Get to the Heart: The Barbara Mandrell Story (1997) - full transcript

( Audience applauding, cheering )

Woman:We love you, Barbara!

You made it, girl!

Dolly:Pretty as a picture, Barbara, love you, Barbara!

And ready to knock'em dead.

Oh, all thosepeople out there--

and ready I'm not sure'em dead.I can do this.

Well,of course you can.

Come on, girl.This is your bigt surecomeback performance.S.

I've never hadstage fright before.

Mother and daddyalways told methat I could do



anything I wantedto do if I just setmy mind to it.

Mother and daddyalways told methat I could dand I did.

Anything I wantedi never was afraidust setof anything,ind to it.

Not anything.

Mom, I can do it.

Okay. Well,we just find those noteswith our fingers

and then we squeeze.

I can do it myself.

Congregation:♪ what a friend we have in Jesus ♪

♪ all our sinsand griefs to bear ♪

♪ what a priviledgeto carry... ♪

( Playing along )

( Singing stops )

Woman:Aw, how cute.



( Applause )

Heaven unleashed,that child has got a gift.

( Girls singing ) ♪ away in a manger ♪

♪ no crib for a bed ♪

♪ the little lord Jesus ♪

♪ laid downhis sweet head ♪

♪♪ the stars in the sky ♪

♪ looked down where he lay ♪

♪ the little lord Jesus ♪

♪ asleep on the hay. ♪

Ladies, thank you.Thank you.

Ladies, that wasthe finest show

ladies, thank you.I have ever seen.Thank you.

Daddy has just enoughtime to eat before he hasto go back to work.

Why do you have towork two jobs, daddy?

Daddy has just enoughtime to eat befowe hardlyto gget to see you.

Those stores, they needextra police security withave tothe holidays and all.Obs, daddy?

But you're gone whenenoughwe get up, you're goneardlywhen we go to sleep.E you.

Uh, girls,go clean up for supper.

You two,wash your hands.

Just two more weeksof this and I'll havebarbara's bike paid for.

( Groans )and by new year's

I might even geta full-night's sleep.

Woman:Irby, let's take the standel offer.

Selling amplifiersi migis gonna mean beinga fuon the road, traveling.

You want that?

Well, I knowi don't want this:

You dead on your feet,working 21 hours a day.

A man hs got to provie for his famil.

But selling amplifiers meansyou'd be working in music--

a man hssomething you love.Got to provieand in summer,for his famil.

We could alltravel with you.

Irby?

- ( Snoring )- irby?

Standel,the finest amplif--

I'm gonna have to leadthese horses to water.

I want you to play a song--a real song.

- Here?- yes, I've got to getthese folks going.

- Are you sure?- I am sure it won't hurt.

( Playing upbeat tune )

You see that?

Listen to the resonanceof those amps, huh?

Hank thompsonyou serefused to buy one.

He insistedon five for himself.

Mandrell, what am ihearing here?

Joe maphis, as I liveand breathe, the world'sfinest guitarist.

- How's Rose?- Good good.

How's thatvegas show of yours?

Oh, it was great, great.Who is this child?Ood.

That's barbar. That's my oldes.

She could read musicbefore she couldread english.

Just thought it wouldbe a good gimmick.

She could read musica gimmick?Before she couldhell!Read english.

- She's just a kid, Joe.- Exactly right.

That'd be part of her draw.

I'll offer her 250st a kid, Joe.For the week.- Exactly right.

All I have to do isget up there and play,just like I do in church.

- There is a big difference.- I know!

And you won't have to worktwo jobs ever again, daddy.

Oops, careful.Don't spill.

Barbara, that's notyour concern.

Besides,las Vegas is no placefor a little girl.

Barbara, that's notbut I can help.Your concern.

If they pay me for playing,ides,daddy won't have tos is no placework so hard.For a little girl.

And you'll be right therewith me, mama.

Please.

Irby?

Well, she hastalent, Mary.

Maybe we shouldexplore it,

see where it takes us.

I don't know,she's so young.

Irby, is it the rightthing to do?

I don't know,( Audience applauding )

There's so many people.I-- I've never playedto so many people before.

You play it from in here,

from your heart,and no matter what happens,

never let anybody sayyou play good for a girl.

Joe:I tell you, I think we'vegot one in a million here.

I want you to givea great big Vegas welcome

to the sweetheartof steel-- Barbara mandrell,ladies and gentlemen.Here.

( Applause )

Thank you.

( Playing up-tempo song )

Thank you.

That little girlis going real far

real fast.

They're gonna want her backhere for the Christmas show,

( Saxophone playing )

( Rhythmic clapping )

( Playing blues song )

- Can I have your autograph?- Me too, I want one!

- A-d-a-m.- you're pretty.

- Sign mine too!- Thank you.

Louise and irleneare really worn out.

I wonder if I could domy homework here

so that we don't haveto wake them.

I Barbara,f I could dodaddy and I feelork here

this traipsing aroundhas been too hard on us,

I Barbara,f I could doon our family.And I feelork here

what do you mean?

I mean it's just gotten could doout of hand, honey. Feelork here

irby?

Honey, we know how muchthe music means to you,

but this driving three hoursevery weekend

up to L.A., I mean, it's--

it's keeping you fromyour schoolwork,

it's keeping the girlsfrom their bedtimes.

I know, daddy,and I'm sorry.

No, it's nothingto be sorry about.It was a great experience.

It's-- it's justgetting in the way.

And your mother and I

feel that it's bestto put an end to it.

You mean I won'tperform anymore?

Not for a while.

Not until we can find some way to keep us all

closer to home.

( Quiet chatting )

See you later.

Hey, Ken, I haven't seenyou around here lately.

Are you still jugglingschool, church, band and--what is it now?

- Five, six jobs?- No, only three,mr. Mandrell.

It hardly leaves meenough time to play.

I've been trying to buydrumsticks for two weeks now.

- Do you have any 2bs?- Sure, right there.

Oh, what's she doing now?

That's-- that's Barbara, isn't it?

Yeah, that's Barbara.She's-- she's singing,

playing up a storm inthe mandrell family band.

You have your own band?

It's the only waywe could give barbaraan opportunity to perform

and have it make senseyou have for the rest of us.

