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Cher as Sissy, the tart with a coronary heart. Robert Altman directed Cher in
“Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean,”
first on Broadway after which on movie. |
Director Robert Altman was not an admirer of Hollywood’s
star-making mythology. Which was precisely what drew the film maverick to Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean,
Jimmy Dean, novice playwright Ed Graczyk’s have a look at the draw back of star
worship. Satirically, Altman forged probably the most glowing of stars, Cher, as one in every of
the leads.
This was a stunning collaboration, however a appropriate one,
as each Altman and Cher had been outspoken contrarians who liked bucking Hollywood
norms. The director and star had been additionally each at profession crossroads, in order that they every
had a aim: Altman to regulate his personal work and Cher to indicate that she might act.
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| Cher and Robert Altman, an unlikely duo, acquired on simply wonderful for “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.” |
Altman was famously contentious towards the Hollywood studio
system. He gained a whole lot of clout after 1975’s Nashville. However he misplaced all of it with a string of flops and a
very disappointing blockbuster, Popeye.
That, plus Altman’s feuds and lawsuits made him persona non grata with movie
studios.
As for Cher, she had made an enormous comeback as a TV celebrity
within the ’70s. The draw back was that her flamboyant picture made it laborious for a lot of individuals
to take her severely. In truth, when Cher talked to Bob about her want to
act, famously blunt Altman requested her simply how was he supposed to inform if she
had any expertise, from the crap that she had achieved on TV. Thoughts you, Altman acquired his
begin on tv, directing Bonanza
and Surfside 6, and different TV fluff.
When discussing his films, straight shooter Cher advised him that he ruined Popeye for her.
***Spoiler alerts from right here on***
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| The Disciples of James Dean circa 1955, in 1982’s “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.” |
Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean,
Jimmy Dean is ready in a
fictional small Texas city, September 30, 1975—the twentieth anniversary of James
Dean’s premature loss of life. An area fan membership, The Disciples of James Dean, is holding
a reunion in his honor. The highschool friends are a mixture of those that acquired away
from the dying city, and people who sought consolation in staying behind. Their
reunion reveals damaged desires, resentments, and long-kept secrets and techniques. The gathering
is knowledgeable by flashbacks of 20 years earlier, when James Dean got here to close by
Marfa to movie Large. The native teenagers
are thrilled, particularly Mona, who takes idol worship to the acute. With homosexual
Joe as a keen sidekick, they go to Marfa to be extras on the movie. Mona
later claims that she turned pregnant by Dean from one night time stand. That is
made extra dramatic when Dean has his deadly automobile crash that September. Mona’s
associates Juanita, Sissy, Stella Mae, and Edna Louise do not query this daring
declare. Nor do the locals, as publicizing the son of James Dean is a short-lived
boon to the dying berg. Joe, who has been outed in a traumatic manner, fled city
shortly after.
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| No, this is not “The Witches of West Hollywood!” Director Robert Altman surrounded by his “Jimmy Dean” stars: Sandy Dennis, Karen Black, & Cher. |
Altman and Cher labored on the stage and movie variations of Jimmy Dean, and she or he made cameos in his The Participant and Able to Put on.
Altman took a giant likelihood casting performing beginner Cher in a Broadway play. Later,
when Bob wished to movie Jimmy Dean,
he approached Cher to star. She was already set to look in Mike Nichols’ Silkwood, and was prepared to maneuver on. When
Bob stated he could not get monetary backing with out her, she stated sure to repay
his religion in her.
Sandy Dennis and Karen Black had each labored with Bob Altman
earlier than and adored him. Like Sinatra, Cher is a type of stars who get bored
simply. Altman’s quick, improvisational model suited Cher, and she or he liked him, as
properly. One one that did not love all this was the playwright, Ed Graczyk. He
felt Altman’s model was altering the play and complained about Cher’s altering
a few of her strains. Graczyk, who handed away this April, 2026, aired his
grievances in a DVD commentary interview a dozen years in the past. He ignored the very fact
that if it wasn’t for Altman, the play would not have been dropped at Broadway.
