And what happened to me.. .

This is one of the great American films. It has so many strengths. The father-daughter bond. The great affection and unselfishness of Lynn's husband in not just supporting her, but steadfastingly urging her to perform. The fantastic, understated but focused performances of Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones that conveys a genuine affection. The way the film depicts a strong, proud Southern culture, even in the father's funeral scene. The close friendship of Lynn with Patsy Cline is a film in itself; how, instead of seeing Lynn as a threat, Cline embraces her and encourages her to forge her own career. Finally, more than 30 years since its release, Coal Miner's Daughter stands the test of time, because it's genuinely a film with heart and soul.