It's military bases,just weekends,

but we're having ourselvesa real good time.

- You know, I've never met your little girl.-( Shop bell rings )

Oh, well,here's your chance.

- Hi, daddy.- Hi, honey.Hi, Ken.

Oh, hi, Mrs. Mandrell.

Irby:Ken, we could use a good drummer.

Interested?

( Up-tempo music playing )

When I grow up,I'm gonna marry Ken.

No you're not.I'm gonna marry him.

Hush, you jealoussisters.A marry Ken.

We work togetherfor months.

He lives in our guest house.He's practically partof our family,

and he acts likehe doesn't even knowI'm alive.

Smart.that's just how to getyou to go for him.

Hmmph.

Okay, stand up,slide your arm inand watch the pins.

Where's the sleeve?

Hey, Ken's too oldfor you.

Huh.same as daddy is to you.

Well, I don't thinkdaddy's gonna see itthat way.

♪ Fancy free ♪

♪ flirting with the girlswith all of his charms ♪

♪ but I still love him soand, brother, don't you know ♪

♪ I'd welcome him rightback here in my arms? ♪

♪ Well, there must besome way I can lose theseand, brlonesome blues ♪ know ♪

♪ forget about the pastand find somebody new ♪

♪ I've thought of everythingfrom a to z ♪

♪ oh, lonesome me ♪

♪ I've thought of everything♪ mmm, lonesome me ♪

♪ I said oh ♪

♪ lonesome me! ♪

-( Cheering ) - Thank you.

We're gonna takea short break.

- Can I have a dance?- Oh, thank you.

I'm sorry,i need to rest.Thanks.

- Can I hai love this song.- Oh, thank yodon't you?

Do you want to dance?

Yes, I do.

You just keep sittingright there and maybesomeone will ask you.

( Laughs )yes, I do.

You just keyou're always joking.Right there anwhy don't you eversomeone will askask me for real?

I see you.I feel you looking at me.

You just keyou're always joking.Right there anwhy don't you eversomeone wilyou afraid I'll bite?

I see you.You're just a kid.Looking at me.

I'm an entertainer.I grew up fast.

- Guy: Oh, just a dance.You're just a kid.Looking - Ken,

dance with me right now.

- Does everybody dojust what you say? Dance.You're- everybody but you.- Ken,

you're the smartest kindestman I know, Ken dudney.

I just wish you'dlike me a little more.

Like you?

Men get jailedfor what I'm thinking.

- What are you thinking?- You're just a teenager.

I'm gonna be 22 next week.You're jailbait.

San Quentin quail.

Juliet was a teenagerwhen she met Romeo.

And look what happenedto him.

You know,

Vietnam keeps heating up,there's not going

to be anybody left herefor you to entertain.

It's hard to watch.

These are boysthat I sing to

and now they'regoing off to war.

I've applied for navyflight school.

I'm going to beleaving the band justas soon as I'm accepted.

- Surprise.- hmmm?

- ( Laughs ) Hey.- Happy birthday.

( Laughing )

What?what's funny?

Well, it's not the "22th"

it's the "22nd."

Well, ioh, I'm so stupid.

- I was never good at english.- It doesn't matter.

- No, I'm stupid.- It's funny.

- I'm gonna go.- No, hey! Don't.

I-- I didn'tmean to--

I just wantedto give you...

Give me what?

A steel lesson.

You said you wanteda steel lesson?

Oh yeah.

Yeah, well,let's do that then.

- Okay.- all right.

- Okay, sit down.H, well,- mm-hmm.O that then.

Your right foot goes hereon the volume pedal.

- Uh-huh.- your right hand goes here.

Your r- yeah, right hand.On- your left hand goes here.

- Hold on to that.Uh-huh.- Y- hold on to that.S here.

Your r- yeah, right hand.Okay, so picks.And goes here.

Picks.

This pick goes right there.

Have you everkissed a man before?

Oh, no no no.

Why don't you admithow you feel?

How do I feel?

All tingly inside.

Happy,

but sad.

Not able to thinkof anything

except...

How much I love you.

From the first momentwe met.

Me too.

( Ducks quacking )

Ken, I know that we decidednot to let anyone know

that we're boyfriendand girlfriend

and that it would be goodto argue to throw them off,

but our fightsare getting awfully real.

That's becauseyour criticizing megoes too far.

You start things, Ken,always thinking that you'reright about this or that,

as though my opiniondoesn't matter at all.

Then I guessI'll just throw this out.

What?what is it?

- This is nothing much.- Ken, give it.

Let me see it.

It's justyour engagement ring,that's all.

It's so beautiful.It's so perfect.

Oh, honey!

No no no, not now.

I want you to waittill I come backfrom training.

What? Why?

Because you'llbe older then,

and hopefullyyour parents will approve.

I can't wait 18 months.

Let me keep it.And hopefullyit's all I'll haveyour parents wwhile you're away.

Barbara, don't you knowthat the best things in lifeare worth waiting for?18 months.

All my life I've wantedto be a pilot.

Now I'm finally gonnaget my chance.

Can I keep itin my drawer?

I promise they'll neverknow it's there. Please!

- ( Laughs )- oooh!

( Kissing )

I'm so excited!

Yes!

Irby!

Irby, come quick.

-Daddy, please let me keep-- - no, ma'am.

First there's the deception,

that's bad enough.

We alwaystrusted you.

Now to find thisring hidden away,barbara, why?

Because we knew thatalwaysthis would happen.Ed you.

You're too youngto be engaged.

- Mama married youbewhen she was 16.Atalways- you're not your mama. You.

And you're giving this ringback to him.

Maybe I shouldhave knocked.

We're not getting marrieduntil I finish high school.Ken, tell them.

Mary, irby,

if you don't already know,i love Barbara.

I gave her the ring only to seal my intentions while I'm away.

-I was going to tell you-- - you take this back, Ken dudney.

You and your intentionsbe on your way.

Daddy, no!

She's under legal age.You contact her,

I will call your commandingofficer at pensacola

and Bury you.You can believe it.

I haven't touched her.I wouldn't.

No phone callsand no letters.

I haven't touched her.I wgo on.T.

Ken!