And if it wasn’t for Cher, his play would not have been made right into a film. Ah,
showbiz!
When Altman auditioned Cher, it was initially to learn for
Joanne, the flashy thriller lady. However Cher requested if she might learn for Sissy,
the good-hearted floozy—a sensible transfer on Cher’s half. The baroque Joanne may
have made Cher tougher to just accept as an actress. However Sissy’s brash heat was
good for Cher. This occurred once more later with The Witches of Eastwick, the place Cher was to play the position Susan
Sarandon ultimately performed. Once more, Cher was higher forged because the no-nonsense witch
who might inform off Jack Nicholson’s sexy little satan. Unsure how Black and
Sarandon felt!
In the course of the quick Broadway run, two of the Jimmy Dean actresses got here to Altman,
saying Cher was “too alive” in sure scenes. Bob relayed this to
Cher, who requested what she ought to do. Altman stated, “Hold doing what you are
doing.”
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Cher in rehearsals for the Broadway model of “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.” |
Sandy Dennis was not
a type of actresses. She was comfy with large stars. Dennis and
Elizabeth Taylor acquired on properly in Who’s
Afraid of Virginia Woolf? They even had burping contests to alleviate the
movie’s rigidity. Sandy loved Cher’s potty mouth and raunchy jokes, they usually turned
friends.
Whereas the critics usually praised the actresses, the play
acquired dangerous notices. Jimmy Dean was
written in ’76, made it to Broadway in ’81, with the movie model made in ’82.
The playwright was clearly impressed by mid-century giants Tennessee Williams
and William Inge. They had been each quickly thought of passé right now, so
somebody writing one thing by-product of their period was definitely going to get
dismissed. And the massive reveal that Mona did not conceive her love youngster by James
Dean, however by homosexual pal Joe, felt a bit just like the revelation about George and
Martha’s youngster in Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid
of Virginia Woolf?
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Whereas “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” was not successful, it garnered good critiques for its stars, particularly performing beginner Cher. |
The critics could have been proper, however there’s nonetheless some
advantage to this play. The characters are genuine and so is the social
panorama. The playwright lived in Midland, Texas for 5 years and visited
Marfa, the place Large was filmed.
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| The movie model of “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” was basically a filmed play, with some particular results for the flashbacks. All achieved in 19 days! |
And as somebody who grew up in a small Higher, MI city and
moved again a lot later, the characters and their attitudes really feel genuine.
A number of of those remind me of native characters that I’ve identified in my hometown
of Manistique. I’ve not learn the unique play, however have seen it carried out
domestically, and did not discover it radically totally different from Altman’s Broadway or
filmed model. I didn’t suppose the play was trailblazing, however discovered it
considerate and entertaining.
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“Jimmy Dean” was a serious first step in Robert Altman’s profession comeback. |
Bob Altman’s depiction of this slice of small city life is
skillfully woven. A reminiscence play, using the previous is completed with mirrors,
home windows, lighting, music, and dialogue cues, all expertly achieved. The previous is
at all times in our current, as director Joseph Mankiewicz as soon as wrote, which Altman
explores right here.
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Some easy however efficient methods of exhibiting flashbacks from 20 years prior, in 1982’s “Jimmy Dean.” |
And I believed the choice to have the mature actors play
their youthful selves was a creative and economical determination that works. Altman
invested his personal cash for the play and the financing to movie the play referred to as
for it to be achieved in simply 19 days. I feel Jimmy
Dean is a phenomenal presentation.
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“Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” is ready September 30, 1975, and likewise 20 years earlier, the day James Dean died. |
I used to be sadly shocked to seek out
that lots of the forged members of Jimmy
Dean died prematurely. Sandy Dennis died in 1992 at 54, of ovarian most cancers.
