The other night I was in the mood for something “country” and it was too late to pick up a book, so I found “Pure Country” on television and got cozy in my bed to watch it. I mean, if you can’t take watching a young George Strait at 10 PM, then what good are you anyway, right? Though, his acting isn’t up to par with his beautiful voice, I enjoyed seeing this movie again. I like the old fashioned ideals of being true to yourself, no matter the cost. And I liked the love story, but when it was over, I realized that dear George didn’t kiss the heroine once. Not even at the end, which I replayed to make sure.
Don’t you wish there were more good romantic movies with a western theme on the horizon?
I mean no one loves a present day cowboy fantasy more than we do, right?
Here’s the synopsis for Pure Country: One of the biggest stars in country music, Dusty Wyatt Chandler (George Strait) grows disillusioned with the hollow performances and overly produced arena shows he’s contractually obligated to play. In an effort to become grounded, Chandler walks away from the spotlight and goes back to the country town of his youth. After finding work at a ranch, he falls for the owner’s daughter, Lula Rogers (Lesley Ann Warren). However, his manager (Isabel Glasser) is determined to keep the show going.
Last month, I saw “The Longest Ride,” starring Scott Eastwood, Clint’s very handsome son who looks very much like his father did in the olden days, only more muscled, more broad. (Am I painting an appealing picture?) As my friend and I were driving out of town to catch the one cinema still playing the movie (I did need to see this for my rodeo story research) she turned to me to say, “You know, this only got a 2 star rating.”
Okay, I don’t bank much on movie ratings by highly cynical reviewers, so I went in with an open mind. And I laughed a little, and cried a lot, and came away feeling emotionally satisfied with the story. “And that only got 2 stars,” my friend said after the ending credits. We both loved that story which was really a story within a story. Two for the price of one! You have to go see it to find out what I mean. I actually want to read the book to see how author Nicholas Sparks, managed to do it in print. Sometimes, I think it’s easier to SHOW the story than TELL the story, but that may only be me talking with my writer hat on.
Here’s the synopsis for The Longest Ride:
Former bull-riding champion Luke (Scott Eastwood) and college student Sophia (Britt Robertson) are in love, but conflicting paths and ideals threaten to tear them apart: Luke hopes to make a comeback on the rodeo circuit, and Sophia is about to embark on her dream job in New York’s art world. As the couple ponder their romantic future, they find inspiration in Ira (Alan Alda), an elderly man whose decades-long romance with his beloved wife withstood the test of time.
I’m in need of inspiration and love a good cowboy who gets the girl story. So tell me, are there any really good present-day western themed romance stories out there that you’ve seen lately in the movies or on TV?
To celebrate the release of my 2nd Moonlight Beach Bachelors series, The Billionaire’s Daddy Test, I have a special prize today, one of these beautiful Brighton Bookmarks along with a copy of one of my backlist books goes to one blogger today.
Also starting on June 14th and June 16th respectively check out The Billionaire’s Daddy Test as a Goodreads Giveaway and the .99 cent sale of The Secret Heir of Sunset Ranch!
While Pure Country is one of my favorites, I liked the movie Straight from the Heart with Andrew McCarthy and Teri Polo. I think it may have been a Hallmark movie. The synopsis says, “Disheartened when Edward (Greg Evigan), her boyfriend of five years, fails to ask her to marry him, photographer Jordan Donovan (Teri Polo) takes her friend’s advice and flies to Wyoming for a blind date with rancher Tyler Ross (Andrew McCarthy). The two overcome their initial dislike of each other and fall in love, but Tyler is haunted by the death of his wife, while Jordan is still attached to Edward. Worried they may not be able to maintain a relationship, Jordan returns to New York City.”
It’s not a ‘shoot-em-up’ cowboy movie, but it is what popped into my head when I read your question.
Have a blessed day!
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com
Hi Cindy — I don’t think I’ve ever seen that movie, but I did meet Greg Evigan at my friend’s wedding recently and it’s fun to see someone you’ve actually met in a movie! I’ll look it up! Thanks for the suggestion! Blessing to you too!!
I can’t think of any present-day western themed romance stories. Only one I can come up with -and it’s not really present day, in any way, though there is some romance and lot’s of talk about the future- is the TV-series The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.
Hi Minna,
I know! There aren’t enough good movies set in the west, either past or present. I may have seen Brisco once or twice, but I honestly don’t remember it.
I haven’t heard of Pure Country. Ill have to look that movie up. I already know I want to see The Longest Ride. We don’t go to the theater, so I always have to wait for movies to come out on pay per view. But this one, I might need to buy.
Hi Janine – I found Pure Country on the CMT channel. They play it often, and it’s about 20 years old or more. And sometimes I see it on a regular TV channel. You won’t be disappointed in The Longest Ride, it was such a well woven story, from present to past with 2 stories in one, that I really enjoyed both stories. I think it’ll come out on Pay per View soon. I saw it in early May , so maybe in a month or two.
Good morning, Charlene! Great subject. I love going to movies. There’s something about sitting in a dark theater watching the magic on the screen. And that’s what movies are to me. They created magic. Though not always, they make me believe that these people are real and the story happened. I LOVE Pure Country! Watched it for the first time in 1992 then each time I run across it on TV. George made my heart race back then and still does today. He has so much charisma!