♪ This heart will break ♪

♪ in two if you refuse me ♪

♪♪ 'cause I'm no good ♪ ♪

♪ without you anyhow ♪

♪ have I told you♪♪ 'causlately ♪ good ♪ ♪

♪ that I love you? ♪

♪ Well, darling ♪

♪ I'm telling you now ♪

♪ sweet darling ♪

♪ I'm telling you now. ♪

( Applause )

You sang thatreal pretty, honey.

I sang it for Ken.

You sang thatwell, if it's any lesson,

it makes a difference when you sing from your heart.

Even when it's broken?

Uh, maybe because of it.

Loretta Lynn's people called.

They're trying to put together an all-girl band.

We told themyou certainly havegot the talent.

But there's no waythey're twe'd ever push you intotogether aa show-business career

we were just fine beig in it for the fu.

I am having fun.

Honey, I'm not deaf,dumb or blind.

I know how muchyou miss him.Having fun.

I just hate to see youpining away

when you've gotthe world at your feet.

We're going to be singing for the troops in Asia.

These are the bestyears of your life.

Don't throw them away.

All right,I'll talk to irby--

see how he feels,what he says.

Bye now.

You gonna let mejust stand here

and get olderby the minute?

You gonna let mall Ken is askingjust stand heris to take Barbara

to church whilehe's home on leave.

I took you to church.

They haven't seen each otheror spoken in 10 months.

Then I took you awayfor good.

Barbara loves the stageas much as you do, irby,

but she knows what really matters...

A full life

with a husband and babies.

I want her to have that.

( Playing )

Mommy, Louise isthrowing the icicles on.

- Tattletale.- Louise, you know wedo them one at a time.

( Doorbell rings )

( Rings )

I'll get it.

( Gasps )ken!

We agreedhe could see you.

Oh, I missed you.I missed you so much.

( Laughs )

Not more than I miss you.Ed you.But--i missed you so much.

I have somethingimportant to say.

I love you,barbara Ann mandrell.

And I want to spendthe rest of my life with you.

Will you marry me?

( Moans )yes yes, oh yes!

( Screams )

Mary, Barbara, get a move on.They're gonna startwithout you.

Hush, irby.

She did everyone's hair.Barely left enough timefor herself.

My daughter's big dayand the day I dread the most.

It's a sign thatthings are changing.

For the first timein our lives,

we'll live indifferent houses.

- Different states!- Aw.

She's gonna be far awayin Washington state.

But we'll calland we'll write.

I gotta hear about your schooland your music...

Now that I'm giving up mine.

I'm giving up the stage.

I am going to be the wife of a Navy pilot now

and go wherever his career takes him.

My singing will be confinedto just lullabies

and maybe a soloin the church choir.

My singing will bwell, I thinkto just that's just fine.

Don't you, irby?

I can't sayit's a total surprise.

And if that's your decision,so be it.

Your mother and I are thinkingof moving to Tennessee.

There are changes all around.

Daddy.

How can I ever thank youfor all you've given me?

Be happy. I couldn't askfor more than that.

Come on.

Let's get going!

( Honks )

Mmm.

The first ensignout of flight school

to pilot the big bada3 is mine.

- All mine.- Barbara, I'm tired today.

To pilot the big badcan I just have my lunch?

The Mark from your oxygenmask turns me on.

Like a dueling scar--a sign of danger.

You know, my life dependson how alert I am?

And my life depends--on you.Of danger.

( Laughs )

Okay okay.

Oh.

I'm gonna haveto store up on these.

You don'thave to store upon my kisses.

You can have themfresh daily.

( Moaning )

Oh, honey.

They're shipping me out--

nine monthsin the mediterranean.

( Horn honks )

( Car door slams )

( Cheering )

( Country music playing )

♪ There's a yellow Rose of Texas that I am going to see ♪

♪ nobody else could miss her, not half as much as me ♪

♪ she cried sowhen I left her ♪

♪ it liketo broke my heart ♪

♪ and if I ever find herwe nevermore will part... ♪

I can't believeI'm here.

♪ And if I ever find herwe nevermore will pthe ryman--

all my lifei have wanted to cometo the grand ole opry

and nowI'm really here.

♪ And sing of Rosa Lee... ♪

It's so alive you couldalmost feel its pulse.

The least I could do to takeyour mind off your troubles.

It's had being a Navy wif.

The least I could who you are syour mind ofwho your husband I.

And when he's goneyou have no job.

You don't fit.I don't know wherei fit anymore, daddy.

Listen to what your heartsays, Barbara.

You'll know where you fit.

♪ I promise to return herand not to leave her so ♪

♪ she's the famous little rosebud that Texas ever knew... ♪

- Who is she, daddy?-Um, it's a gal out of Tennessee.

♪ You may talk aboutyour Clementine ♪

-♪ and sing of Rosa Lee... ♪ -look at this audience.

She's got them all right. Got them right in the palm of her hand.

♪ She's the sweetest littlerosebud that Texas ever knew ♪

♪ her eyes are brightas diamonds, they sparklelike the dew ♪

♪ you may talk about your Clementine ♪

♪ and sing of Rosa Lee, the yellow Rose-- ♪

♪ You may talk abouti know where I fit, daddy.

I want to get back into music.I kwill you manage me?Ddy.

But this timeI'm realI'd betg for it.Nmy last penny on you..

( Country music playing )

Man:Whoo-hoo!

( Cheering, hooting continues )

Billy sherrill,c.B.S., epic records.

I brought the jordanaires into back you up.

And some of the beststudio musicians in town.

The jordanairessang with Elvis.

Now they'resinging with you.

- Fellas,meet Barbara mandrell.- Hi, guys.

Now th- nice to meet you.Singing w- hi, Barbara.

- Fellas,meet bar- hi.Mandrell.- Right in here, Barbara.

- Okay.- we're gonna be in the boothright over there

( Echoes )a band!

A microphone,the jordanaires--

( echoes )what else does a girl need?

Okay, Barbara,whenever you're ready.

Okay. Gentlemen,whenever you're ready.

♪ I've been loving you ♪

♪ too long ♪

♪ to stop now ♪

♪ you are tired ♪

♪ and you wantto be free ♪

♪ my lovehas grown stronger ♪

♪ as you've becomea habit to me ♪

♪ I've been loving you ♪

♪ too long ♪

♪ I don't wanna stop now. ♪

Young lady,you are so good.

