A Prairie Home Companion

[Lincsong]

Supposedly came out last month in June. In very few theaters. But, HBO kept running a half-hour preview of it all the time. Supposed to be about a radio program in 1940's Minneapolis. Starring Lindsay Lohan, Merryl Streep, Wood Harrelson, Keven Kline. Any seen this one? Played in two theaters that were 20 miles away and I said "the heck with that. wait till its on DVD".

 

[VintageJess]

Hmm, hopefully our LizzieMaine will chime in here, or you might want to PM her. I think I recall her saying that they have been playing it at the theater that she works at...she might have some good gouge for ya!!

 

[Lincsong]

It came and it went. No one has mentioned it.[huh] Also, what the big deal with Lindsay Lohan? Looks average to me.

 

[VintageJess]

Also, what the big deal with Lindsay Lohan? Looks average to me.

You've got me on that one, dear...[huh]

She's got nothing on these dames:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=8842

 

[LizzieMaine]

Aw, gee, I loved loved loved this movie! I saw it nine times over a two week run -- seven of them from the booth and two from the audience -- and I could easily see it a few more. I also did a special talk introducing it for a special presentation, putting it into broadcasting-history context and explaining some it its more obscure aspects.

It's based on the actual Prairie Home Companion program -- heard Saturday nights at 6 over your local public radio station. But the movie version is sort of an alternate-universe version of the show, in which it's a small, local feature about to be cancelled by the new owners of the station. While it's set in contemporary times, one character, the bumbling detective Guy Noir, seems to be stuck in his own personal bubble of 1946, and no one finds this the least bit worthy of comment.

The plot is -- odd -- but the music is wonderful. It's very much in the manner of the music featured on the actual program, sort of traditional Carter Family type rural, mixed with bits of gospel and twenties-influenced jazz, and is performed live on stage by the cast with no pre-recording and no dubbing.

The cast is a mix of Hollywood talent and actual people from the radio show. I thought Streep, Woody Harrelson, and John C. Reilly were outstanding, and Kevin Kline added some hilarious deadpan physical schtick, and he looked wicked fine in his Guy Noir double-breasted suit, fedora, and Tom Dewey moustache (which he sets on fire while trying to suavely light his cigarette.) Lindsay Lohan had a rather small role as Streep's emo-teen daughter, but she brought down the house with her rendition of "Frankie and Johnny", with lyrics that didn't quite match the original.

Our audiences really went for this one -- it was the biggest draw we've had in 2006, and is one of the three all-time top drawing films since the theatre reopened last year. And even though it closed a week ago, people are still telling us how much they enjoyed it.

 

[Brad Bowers]

I've always enjoyed Keillor's radio show, and have been waiting for the local art cinema to get the film. I don't know how soon it will be, but they've had the one-sheet up for a week or so advertising in advance.

Brad

 

[Nathan Dodge]

I am a huge fan of TPHC & Keillor (since 1996) but despite that, I haven't gone to see the movie because I'm just not a fan of Robert Altman's. He has his usual cronies in the movie (Lily Tomlin, Meryl Streep) and I'm never interested in their work, or his. I'll have to catch it on cable, if it ever gets there.

 

[scotrace]

Kevin Kline as Guy Noir

 

[Gray Ghost]

Guy Noir

Guy Noir is my favorite character. I enjoy the program mainly due to it being similarly done as the old radio shows. I love sitting by my 1940's reproduction stereo and listening to the program. I wish Garrison would do an entire radio program on just Guy Noir. I think it would be great. We should start a Guy Noir Fan Club.

Gray Ghost

 

[Gray Ghost]

Guy Noir

Found these links, hope they work.

Guy Noir T-Shirts
http://www.prettygoodgoods.org/product/show/4630

Guy Noir Mug
http://www.prettygoodgoods.org/product/show/4179

Guy Noir Book
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=62-1565119568-0

Guy Noir CD
http://www.audiobooksonline.com/sho...son_Keillor_original_radio_compact_discs.html

Gray Ghost