The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia Poster

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia 1981

★ 5.716 votes112 min📅 1981-06-05

"You're never too young to learn the score."

In *The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1981)*, directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, a brother-sister duo chases the bright lights of Nashville stardom against the gritty backdrop of a changing music scene.

Director: Ronald F. Maxwell

Cast

Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol
Amanda Child
Dennis Quaid
Dennis Quaid
Travis Child
Mark Hamill
Mark Hamill
Conrad
Don Stroud
Don Stroud
Seth Ames
Sunny Johnson
Sunny Johnson
Melody
Arlen Dean Snyder
Arlen Dean Snyder
Andy
Barry Corbin
Barry Corbin
Wimbish
Lulu McNichol
Boogie Woogie
Royce Clark
Royce Clark
Luther
Elijah Perry
L.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1981) about?

This drama follows an aspiring country singer and his fiercely protective sister as they navigate the cutthroat world of Nashville, where dreams and trouble go hand in hand. Along the way, they confront rival musicians, shady deal-makers, and their own flaws while chasing fame against all odds.

Who directed The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia?

The film was directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, known for his work in period dramas and character-driven storytelling.

Who stars in The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia?

The film features Kristy McNichol as the sister, Dennis Quaid as her brother, Mark Hamill in a supporting role, and Don Stroud as the antagonist.

Is The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1981) worth watching?

While not a blockbuster, the film holds up as a charming slice of 1980s country music nostalgia with strong performances from McNichol and Quaid. Its blend of drama and lighthearted moments makes it a solid pick for fans of small-town-to-stardom stories, even if it wasn't a major awards contender.

How long is The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia?

The runtime is 112 minutes, giving plenty of time to soak in the Southern charm and soundtrack.

🎥 Trailer

About The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1981) — A brother-sister chase for Nashville stardom in the 1980s

In *The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (1981)*, directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, a brother-sister duo chases the bright lights of Nashville stardom against the gritty backdrop of a changing music scene. Kristy McNichol shines as the determined younger sister managing her aspiring country-singer brother, played by Dennis Quaid, whose charm often lands him in more trouble than hits. Mark Hamill and Don Stroud join the fray as colorful opposites—one a rival, the other a looming threat—while the film weaves drama, music, and humor into a heartfelt tale of ambition and loyalty. Set in the neon-soaked world of honky-tonks and recording studios, the movie captures the raw energy of 1980s country music culture, where dreams are as fragile as they are fierce.

With its mix of Southern grit and sibling dynamics, *The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia* balances melancholy and mischief, all wrapped in a soundtrack that feels like a backstage pass to the era. The film's tagline hits the nail on the head: ambition comes at a cost, especially when the lights flicker just as you're about to shine.