- And you're gonna be big too.- Oh, thank you.

I can't believe this is me.This is so exciting.

Hey, now the hard workbegins.

You're gonna have to go outand sell this record--his is me.Play the fairsis is so exciting.

And the small clubs,build a following.

I'm ready.

Uh, I wanna talkto my husband first

and I wanna do thatin person.

Uh, I wanna talk( Accordion playing )first

Barbara:It's been a wonderful two weeks.

- I hate that I have to leave.- Maybe you don't have to.

Maybe I can smuggle youonboard somehow.

I'll fit youin my duffle bag.

- Yeah?- yeah.

No, I have to get back.

Why?why do you have to doanything at all?

I've waiteduntil now to tell you.

Well, what is it?

I'm gonna get backinto show business.

Okay, what exactlydoes that mean?T?

I cut a record at c.B.S.And now I'm going to goon tour and sell it.

- You're going on tour.You cut a record.- Mm-hmm.

I thought you weregiving up the stage.

I didn't knowuntil I stopped just howimportant it was to me.

Say something.

I knew.

I mean, deep downwe all knew. Something.

Then you knowthat when I'm singing,

that I'm my best self.

And if I can't bemy best for me theni can't be it for you.

I want you to do itall the way.

I don't want toever hear you say

that you are sorry you gotback into this business.

I have no intentionof being sorry.

I am gonna makehit records.

And in a couple of years...

When...

When we're ready...

I'm gonna havewhen...Your babies.

♪ With you my life ♪

♪ has been so wonderful ♪

♪ I can't stop now ♪

♪ you are tired ♪

♪ and your love is growing cold ♪

♪ my love is growing stronger ♪

♪ as our affair grows old ♪

♪ my love ♪ I've been loving you ♪

♪ too long ♪

♪ I've been loving you ♪

♪ much too long ♪

♪ I've been loving you ♪

♪ too long ♪

♪ to stop now. ♪

We've been stoppingevery other hour.

What's the matterwith her, Mary?

We've been stoppingfast food, no sleep,our.

She's just coming downwith something is all.

We can't afford to have hercome down with something.

We can't miss a date.

Barbara,are you okay, honey?

I'm great.

I have everythingi ever wanted atthe worst possible time.

My career is juststarting to take off...

( Sighs )

You're pregnant.

- Oh.- mama.

Thank you.Here you go.Ant.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.Here you g( Squeals )

Oh my!( Laughing )

Goll, and I thoughtpregnancy changed your body.

- It does.- Well, you're not any taller.

Oh!oh, if I didn't live herewith mom and daddy,

I don't know how I would getthrough missing you so much.

- Oh.- ( Growling )

- ( Motor putting )- ( Sighs )

( Laughs )

I thought a pilotcould fly anything.

Don't worry.

I'll have this thingfigured out by the timethat baby comes.

- ( Laughs )- I love carrying your baby.

I'll have this thingfigured out by the timei just--that baby comes.I wish that we--

oh, look, you know, I knowthat we didn't plan this,

but this is our littlebundle of joy.

Oh, - you're gonna do fine.That we didn'- how? This,

but this is ourmy career is justbundle of jstarting to take off,

and, uh, I have no ideawhat's going to happen

to my mind or my bodyonce my hormones startto kick in.

And you're gonna be goneon another nine-month tour.

Oh, pppft!You know what?

I'm not going anywhere.I'm getting out.

What do you mean?

Well, I was given the choiceof extending my termfor another year,

or taking an early out.

Well, I was given the choicei figured with this littlebaby coming and all,

I'm gonna get out.

Ken, you're an officerwho wanted to make ita career.

You love the military.

Nah.

Almost as much

as I love you.

( Engine sputtering )

Dagnabbit!( Grunts )

( Cuts engine )

( Groans )

Louise, will you feedbaby Matthew for me?

- Gonna go outsideand help daddy.- Hi, sweet boy.

( Baby crying )

Daddy, you can'tkeep running on coffeeand cigarettes.

- Your color is no good.- Forget about my color.We've gotta get to Vegas.

- I'll find ussome transportation.- Daddy, let me do it.

( Sighs )

Irlene:I'm starving, mama,

and Matthew's the only onewho's eaten in 48 hours.

After the show youcan order the wholeleft side of the menu.

The show?And mawe do so many I can't tellwho's eone from another anymore.

I don't even knowwhat day it is.

The show?You know, all we've gotten fromlwthis tour is a stack of bills,.

A broken bus and it's drainingthe life out of daddy.

The show?You knmama, maybe it's all fromlwthis tour a mistake. Of bills,.

Girls, being busy meansbarbara's popularityis building.

That's why we're here.

We all have to pull togetherand sacrifice for the sakeof the team.

Well, I'd stilllike to kill

whoever came up with"the show must go on."

Well, I'd stilllahhh, yes!L

mwah!

Yes, baby.

- Hush, listen!- D.J.:Moving up to number 13 on the charts,

Barbara mandrell's "the midnight oil."

-( Music playing ) - ( Laughing )

You hear that?I'm on the radio!

Your mama's on the radio!Your mama's on the radio!

You that meanswe're on the charts.

Good promotion sendingoil lamps to radio stations.

You that means( Music continues )harts.

♪ How do we know how much the boss depends on me ♪

♪ to lend a helping hand? ♪

♪ I watch him in the mirror ♪

♪ as I lie and tell him ♪

♪ I don't know how late I'll be ♪

♪ while I'm putting on my makeup... ♪

Barbara:Welcome to Chez dudney.

- It's a mansion.- It's incredible.

Look at this!Look at this!

It's amazing what a stringof hit songs can buy.

I'm so proudto be your sister.

Now...

If this isn't the wayto spend a future,

I don't know what is.

Speaking of future...

You've worked so hard

and brought us so far

that we think,irlene and I,

that it's time for usto spread our own wings.

Irlene:We've had some offes

and I'd like to trymy hand at modeling.

You always saidi should be out front.

And, well, I'm ready to start my own band.

We want your blessing.

You know, I've often thoughtthat it would be great

if we could go ontouring for the restof our careers together.

But I knowthat's not fair.

You weren't put on this earthto be side men to me.

You're right.