Karen Black died in 2013 at 74 of ampullary most cancers. Sudie Bond died in 1984 at
61, of a respiratory ailment. Marta Heflin died in 2013 at age 68 of a
extended sickness. Mark Patton continues to be with us at 66 of this writing, however has
recurrences of AIDS-related sickness. On the upside, Kathy Bates will flip 78
June 28, is slimmed down and starring in Matlock.
And Cher, a primary wave child boomer, turns 80 Might 20.
And director Robert
Altman died in 2006 at 81. Writing all this jogs my memory of the ultimate scene of Jimmy Dean, with the dime retailer later disintegrated
with time, and characters light away.
Your complete forged is superb of Jimmy Dean. Robert Altman
liked actors and at all times gave every of his their second to shine.
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Marta Heflin as candy Edna Louise, in 1982’s “Jimmy Dean.” |
Marta Heflin as Edna Louise: Heflin had big expressive eyes
and an awesome smile, which made her good for the candy character that’s at all times
pregnant. You will find it irresistible when her child-like Edna Louise lastly stands as much as
Bates’ bossy bully, Stella Mae.
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Kathy Bates as bully Stella Mae in 1982’s “Jimmy Dean.” |
Kathy Bates as Stella Mae: This was the start of Bates
trajectory to stardom. By the start of the subsequent decade, Kathy can be a
Finest Actress Oscar winner for Distress.
As Stella Mae, Bates mixes brash humor and a nasty edge because the alleged pleased
member of the group who must ridicule Edna Louise.
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Sudie Bond as Jesus loving, fly swatting Juanita in 1982’s “Jimmy Dean.” |
Sudie Bond as Juanita: Bond is provides a feisty, real looking efficiency as
Bible-banging Juanita, proprietor of the fading 5 and dime retailer. She clings
to faith and unrealistic reminiscence of her late husband. Sudie performs the position
even-handedly, each irritating but empathetic. Bond would co-star subsequent with Cher in
Silkwood, as Thelma, as in
“Thelma acquired cooked!”
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Mark Patton as Joe, with Sandy Dennis as Mona, in 1982’s “Jimmy Dean.” |
Mark Patton as Joe: The position of the bullied homosexual boy hit house
for Patton, each in his early years in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri and in Hollywood.
His life turned fraught. Uninterested in hiding that he was homosexual, Patton left the biz
after discovering he had AIDS. Patton just lately got here again, together with a
documentary on his life and the way he is turned it round in Scream Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Avenue.
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Karen Black because the mysterious Joanne, in 1982’s “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.” |
Karen Black as Joanne: Black performs this difficult position
straightforwardly for probably the most half. The play, director, and star deal with the
transsexual plotline realistically and empathetically. When Black makes her
revelation, Karen goes a bit large, however it’s not out of character in such a
small city melodrama. Black performs the Joanne’s blended emotions about her previous
associates authentically. And whereas everybody leaves with no laborious emotions, it is
not all heat and fuzzy.
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Sandy Dennis because the fervent fan of James Dean, in “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.” |
Sandy Dennis as Mona: Dennis has her juiciest position since
Honey in Virginia Woolf. Sandy’s Mona
is definitely the starring position. The movie and stage star provides one in every of her
quirkiest performances, along with her arsenal of Sandy-isms. One of many highlights
is when Cher’s Sissy mocks the mannerisms of Sandy/Mona. But her Mona has many
highly effective moments as her facade crumbles away like her beloved ranch from the Large set.
Surrounded by well-meaning associates, Dennis’ Delta Daybreak is enabled
to dwell her 20 12 months daydream that she gave delivery to the son of James Dean. Her
dysfunctional dream additionally perpetuates the lie that son Jimmy Dean is mentally
challenged. Mona additionally makes use of her “extreme” bronchial asthma to keep away from any uncomfortable life conditions.
So when Sissy and Joanne burst Mona’s bubbles one after the other, you’re handled to
some stellar Sandy performing moments. Whereas it is enjoyable to observe Dennis go large,
Sandy’s simply as expert within the small moments, as when Mona slowly realizes Joanne
actually is definitely Joe. Or when Mona confesses why she advised her life-long
whopper. Mona is one in every of Sandy
Dennis’ greatest misfit portrayals.
