Blue Valley Songbird (TV Movie 1999) Poster

(1999 TV Movie)

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5/10
Movie was OK, but the location was excellent!
gjones723 January 2005
All in all, I thought the movie was OK, but I really enjoyed seeing the location (house) that the film was set at. I say this because I had the opportunity to spend the weekend in that very house! Some good friends of mine recently moved to Nashville and are currently living in the very house that the movie was filmed in. We had the distinguished opportunity to watch the movie with the owner of the house Friday evening and have him point out items of interest like Dolly's bedroom being his actual bedroom (and subsequently my friends' bedroom) and his own personal items that made it into the movie (like the black bowl that Dolly's boyfriend was eating cereal out of).

OK movie, but the movie's much better when you can see it in "her" house!
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I enjoyed this film...
dc_rusty12 July 2004
Singer, Leanna Taylor, is in a comfortable rut; touring with her band, singing at the same places and living with her manager of 15 years, who, as the movie unfolds, is seen to be a manipulating father figure.

Into this mix a couple of new elements are added; a new band member who sees her genuine talent with fresh eyes, word that her father (whom she hasn't seen in 25 years) has died, and a talent scout spots her and relights a hope of going the next step in her career.

With flash backs that explain her personal history, she finds herself moving away from the her safe place and opening her eyes to what maybe out there for her now, if she's willing to take the chance. The music is delightful, the acting is believable. The ending is not a disappointment to the romantic hearted.
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4/10
Not My Kind Of Film
socrates41 May 2019
Here is Dolly Parton in her very own made-for-TV musical, ladies and gentleman! That's right, gentleman is singular. Thought it was a typo at first, then realized that probably only one of us fellas watched this, and alas it was me.

What kind of man likes a musical anyway? I sure didn't. And it's bad for a musical at that. I've seen two or three others besides this one, and they were all better. It's bad for a TV movie too. Don't waste your time unless you're Dolly Parton's biggest fan. And even if you are, maybe you're better off skipping this, because it is sure to ruin her for you. Do not recommend.
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10/10
Hi this is Joe Tinoco...thanks for the great comments!!!!!!
joetam111 March 2001
I just happened upon this site while surfing the web and WOW what a surprise to see comments about little ol me!! I had a fantastic time acting next to some of the best actors in the Biz! The crew...director...producers ...and Dolly...were all so nice and helpful! I had a ball!!! They definitely need more movies like this on tv. Maybe next time.....I can stay covered! haha!!! See ya, Joe Tinoco
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8/10
Dolly pulls off a complicated character beautifully.
kharabear972 June 2006
I just saw this movie and thought it was great! I really liked the chemistry between Dolly and Billy Dean. I believe it was the best work Dolly has done to date. Kudos to her for stepping out of her comfort zone in comedy to do something a little more dramatic. The character of Leeana is really complicated because of her history, and Dolly pulled it off beautifully. In fact, each of the characters in the movie were well played by the actors chosen to play them. I couldn't believe that this was a made for T.V. movie. It was really well done in all aspects the location, costumes, writing and directing. I liked that the script gave just enough information when it was needed, so the audience was able to go on the healing journey with Leeana and live her "aha" moments with her. I love movies that inspire and empower, and this one does both.
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10/10
We enjoyed the movie and would like to see Joe Tinoco in More movies, he is very magnaetic, Dolly was great. Love it.
yrtnuoc8 March 2001
We enjoyed the movie and would like to see Joe Tinoco in More movies, he is very magnetic/multi-talented.... . Loved it. Sort of a strange part Joe played, if you knew him, it would freak ya out, he is so shy. but a great and talented hard working kid. Dolly was great!! Dolly is fantastic and she has worked hard to become the legend she will remain! Great cast. Hope to see more good Country Movies on Lifetime TV, can you tell we are Country Fans? Thank You Barb
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10/10
Excellent story, cast and music
maryhemus10 May 2001
I am a fan of Joe's and his performance in this movie was great. I am sure Dolly knew something was very special about him when she picked him for this movie - she knows how difficult this business is and the movie reflects the life of someone 'paying their dues'. Joe has talent and I do believe with his continued hard work and don't give up attitude he will become a bigger "star". No matter what, he is a superstar now - we all know that for sure. Really great plot on movie and I look forward to seeing it again. critic in North Carolina
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Let's see more of Joe Tinoco in films.
flo-42 April 2001
I thoroughly enjoyed this film and was pleasantly surprised at the appearance of my favorite guy, Joe Tinoco, whom I have always admired as a country singer but never knew he had this hidden talent of dancing. I thought he added a little "spice" to the film and showed how really multi-talented he is. I hope we see more of him in films in the future.
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10/10
Joe Tinoco "MADE" the Birthday Party Scene
marli-12 April 2001
Joe's performance as the "Stetson Man," a male stripper who was Dolly's "birthday present", made that scene as great as it was! It was all so "real" with Dolly getting embarrassed a little, and Joe laughing as he danced for her. I was saddened that he didn't have more exposure in the movie... I mean dressed and acting more, of course! The movie on a whole was wonderfully entertaining and very touching. I would like to see more movies with Joe Tinoco in them and with more significant roles.
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8/10
God Golly
tjcrsj8 October 2006
THis movie is such a great one for a number of reasons. Number 1 It's based on a Dolly song 2. Great acting 3. Great Music 4. great storyline. It seems like every movie Dolly touches comes to magic( except Frnk McClusky C.I). I mean it just has a great thing about it a that a lot of people can relate to. Billy dean is great to you can tell that Dolly and him get along real well. The acting I would give a 9 out of 10. The storyline a 10 out of 10. The songs 10 out of 10. All i can say is look for it on Ebay or amazon you Will not be disappointed.This is a Made for TV movie so it is hard to find. Wow. So i would have to say watch for it on TV they usually show it on Lifetime.
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At least Dolly Parton was in it (as a redhead!); good music
vchimpanzee24 August 2003
Leanna Taylor is a country singer whose backup band is the Blue Valley Ramblers. At the opening, she is late for a performance, as usual, because she just had to read People's Digest. She charms her way out of a traffic ticket, and then arrives just in time for one of many good performances.

