Main Cast: Sissy Spacek, Eric Roberts, William Sanderson, Tracey Walker, Henry Thomas
Release Year: 1981
Country: US
Run Time: 94 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Plot
Sissy Spacek was directed by her husband Jack Fisk in 1981's Raggedy Man. Spacek plays a divorced mother of two who tries to go it alone in mid-1940s Texas. Shunned by the "respectable" townsfolk because of her marital breakup, Spacek must endure the unwanted attentions of every low-life man in the community. Enter Eric Roberts, a young sailor who becomes both friend and protector to Spacek and her sons. Once Roberts is called to active duty, however, Spacek is supposedly left at the mercy of the menacing "raggedy man"-a scuzzy ragpicker, played by Sam Shepard, whose intentions aren't what they seem. Leisurely paced for most of its running time, Raggedy Man takes a disturbing violent turn in its last half hour. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
Filmed in lovely, muted colors and often in dim settings, Raggedy Man has a nostalgic, wistful visual appeal that matches the gentleness with which most of the film is directed. Touchingly lyrical and romantic for the first three-quarters of the film, it takes a sudden U-turn into horror/thriller territory in the last quarter. Although this last section is as well done as the first, it seems as if the two parts don't belong together. This discrepancy in style ultimately damages the film, but not fatally. Director Jack Fisk draws a remarkably detailed performance from real-life wife Sissy Spacek. It's a cliché to say that the way a director films his wife reveals how much he loves her, but it's also undeniable that Spacek has never looked as beautiful -- verging on angelic at times -- as she does here. She's rarely acted better either, achingly conveying love for her children that is as palpable as the loneliness she hides inside. Spacek's actions speak as loud as her words, as when her expression when touching a gift of nylon stockings tells more about her life than any dialogue scene could. Eric Roberts also turns in a strong performance that effectively taps into his nicer side. Spacek would follow Raggedy Man with another strong showing in Missing. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Carey Hollis, Jr. - Henry; R.G. Armstrong - Rigby; Sam Shepard - Bailey; LuBelle Camp - Miss Beulah; Joe Finnegan; Jessie Lee Fulton - Miss Pud; Ed Geldart - Mr. Calloway; James Harrell - Ticket Taker; Lupe Juarez - Crescencio, the barkeeper; Suzi McLaughlin - Jean Lester; Bill Thurman - Sheriff; Marvin Gardner - Pilot
Credit
John J. Lloyd - Art Director, Joe Tompkins - Costume Designer, Jack Fisk - Director, Edward Warschilka - Editor, Bette Iverson - Hair Styles, Jerry Goldsmith - Composer (Music Score), Ralf Bode - Cinematographer, Terry Nelson - Producer, William D. Wittliff - Producer, Burt Weissbourd - Producer, John K. Kean - Sound/Sound Designer, William D. Wittliff - Screenwriter
The story is about people in the small Texas town of Gregory during World War II.
Plot Sissy Spacek plays a divorced mother of two who tries to go it alone in mid-1940s Texas. Shunned by the "respectable" townsfolk because of her marital breakup, Spacek must endure the unwanted attentions of every low-life man in the community. Enter Eric Roberts, a young sailor who becomes both friend and protector to Spacek and her sons. Once Roberts is called to active duty, however, Spacek is supposedly left at the mercy of the menacing "raggedy man"-a scuzzy ragpicker, played by Sam Shepard, whose intentions aren't what they seem.