As much as I'll miss you,

it's time you grew upand out into the beautifulwomen that you are.

You sure?

Actually, I've beenthinking of doing a littlegrowing of my own.

Ken and I are planninganother baby.

- ( Shrieking )- oh, that's great.

I got a sold-out showking )and I look bigger than a barn..

Your fans lovethat you're pregnant.

Not any more than I do.

You are a beautiful barn.

You all ready to go on?

I've got you all herefor tonight's show,

I am ready for anything.

Louise:Daddy saysyou've had TV offers.

Uh-huh.and daddy has turnedi am ready for anythem all down.

A lot of country starshave died on TV.

We'll waitfor the right time.

Well, I thinkthe right time will be

when the mandrell sisterscan get together on a TV show.

- You mean it?- I do.

- Louise:Sounds good to me. - What do you think, daddy?

- ( Groans )- daddy?

Daddy?ken, help him!

- Someone call an ambulance.- Daddy?

- Come on, irby, breathe.- Daddy!

- Come on, irby, breathe.- Mama!

Help!

- Get that ambulance!- Somebody get a doctor!

The tests showhe's had a number

of heart attacksover the years.

The doctors havescheduled a bypass.

Cancel my tour.

The doctors haveno, ma'am.D a bypass.

You will honorcancel my tour.Your contract.

I will not get on a planeuntil I know you're okay.

I taught you howto run the business,

but I'm not dyingso you can.

I taught you hownow that's a comfort.E business,

irby:Getting known is hard.

But staying knownis much harder.

You're at the topof the mountain.

Don't let all of our had work go down the drai.

Daddy, the mountaindoesn't matter if you're noton top of it with me.

Don'oh, I'll be back outthere before you know it.

Now go on.

I'm counting on you.

♪ Faded photographs ♪

♪ the feelings all come back ♪

♪ even now sometimes ♪

♪ you feel so near ♪

♪ and I still see your face ♪

♪ like it was yesterday ♪

♪ it's strange how the days... ♪

And the 1980 c.M.. Entertainer of the yer

is Barbara mandrell.

Acome on out here, entertainer ofbarbara.

( Crowd cheering )drell.

Acome on out here, ♪ to dreams already gone... ♪.

Thank you.

I want to thank the countrymusic association.

I really don't havea speech planned.

I want to thank god.

I know everybody does,

but that's becausewe should.

I thank himfor this.

Look, daddy.

I didn't forget your birthday.

I love you.Thank you.

( Cheering )

Come on, everybody.The plane's not gonnawait for you.

Jaime, come on.Let go.

I'll get you a big girlbike in California.

- But I want my bike.N.- Come on, honey.O.

Barbara, I'm worriedabout the stress

of traveling on your daddy.

- I don't wantto leave my friends.- Give me bobo.

Why do we have to moveto California?

- I don't wantto leave my fbecause mommy's got- give me bobo.A new job--

my own network TV show.It'll be great.

You'll see.We'll all see.

But Barbara, the scriptis ready to shoot.

The censors tell us we canpush the envelope here.

- You can have fun with it.- We are the censorsthat matter.

My daughters knowhow to have fun.

Yeah, and it's nottelling off-color jokesand wearing low necklines.

Barbara will reworkthe script.

When?there's a prerecordall day tomorrow,

fittings and rehearsalson Thursday,

when?the-live audience on Friday.All day t - I'll do it.

How about we workthrough dinner?

- Okay.- now to the music.

Yeah, you were gonnaget back to me on the gospelmelody each week.

No, no gospel.

It's too religious.

No, no gospel.I don't get it.

Who in America won't loveold-fashioned gospel?

You have to understand.

We have to programfor the broadest audience.

And you have to understandwe know our audience.

We have never donea show without at leastfor tone gospel song.Ence.

You said you'd be here.

Matthew honey, I'm so sorrythat I missed your game.

That's what you saidlast week.

- And the week before.- I know.

Look, I haveto fight every day

just to get a show onthat I can be proud of.

So you canbe proud too.

It's no big deal.

Yeah.( Laughs )

Uh-huh.

Oh, that iswonderful, Mary.

Oh, we areso proud of her.

No, I'll tell her.

No, I'll tell Barbara.

Two minutes, Barbara.How's your voice?

Forget two minutes.I need five.

My voice is great,just great.

Okay, bye bye.

My voice is great,that was your mother.

Jaime got the rolein the school play.

- She beat outthat Julie girl--- stop it, stop it.

I don't want to hear it.I want to sharemy kid's lives.

I don't want to gethighlights on the runfrom you and mother.

Don't. Don't do thisto yourself, Barbara.

You're worn out.Just save your energy.Save your voice.

What am I gonna do, Ken?

I owe a lot of peoplefor this chance.

40 million peopleare watching.

I can't let themall down.

What about lettingyourself down?

Your throat is closed.Your vocal cordsare swollen.

You have to pump cortisoneevery week just to tape.

Then you use that medrolstuff to bring you down.

The doctor has saidif you don't stop

it's gonna be vocal suicide.

Barbara honey,

being on the roadis easier than this.

At least on the roadyou get some sleep.

Being on the roadis easiei want to go back to it.

I want to bookour own shows.

I want to beon my bus.

I want to go home.

Where are my earrings?

Woman:Mrs. Mandrell, we are ready for you now.

( Sobbing )

Honey.

Honey, that's it.You are going to do whatthe doctor ordered.

You're gonna quitthis TV show.

Honey, th joanne:We'll be in indianapolsthe din three day,

St. Louis in five.

You sold outin both places.

I just lovebooking a winner.

You okay?

You've hardly saida word in 500 miles.

I keep rememberingwhen the kids where tiny

and I brought them along.

I'd feed 'emand play with 'em

anand tuck 'em into bed..

And now Matthew is winninghockey medals.

And Jaime is inanand tuck 'ethe school play.

They're with their friends.They're having fun.

I know.

It's empty nest, I guess.

I guess.

-( Phone ringing ) - ( Dog barking )

Hello?hi, mama.

I can't talk now.

Well, grandma tookmatthew to aunt Louise's

and dad's doing my hairfor Kelly's party.

Well, how's he fixing it?

Funny.

Welput daddy on, okay?It?

Daddy.funny.

Okay, so I don't havewelput daddy on, oyour touch.

