For good or for ill, I managed to purchase my local Dollar Tree's last copy (so far as I could tell, anyway) of "The Pride of Jesse Hallam," featuring Johnny Cash. This is a double-sided disc that includes "Door-To-Door Maniac," another Cash film I have yet to view.
The made-for-television "Pride" is an overly heavy-handed attempt to mainstream the discussion of adult illiteracy. The situations showcasing Cash's inability to read are almost laughable at times.
On the upside, you get a pretty good character performance from screen legend Eli Wallach, who is taking a chance on Johnny to help run his business.
And the movie's music, of course, comes strictly from Cash. However, the majority of the tunes are sheer 1980s twang – little is memorable.
I do recall seeing this movie on one UHF station or another from time to time as a kid. The scene that stuck with me from years gone by is Cash's quick scolding from Wallach in the Cincinnati farmers market. For some reason, that exchange was the only part I could recall later. Now, I have it on DVD to enjoy again and again.
As a side technical note, this is one of the worst transfers imaginable. Dark and dirty with some missing audio to boot, this edition is really only worth a dollar at best.
1 comment:
I have been wanting a copy of this film for years but could not remember the name. Now that I know, I can spend hours scouring local dollar stores in search of my own cherished copy!
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