Patsy & Loretta
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Patsy & Loretta
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Patsy & Loretta is a fictionalized account of the friendship between two country-music legends, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. Violence includes hitting in the face with a telephone that draws blood and knocks out teeth. Domestic violence is implied by a bruise and mention of being hit by a husband. Frequent drinking brings out angry behavior that includes throwing furniture and glass bottles, but no injuries are shown. Past incestuous abuse is implied. Adults talk about sex without using specifics; otherwise, there are a few kisses, joking terms for oral sex, and some innuendo. Strong language includes "s--t," "bitch," "ass," and "goddamn." Historically accurate depictions of smoking. Several characters are negative examples of heavy alcohol use. Grief at a funeral is briefly shown after hearing news of a tragic death.
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What's the Story?
PATSY & LORETTA tells the story of how two country-music legends became friends in the early 1960s. Patsy Cline (Megan Hilty)'s career was already established, but she wanted even more. Loretta Lynn (Jessie Mueller) was just starting out and very inexperienced. While recovering from a car accident, Patsy heard Loretta sing on the radio and asked to meet her. The two quickly formed a deep friendship, bonding over the many things they had in common and enjoying the ways they were different. Sometimes they quarreled, but they always loved and supported each other through thick and thin.
Is It Any Good?
This is an enjoyable movie about a sweet friendship cut tragically short. It's refreshing to see how Patsy & Loretta lift each other up, instead of competing and trying to bring the other down. Of course, their legendary careers are an important part of their lives, but the focus is on their personal lives and relationships.
The director and performers make the right choice in not trying to imitate either artist, since both are so iconic and recognizable. Viewers are free to just go along with the story without trying to compare the incomparable. The script is weak in parts. Some dialog doesn't ring true, and some of the ways the movie shows their parallel lives are more confusing than helpful. But it's a nice, friendship-affirming choice for teens and up who can handle the mature themes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about excessive alcohol use in Patsy & Loretta. How does drinking affect the characters' behavior? What are the consequences?
What about the violence? Is it too much? Does it matter whether it really happened that way or not? Why or why not?
How have attitudes about smoking changed since the late '50s and early '60s? Or have they? What do we know about the health risks involved that were less well-known back then?
What character strengths do Patsy and Loretta demonstrate?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 20, 2019
- Cast: Megan Hilty, Jessie Mueller, Kyle Schmid, Joe Tippett
- Director: Callie Khouri
- Studio: Lifetime Network
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship, History, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Empathy, Gratitude, Integrity, Perseverance
- Run time: 88 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Coal Miner's Daughter
Loretta Lynn's tough but heartwarming biopic.
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The Buddy Holly Story
Bio of '50s music icon has great music, positive values.
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Ray
Excellent portrayal of extraordinary musician.
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