Doing party hairis a mom's job.

Look, don't be too hardon yourself.

It's a tough jobfrom 1000 miles away.

Well, how come every timei call the kids

I feel likeI'm interrupting something?

Well, it's calledgrowing up, honey.

It's gonna happenwhether you're here or not.

I think they're doing a betterjob of it than I am.

I still have this needto hold them

and smell themand feel them.

Yeah well, you're gonna behome in a couple of weeks.

Then you'll feel better.

No, Ken.

I'm falling apart.

All I can think aboutis what I'm missing

and how everyoneis doing fine without me.

All iI'm lonely.Aboutii need to be home.

Soon, honey.I'll see you soon.

Bye.

Soon, honey.I'll see you nourishment.

( Horn honks )

Mom!

Mom!

-Mom. -Mom.

- Mom, you're home.- Thought you weregoing to Indiana.

I missed you twoso much that I stolea day off the road.

- Mom, you're home.- Thought you werei missed you too, mom.A.

- I love you guys.- We love you.

I know we don't havemuch time together,

but we're gonna makeevery minute count.

I know wehey, Jaime,how's your ballet class?

I hear that there'sa big recital coming up.

Yes, I'm so excited.

I get to be the prettiestflower in the garden.

And my tutuis all white.

- And it's got--- ( Dog barks )

Hey, mom, look at that.

Barbara:That is so dangerous.

You know what?Let's do what auntlouise preaches

and let's put onour seat belts, okay?That way we'll be safe.

Huh? But youhate seat belts.

- Buckle up, okay?- Okay.

Matthew, is that math teacherstill pushing you so hard?

Not just me.It's everybody.

Hey, Jaime, how are you doingon your books of the Bible?

I've memorized them all in order.

Genesis, exodus, leviticus, deuteronomy...

( Tires squealing )

( Screaming )

( Crashes )

Okay, ray,what do you got?

T.a. Head on.Victim one: 14-year-old male;

facial lacerations,possible head trauma;

alert and orientedtimes four.

Second, victim number two:Eight-year-old female;

alert and orientedneck abrasions.Times four.

Nurse:Don't worr. You're gonna be oka.

Come on, guy. Pull her into exam tw.

Victim number three: Unresponsive adult female;

b.p. Is 80 over 50;

head trauma,r three: G.C.S. Of eight;Lt female;

closed mid-shaft femur fracture right leg.

Head trauma,r three:G.C.S. Ofgot to get out of here.

-It's Barbara mandrell. - Got to go.

- X-ray, give mecross table, c spine.- We've got to go.

-See if she's oriented. - Mrs. Mandrell, can youype.C hear me?E for blood.

Where am I?

It's numbers.

Barbara, it'smother and daddy.We're here.

The kids are fineand you are gonnaibe fine too.

Hate your teacher!

Hate it!

Why is shetalking like that?

- Possible head trauma.- Her b.P. Is going down.

Why is shebilateral I.V.Talking like that?Wide open.

I want my daughter'sblood taken for narcoticsand alcohol.

Mr. Mandrell,everyone knows barbaradoesn't drink or take drugs.

Well, I'm an ex-policeofficer and I know thisis gonna come up

somewhere down the roadand I want an official record.

Genesis...

Somewhere down the roadand I wa( Mumbling )al record.

Blood preasure high.Genesis..116 over 80.

Somewhere down the roadnow lay real still, honey.Ecord.

I want to make surereasure high.You haven't broken anything. 80.

Somewhat are they doingnow lay real still,to my mother?

I want to make sureris she hurt?You haven't bwhere's my brother?

Possible broken nose,cheekbone.

You really took a hunkout of that dash, son.

Keep your eyes open now.

My stomach hurts bad,really bad.

Where's my mom?

We've reached Ken, honey.

He's flying infrom Washington.

Dr. Lovvern's here.

Stop it.Don't touch me.

This is a horribe dressing roo.

Where's my stage manager?Where is he?

The femur is practicallypenetrating in two areas

with a compound injurye manager?To the knee.Where is he?

Her arm has half the armrestimbedded in it.

- Her lip is bad--- I want a plastic surgeonhere right away.

And tell him...

Just tell himshe's my friend.

I need to get herto O.R., newt.

The number of breaks in her ankle alone make medical history.

She'll be lucky to walk.

Newt.

She'll be lubarbara?Alk.

I'm here.

- Newt.she'll- it's gonna be all right.

Newt.

They're pigs.

Nall of them, pigs.

They're pigs!

You bastard.Get out of here!

They'reget out of here.

I have known this woman bastard.For 15 yearsget out of here!

And I've never heard anything like that come out of her mouth.

I want a nicesoft hairbrush

and I've never heard anything like thatcome out oon my head..

Newt:She's out of surgery. She's doing fine.

Mary:Can we go see he?

Not quite yet.

Excuse me.Mary.

There is fluid in the frontallobe of her brain

and bloodin the spinal fluid.

All we can do nowis watch her and wait.

And bloodin the sword has spread.

All wejohnny cash, Wayne Newton,is watch her and waitbrenda Lee,

and bloodthey all phonedin the offering to donate blood.

Even got a callall wejohnnfrom president reaganis watch her and on air force 1.

Now what do you wanty all phonedme to tell the press?Nate blood.

- I'll write a press release.- No.

We'll handle it ourselves.

Barbara's lovedby so many I don't--

I don't want the worldto know the severityof her injuries.

Reporter:Mr. Dudney, any word ondo you know where you are?

Phoenix.

Reporter:Mr. Dudney, any word ondo you knowe're late. Are?

This is a terriblechanging room.

I've got to get ready.

Do you have my brush?Where's my brush?

( Reporters clamoring )ady.

Barbara, I'm here.It's all right, honey.I'm here.

What are you doing here?

Get the hellout of here!

She doesn't knowwhat she's doing.You doing here?

She doesn't know whoor where she is.

Now as hard as thisis to watch, Ken,

Barbara's behavior istypical of head injuries.

A combination of pain,medication, trauma--it's pretty unpredictable.

Get out!Get him out!

I know this doesn'tmake any sense,

but I'll just advise youto stay out of her sight.

I know this doesn'tjust for a while.

But I'll just advise youdad?Tay out of her sight.

