Goin' South

 

Moviedrome Introduction

Film Details

Release Date: 1978

Director: Jack Nicholson

Stars

Jack Nicholson as Henry Lloyd Moon 

Mary Steenburgen as Julia Tate

Christopher Lloyd as Towfield 

John Belushi as Deputy Hector 

Plot Summary

Henry Moon (Jack Nicholson) is a charming but inept outlaw captured after illegally crossing the Mexican border. In a small Texas town, a strange local law allows condemned men to be spared hanging if a woman agrees to marry them. A prim and proper Southern lady, Julia Tate (Mary Steenburgen in her film debut), takes him up on the offer—not for love, but because she needs a strong back to help her mine gold on her property.

The mismatched pair clash repeatedly, as Julia tries to maintain control and Henry resists being domesticated. Over time, however, their dynamic shifts, and a reluctant romantic bond begins to form amid comic misadventures and threats from Moon's former gang and the local authorities.

Personal History

Never heard of it.

Current Review

Hated it from the minute it started. Cliched.... man about to be hanged gets a reprieve through a weird law. He more or less becomes a slave worker to the very different Mary Steenburgen (possibly the best thing in the film). They are mismatched. Of course, they fall for each other.

Its meant to be a western but that means that it Jack Nicholson looking very rough and a few horses.

Its meant to be comedy but there are no laughs. Unless you find Nicholson gurning and prancing around in longjohns. John Belushi, Danny DeVito and Christopher Lloyd all hopelessly wasted. Especially Belushi, with an appalling Mexican accent. 

When comedians are unfunny

I was left with the feeling the whole exercise was just an excuse for some mates to have a good old drink up and waste some studio money.

Quirky Facts

Jack Nicholson once said jokingly of this movie: "The director of this film is one selfish, demanding egomaniac, and the leading man isn't much better. All he wants to do is lie down in front of an air conditioner the whole day!"

Belushi became progressively more sulky as filming dragged on, and partly in response to his behavior, his role seemed to shrink.

Quotes

Nothing of interest.

Future Inspiration

I think it should be left there, don't you?