[Quick Summary: The story of how Loretta Webb married young to Doo Lynn, had 6 kids, and created her country singing career.]
I liked this script very much because: 1) It reads faster than a greased pig, and 2) It builds and builds to the moment of despair.
First, it lays out how Doo worked so hard to get Loretta noticed.
Second, we see that she's well on her way to success, but he no longer has purpose.
She eventually catches him kissing another woman. When she hits him with her purse, he injures a finger.
The entire script has built to this heart wrenching scene when the team breaks up:
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT
...LORETTA: Ain't you gonna talk, Doo? I know what happened today, it wasn't about me wearin' no makeup. Why don't you talk to me?
DOOLITTLE (slowly): I think what I'm gonna do...is get me a job somewhere. Truck drivin', a mechanicin', somethin' I'm good at....
LORETTA: You're good at managin' me. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you.
DOOLITTLE: Gettin' here's one thing. Bein' here's another. My job's done. So I'll just find me another'n.
LORETTA: If this is gonna break us up then I'll quit too, Doo. I mean it.
DOOLITTLE: Successful people can't quit, baby. (sees her holding her head) Got another one of your headaches?
She nods.
DOOLITTLE: Just like your daddy. Coal dust give him his headaches. I guess I'm what gives 'em to you... (takes something from his pocket) Figure it was about time.
It's a wedding ring. She looks at it, starts to cry. They hold each other.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: The kid in me wants the team to stay together, but the adult in me knows Doolittle is right: "Gettin' here's one thing. Bein' here's another."
This is a good emotional space, as it keeps me rooting for them.
Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)(undated)
by Thomas Rickman
Based on the book by Loretta Lynn with George Vecsey
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