You're here.

Yeah, your sister'sgone home.

Looks like you've beenthrough it, huh buddy?

Pretty banged up.

But the doc says

I'll end upas good as new.

You know if I couldhave been there...

Protected you...

Any way I could have takenyour place, I would have.

It hurts so bad, dad.Cted you...

Wish I'd diedin the wreck.

And mom,

she's actingso crazy.

I didn't even knowit was her.

Yeah, the doctorstold me that--

that happensto some people.

But it'll go away.

Then, um...

She'll be back just--

just like we knew her.

- Mom.- good to seeyou home, honey,

home where you belong.

Now we didn't have timeto decorate or make a fuss,

but the main thing is

that you are homenow we diand we are allto decorate together again.

Oh, Ken,this hurts so bad.

Will you takeme to my bedroom?I need to lay down.

Mm-hmm.you betcha.

Your mother needs and wantsyou to be close to her.

Now take your homeworkand go in.

She loves meto death one minute

and yells at me the next.

No, sir.

I'm not going anywherenear her again today.

Jaime?

It's a cold, darkdungeon in her room.

She stinks from medicineand all she does isstare at the TV.

Jaime.

Yes, sir.

Hold it.

You and I need to talk.

I've been getting notes,

calls from your teachers.

Your grades are dropping.

Who cares?

Grades don't matter.

Nothing matters anymore.

What are you talking about?

The way you liveis no way to live--

acting like mom's servant,

having her yell and scream at you all day.

She never speaks a civilword to you, dad.

Never.

She doesn't mean it.

Look, at first she didn'teven recognize us.

Now she does.

But she is stillin a lot of pain.

She can't helplashing out..

But she is stillbut she onlyin a lot of pailashes out at us.

Because she can.

Because she knowsthat we will allow it.

You've got to understand,matthew,

that your mother is usedto having control.

But now her body is tied downand her spirit is raging

at the onesshe loves the most.

The irony is

that she needs us nowmore than ever.

Theif you want to be the rock

and take it,

but I just can't do it.

That's nice writing,jaime.

Thank you, mommy.

- What's all that?- That is your mail

from fans who careabout you,

who care aboutbarbara mandrell.

I am not Barbara mandrell.Get that out of here.

Jaime, that hurtswhen you lean on me.

I didn't meanto hurt you.

I didn't.

Barbara, you knowthat I love you

more than anythingin this entire world.

But I just can'tunderstand how somebody

who had never beenafraid of anything

is now afraid of life.

Barbara:There is not one minue in a dy

that I do not have pain.

I look in the mirror

and I don't recognizethe woman who looks back.

But I know she scaresher own children.

She even scares herself.

Ken, I can't evenpray anymore.

Honey.

It is not alwaysgonna be like this.

You have got to lookahead to the future.

It is not ai can't face a futuregonna bfilled with so much pain.

Sometimes I wonder

if I can facethe future at all.

Dear god,

please look down on mommy.

Please make her better.

Please.

Make her love us again.

I'd like to get aholdof whoever wrote this

-and squeeze their neck. - Good.

Daddy, now that we havethat settled, I just wantto go back to sleep.

Don't you see, honey?

With you herew that we havethere's no way thatjust wantanybody can know the truth.

You need to makea public appearance.

With you herew that we havei don't want to makeust wantan appearance.Ow the truth.

I just wantto go back to sleep.

But folks, they need to knowthat you're okay, honey.

Daddy, I can't go anywhere.

You don't hae to go anywher.

They want youto make an appearance

at the countrymusic awards.

But you'd do it fromto here by satellite.

Daddy, I can't.

I don't feel good.

I mix up my words.I can't remember anything.

But you don't hae to remembe.

We'll get the questionsin advance

and we'll write up youranswers in big letters.

You don't have to remember.You just have to read it.

I know being a celebrityI'm at their mercy...

But why do they always haveto believe the worst?

I just wantto go to bed.

Man:I'll need some cable.

Yeah, about 100. Let me come get it.

Woman:Harry, get a feed on that monitor for me.

Okay, folks.

Kenny's feed is upin 15 seconds.

Now remember, this is live.You okay, Barbara?

10.

Five, four, three,

two, one.

Barbara, I'm talkingto you backstage

from the country musicassociation awards show.

We all miss youvery very much.

But we know you're in goodhands at home with your familywatching the show tonight.

How do you feel?

Oh, Kenny,thank you.

I am feeling much better.

And I appreciatethis chance to say

how grateful I am for al the cards and the prayer.

I truly believethat my kids

how and I are alive onlybecause god wanted us to be.

And you can be surethat I'll be back

singing my heart outjust as soon as I can.

That was great, honey.

That went off just fine.

Mm-hmm.

Matthew.

What is it?

How come we hadto sit there

and act likeeverything is okay

but we know it isn't?

( Dogs barking )

My, it's good to see yu up and around, barbar.

You say that again, Aubrey.

Maybe hearing it from youe yushe's gonna believe it.Rbar.

I am up because I knowhow important this is, Aubrey.

Maybe hearing ibut thank you.Sheit's nice to see you too.

So...

Tell me whatthe situation is.

Under Tennessee law,

in order for youto collect your own insurance,

you have to suemark white's family.

Absolutely not.Absolutely not.

That boy is dead.

Even if it washis fault,

there is no way thati could sue his family.They've suffered enough.

Barbara, there is no waythat we're gonna take any moneyfrom the white family.

This is just a technicality.

You have no choice if youthis iwant to recovercality.

Your lossesfrom your insurance.

Why doesn't ourinsurance company justpay us what it owes?

We've paid our premiums,why do we have to sue?

In the best of worldsthey will.

But this is notthe best of worlds.

This is tennesseeand it's the law.

I won't do it.I won't do it.

You have 365 days fromthe accident to take action.

I won't do it.You have time to decide.T do it.

You have 365 days fromthe accid( Footsteps )tion.

Matthew, is that you?

Come in here, please.

You've been drinking.

No, I haven't.

Really.

I haven't.

I saw you in the yard.

Come here.

Come here.

I don't get it.

Are you angrythat you got hurt?

Is that whatthis is all about?

Or is this just whata 14-year-old does?

Please tell me.I don't know.

We almost died, mom.

And you and I have nevereven talked about it.

