Songwriter Poster

Songwriter 1984

★ 5.217 votes94 min📅 1984-10-14

"He got mad when they took his money and his business. But when they tried to take his songs... Nobody ever had a better time getting even."

Directed by Alan Rudolph, *Songwriter (1984)* is a heartfelt drama that dives deep into the turbulent life of Doc Jenkins, a legendary country music star whose personal and professional worlds collide.

Director: Alan Rudolph

Cast

Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson
Doc Jenkins
Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson
Blackie Buck
Melinda Dillon
Melinda Dillon
Honey Carder
Rip Torn
Rip Torn
Dino McLeish
Lesley Ann Warren
Lesley Ann Warren
Gilda
Mickey Raphael
Mickey Raphael
Arly / Harmonica (Gilda's Band)
Rhonda Dotson
Corkie
Richard C. Sarafian
Richard C. Sarafian
Rodeo Rocky
Robert Gould
Robert Gould
Ralph
Sage Parker
Sage Parker
Pattie McLeish

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Songwriter (1984) about?

*Songwriter* follows Doc Jenkins, a country music icon whose fame masks a life in shambles. After a messy split from his partner and a hostile separation from his wife, Doc confronts a crooked manager plotting to steal his songs. With the help of his old flame, he takes matters into his own hands in a high-stakes battle for his legacy and his family.

Who directed Songwriter?

Alan Rudolph directed *Songwriter*, bringing his signature style to this drama that blends music, emotion, and Southern grit.

Who stars in Songwriter?

The film stars Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Melinda Dillon, and Rip Torn, with Lesley Ann Warren rounding out the principal cast.

Is Songwriter (1984) worth watching?

*Songwriter* offers a compelling mix of drama and music, anchored by strong performances from its leads. While it may not be a blockbuster, its authentic portrayal of country music's golden era and its themes of redemption make it a solid pick for fans of character-driven films with a soulful soundtrack.

How long is Songwriter?

The film runs for 94 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Songwriter (1984) — A Country Music Drama of Betrayal and Redemption

Directed by Alan Rudolph, *Songwriter (1984)* is a heartfelt drama that dives deep into the turbulent life of Doc Jenkins, a legendary country music star whose personal and professional worlds collide. Fresh off a bitter split with his long-time partner Blackie Buck and banished from his home by his wife Honey Carder, Doc finds himself tangled in a web of deception spun by a conniving music manager. As his once-loyal relationships crumble, Doc teams up with Blackie to reclaim not just his family but the very songs that made him a star—sparking a fiery quest for justice amid twangy melodies and raw emotions.

This gritty yet soulful film blends the drama of backstage betrayals with the untamed spirit of classic country music. Rudolph's direction infuses the story with a lived-in authenticity, capturing the grit and glamour of the music scene while exploring themes of loyalty, revenge, and the price of artistic integrity. With a runtime of just 94 minutes, *Songwriter* delivers a punch of storytelling that lingers like a well-worn country ballad.