The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia (film)

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1981
Key people	Ronald F. Maxwell (director)
Products	Musical drama film

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia is a 1981 American musical drama feature directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, starring Kristy McNichol, Dennis Quaid, Mark Hamill, and Don Stroud.

Although the film takes loose inspiration from the 1972 song of the same title by Vicki Lawrence, its storyline diverges significantly from the original lyrics. For the movie’s soundtrack, Tanya Tucker recorded a revamped version in 1981, with lyrics modified to align with the film’s narrative.

Plot

Amanda Child (McNichol) manages her brother Travis (Quaid), a country singer who has experienced limited success with a single hit, as they journey to Nashville seeking fame. While Travis wrestles with his aspirations and various distractions, Amanda remains focused on revitalizing his music career. During their time there, Amanda encounters state trooper Conrad (Hamill), who becomes a source of support.

Following an arrest for public intoxication, Travis takes a job bartending at a roadside bar where he develops feelings for Melody. However, Melody’s ex-boyfriend Seth James, the deputy sheriff, confronts Travis out of jealousy. To survive Seth’s assault, Travis pretends to be dead and ultimately kills Seth in self-defense. Tragically, Travis later perishes in an automobile accident. Amanda lays her brother to rest and departs town accompanied by her dog. Conrad convinces her to remain by demonstrating his willingness to abandon everything for her, and together they plan their future.

Cast

• Kristy McNichol as Amanda Child
• Dennis Quaid as Travis Child
• Mark Hamill as Conrad
• Sunny Johnson as Melody
• Don Stroud as Seth James
• Barry Corbin as Wimbish
• Arlen Dean Snyder as Andy
• Ellen Saland as Nellie

Production

Principal photography occurred mainly in Dade County, Georgia, with supplementary scenes filmed in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Manchester, Tennessee.

Reception

The film has garnered a Metacritic score of 54 out of 100 based on five critic reviews, indicating generally mixed or average feedback.