You just lock yourselfin this room.

It's like you're dead,but not.

I just want thingsthe way they were.

Why can't thingsjust be the way they were?

We did almost die.

And it's hard enoughfor me to face...

Let alone admit thati could have lost you too.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry that you hadto go through this.

Oh, honey.

( Dogs barking )

Stop it.What are you doing?Close those.

No, ma'am.It is a beautiful dayand you are gonna see it.

That hurts my eyes.Close those.

No, I have had itwith your mood swings,

with your withdrawingfrom life.

No, I have had itcome on, up and at 'em.

- I can't.- No, you won't.

I know you talkedto Matthew.

And he told me how great it felt when you hugged him,

how great it was to seeyou getting better.

I don't know how I want Toto tell you this, Barbara,ay.

But you are no fun anymore.

Not a day goes by

that I don't prayfor your pain to go away.

Not a day goes bythat I don't hurt with you.

That I don't prayfor you. Pain to go away.

This wreck didn't justbyhappen to you, Barbara.H you.

That I don't prayit happened to all of us.

I know that.

That I doand your painit happenis like a walls.

Separating you from me,from everybody.

I want to be alone.

- I want my wife back.- No!

- The kids wanttheir mom back.- Get out of here!

Barbara, I do not carewife back.If you ever sing again.- No!

I just...

We're not right--

we're not wholewithout you.

( Sighs )

Help me down,will you?

( Groans )

I miss her too.

Who?

The womani miss that you married,

her energy,her loving nature.

I'm so sorry, Ken.

I'm so sorry for allI've put you through.

You have been awful.

You're right.

I have been.

Will you make loveyou'rto an awful woman?

- Are you sure?- I am so sure.

Ouch.ouch, oh!

I'm so sorry.

I guess I'm notvery sexy with this caston my leg, am I?

No no, you are veryvery sexy.

Right now I don't wantto run anywhere.

Mmm.

Ouch ouch.

You like this, do you?

What?

The feel of velcroand metal against flesh.

I love it.

The feel( Laughs )and metal agyou pervert.

( Baby crying )

She's a mandrell.She's made it before,

she'll make it again.

It's okay.It's all right.

Hey, everybody,

meet nathanielmandrell dudney,

our gift from god.

Look at those hands.Looks just like hisgranddaddy.

And his mama is just fine.

Look at those hands.She's absolutely fine.She's great.

You can see her later.

Smile, Nathan.Smile for daddy.

There he is.You can see oh, yes.R.

What do you have againstgoing back to work?

Would you tell me? Is.Just make me understand.

I told you already.I'm not ready.

Oh, chickenis more like it.

Would you two just goaway and leave me alone?

Only way of gettingover being scared

is you get back onthe horse.

-You make a comeback. - A comeback?Red

daddy, I haven't sungor danced

or driven a carin over a year.

I'm done.

My season passhas expired.

Oh, bull.I'm done.

The only thingason passthat's expired is your will.

Try to talk some senseinto her, will you?

What are youafraid of, Barbara?

My ankle might give outon stage.

We can fit metal supportsinto a boot.

I might not rememberthe lyrics to my songs.

Cue cards.

I might not remembergot any other excuses?Ongs.

I'm afraid.

I'm afraid I won't havean audience anymore

because I've been awaytoo long.

I'm afraid

that my fanshate me because we suedthe white family.

I'm afraid that they reallybelieve the worst.

The lawsuit hurt us,it's true.

But we did whatwe had to do, Barbara.

We did the right thing. We obeyed the law.

If you want to retire,barbara,

at least do it on your own terms.

Don't let some car wreck

and bad p.R.It do it for you.Rms.

Go back,do one more show.R wreck

But do one more show.

( Playing out of tune )

( Crowd stomping )

( Chanting ) Barbara, Barbara, Barbara...

I think--i think I'm gonna be sick.

Now, Barbara, is thatany way to talk?

I mean, you give me the honorof opening the show for you

and now you'regonna upchuck?

I meanoh, the honor, believe me,of opening this all mine, Dolly.

You got your friendsand family

all out thererooting for you.

You got your frwithout my familyand familyi wouldn't be here.

But I'm scared.

This is the first timein my life I've beenscared to go on.

Listen, we've got to getthis show on the road.

I'm going out and I'm gonnaintroduce you.

Liste( Chanting continues )thbarbara, Barbara, Barbara...

I'm going out and I'm gonnai( Cheering )

Thank you.

Well, y'all arenot gonna believe

what I just heardbackstage.

Well, y'all arebarbara honestly told me

she was afraid that folksweren't gonna like her anymore.

Aw!

Man:We love you, Barbara.

Dolly:I mean, how crazy is that?

I think she must havegot hit on the head.

Dolly:I ( Audience laughs )hat?

You know,this is more than a concert.

I know most of you folkscame here tonight

to experiencethis a talented singer.Ert.

Barbara mandrell.

( Audience cheering )

Baroh dear god,l.

Please help me to take( That first step,g )

Just a baby step.

Come on out here, girl.

( Sighs )

( Cheering continues )

( Country music playing )

This song is the storyof my life.

And if you've loved countrymusic for a long time

this is your story too.

♪ I remember wearingstraight-legged Levi's ♪

♪ flannel shirts even whenthey weren't in style ♪

♪ I remember singingwith Roy Rogers ♪

♪ at the movies ♪

♪ ♪ when the westingwas really wild ♪

♪ I was listening to the opry ♪

♪ when all of of my friends ♪

♪ were digging rock and rolland rhythm and blues ♪

♪ 'cause I was country ♪

♪ were ♪ when countrynd rolland wasn't cool ♪ues ♪

♪ I remember circling the drive-in ♪

♪ pulling up and turning down ♪

♪ George Jones ♪

♪ I remember when no one was looking ♪

♪ I was putting peanuts in my coke ♪

♪ I took a lot of kidding ♪

♪ 'cause I never did fit in ♪

♪ now look at everybody tryingto be what I was then ♪

♪ I was country ♪

♪ now lo♪ when countryy tryingto bewasn't cool ♪hen ♪

♪ I was country ♪

♪ when country wasn't cool ♪

♪ yes, and I was country ♪

♪ from my hat down ♪

♪ to my boots. ♪