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Sandy Dennis as Mona sees the sunshine in 1982’s “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean.” |
Cher as Sissy: For her solely time on Broadway, Cher acquired some
severe reward because the small city “tart with a coronary heart.” Some critics
had been amazed that Cher had any precise expertise, whereas others had been extra reserved in
their reward. To me, Cher had already advanced as a performer, from a deadpan
teen idol within the ’60s to an more and more polished TV star within the ’70s to a solo
star on TV and in concert events. Why not Cher the movie actress, too? It simply confirmed
how sturdy Cher’s tabloid picture had change into as soon as she left Sonny. This led Cher
to go to NYC and research performing. A mis-dialed name from Cher’s mother to her pal,
Mrs. Altman, asking for Cher, acquired Mr. Altman to questioning what Cher can be
like in his newest undertaking. Although the manufacturing was short-lived, phrase of
mouth was good about Cher. Mike Nichols got here to see her backstage. He as soon as
questioned her expertise and got here with an apology reward, a task in Silkwood.
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Cher as Sissy, with Sudie Bond, in “Jimmy Dean.” Cher actually jogs my memory of future co-star Olympia Dukakis right here. |
First, Cher agreed to movie Jimmy Dean. The critiques for the movie had been higher. And there was
some Oscar discuss, however the most effective supporting actress class was crammed with
sturdy nominees that 12 months. Nonetheless, Cher provides a powerful efficiency because the
tough-talking Sissy, who has a secret of her personal. Cher’s pleasant, watching
her tweak Bond’s religious Juanita, whereas telling deluded Sandy’s Mona to
snap out of it. However her large second comes when Joanne dares her to inform
what actually has change into of Sissy’s lengthy distance marriage, amongst different issues that
are MIA. Cher completely performs her monologue, along with her trademark stoicism and
humor, which makes it much more touching. And he or she holds her personal with Sandy
Dennis of their more and more indignant blowouts. That is Cher pre-plastic surgical procedure,
and she or he is totally pure in look and efficiency. Part of me
needs that she would have continued on this path, however by the ’90s, Cher
realized there was more cash to be made in her 401K years as “ageless”
Cher.
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Cher as Sissy, was an performing revelation to many individuals, in 1982’s “Jimmy Dean.” However to not me! |
Whereas she wasn’t in it for the lengthy haul, Cher gave a string
of strong performances in Jimmy Dean, Silkwood, Masks, The Witches of Eastwick,
Suspect, Moonstruck, Mermaids, and
Tea With Mussolini.
By the point the stage and movie model of Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean,
Jimmy Dean was achieved, Robert Altman and Cher’s careers regularly acquired again on
observe. Altman did a couple of extra filmed performs earlier than getting again to options like The Participant and Gosford Park. He buried the hatchet with Hollywood when he acquired
an honorary Oscar in 2006.
Come Again to the 5 and Dime,
Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean
could haven’t been a groundbreaking play, however there are some truths that
director Altman and the forged illuminate superbly with their
collaboration.
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The gang of “Come Again to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” sing “Sincerely” for previous occasions sake. |
My deep dive into Cher’s memoirs:
https://ricksrealreel.blogspot.com/2025/05/chers-memoir-brings-back-memories-for.html
A testomony to the charms of Moonstruck is
that it’s remained a favourite over the many years. My tackle Cher’s best hour on movie: https://ricksrealreel.blogspot.com/2021/05/cher-shines-in-modern-classic.html
Guided by Robert
Altman, McCabe & Mrs. Miller comes
collectively gracefully as among the finest movies of the ‘70s. My look:
https://ricksrealreel.blogspot.com/2018/01/mccabe-mrs-miller-1971.html
My have a look at the Texas epic Giant here:
https://ricksrealreel.blogspot.com/2016/11/1956s-giant-timely-and-timeless-epic.html