I also LOVED The Longest Ride! Oh my gosh! Scott Eastwood is another with charisma, sex appeal….and did I say sex appeal? Good Lord! It oozes from him. And I loved the story too. Both of them. Alan Alda’s was sad but it deeply touched me. That kind of love doesn’t come real often. But back to Scott Eastwood. He was every bit as good as his dad in my opinion. And I intend to be first in line when this comes out on DVD on July 14!!
Congrats on the new book!! It looks great. The man holding the baby on the cover makes me melt. There’s something about seeing a baby in those big hands and strong arms.
Hi Linda! I fell in love with George Strait then too! He’s the KING of Country! For good reason- and I think he’s a real life good guy too, which makes him more appealing. And yes, The Longest Ride, had it all. I’m definitely a Scott Eastwood fan now. Want to see his next movie, whatever that might be. Thanks for the kind words. I’m in love with my new cover too. Babies, and beaches and bachelors!!
I remember when Pure Country came out on VHS and I rented a copy… Fell in love with George Straight… What about 8 Seconds. That is the movie with Luke Perry who played Lane Frost. It was the first Rodeo movie I think I saw, it came out in 1994.
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for the reminder. I did see 8 seconds a long time ago. Maybe it’s time to revisit it?
Pure country will always be my favorite. 8 seconds is another good movie and that is based on a true story.
Hi Charlene, I am with Cindy here…try to catch that Hallmark movie with Andrew McCarthy. I just love it. but there is nobody like King George! And I just love all your covers! Xox
Hi Tanya,
I will try to catch that movie…I’m excited to see that there are other present day western romances out there. Thanks for the kind words. I do love the baby covers.
I want to see The Longest Ride. My friends and I go to a movie every month and that was last month’s pick but I missed it (my daughter got married so the movie will have to wait lol).
Hi Catslady – Well, you have a good reason to have missed that movie! I think you’ll love it, though so do plan on seeing it. And Congrats on the wedding!!!!!
I love this topic! I love western movies. I’ve seen Crossfire Trail with Tom Selleck — but I just checked and that was 2001! Eek!! Not current at all. I’ve seen Pure Country over and over. Just love it! And also 8 Seconds. Straight From the Heart I loved to — have it DVR’d to see occasionally.
I did NOT see the Longest Ride and now I wish I had. I will have to rent it immediately when it comes out on DVD! I think it is interesting how Nicholas Sparks always uses “two stories in one” in the majority of his books. Always a young/old interest. I guess that is to pull in all ages of readers and movie-goers.
Fun topic Charlene! I hope to see some new suggestions here. Will have to check back latter in the day and see if some new ones are mentioned!
Hi Kathryn!
Now I really, really want to see Straight from the Heart. I’m going to check into it on Netflix and Demand to see if its there. You will love The Longest Ride, for once, N S wrote a happy ending. I just saw The Best of Me, and wanted to shoot myself in the foot after it ended. I won’t tell you why, but I did not like that ending at all!!
I read more than I watch TV or movies… nothing is coming to mind.
Can’t think of any cowboys but didn’t Sally Field play a rancher in Murphy’s Romance and the hero was James Garner, a small-town pharmacist. it’s from 1984 but it’s one of my favorite movies.
Hi Colleen and Anon1001, I know, there aren’t enough good old fashioned western romances. I would love to see more. I saw Murphy’s Romance, loved James Gardner in EVERYTHING he did.
Charlene,
I love Pure Country….I cant think of anything current, but I know I love your books.
Take care
Melinda
Hi Charlene. I am a Western fan from many years back like Roy Rogers . I have many western movies, a large amount are on the VHS tapes.. Love all of John Wayne movies. He is my favorite Star, and I even got to met him. Too many good ones to name. All of Louis L’Amour movies are great too, starring Sam Elliott. I have Pure Country on DVD also plus other stars.I have several channels that show lots of the shows that I watched years ago, and I love it. I would love to win your book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Urban Cowboy is one that I enjoyed. I miss the old fashioned memorable Westerns which no longer are made. They were meaningful and unforgettable.
Hi Charlene,
I can’t think of many contemporary cowboy stories. That’s why I need to read your books! There are many films that some that take place in the old west I love. One of my favs with a love story, is Conagher with Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross (I believe they are who are a real life married couple, too.) There are some classic westerns like 310 to Yuma with Glen Ford, and Red River with John Wayne and Monty Cliff that don’t have a romance, but do have a couple of sexy scenes! And both are great movies.
I grew up watching Westerns which I adored. Gunsmoke, Rawhide, The Virginian, and was mesmerized by the characters and the acting. Tombstone is my favorite recent one, the older version. Thanks for this great topic.
I haven’t seen The Longest Ride but I loved Pure Country. Westerns old and new are some of my favorites!
I read Western novels, but these are older. Louis L’Amour, Zane Grey, since I can relate to the times and characters. I really do pine for the romantic westerns which most find corny nowadays. Modern ones are rare.
The Old West was a very special time and the movies made at that time reflect the principles and values of the individuals. I never tire of watching them even now, since they meant a great deal to me when I was young. Clark Gable, John Ford, Lorne Greene, and many more made them worthwhile.
I loved the movie Pure Country. George Strait is one of my favorite country stars. I have a lot of his music. There just aren’t any good westerns on anymore. When I was young they were on every night on TV.
In Pure Country you have actresses reversed. Warren is his manager, Glasser is the owner’s daughter.