Among the problems: a phone call with terrible news from Leanna's mother, who hasn't contacted her in years. And the band needs new material. And Thelma, the pregnant wife of one of the band members, can't stand having her husband leave her (he might find someone else just like he found her). But this struggling band has to travel. And the biggest problem of all: band manager Hank has been Leanna's boyfriend for many years but he is controlling and won't commit. Bobby writes a duet for himself and Leanna and ...

Flashbacks of Leanna's early life are shown throughout the movie. She sings (make that lip-syncs) in church as a young girl, and she must deal with an abusive and overprotective father.

The movie started off fine. There was some comedy, such as Thelma's constant phone calls, and Leanna having to share a motel room with all the male band members except the one chosen to sleep in the car. Things started going downhill, though. I hoped the movie would get better when Leanna visited her hometown of Blue Valley. It did to some extent, but overall, I wasn't that happy.

The biggest reason to watch this movie was Dolly herself. She almost always plays herself in her movies. And this was true here. Leanna was charming and compassionate but had a temper. I liked seeing Leanna when she was happy, but this movie was hard to watch when she was mad or crying. I'm not saying anything was wrong with her performance; I just like seeing Dolly happy.

Of course, it's the music that makes the movie worth watching. Dolly is quite talented as a singer, whether doing mainstream country that appeals to a large audience, or old-time music that Leanna wants to do but shouldn't risk because it's not really what the audience wants. The band was good too. And there was a really good quartet called The Dobsons that performed 'Amazing Grace' at Leanna's church.

If I have to pick actors that gave good performances, I would say the woman who played Ruby, who ran the club where Leanna performed the most, and the man who played Leanna's pastor.

It wasn't a bad movie. But Dolly Parton has done better.
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10/10
Joe Tinoco was the best part of the movie!Man can he dance :)
shayshay7 March 2001
I enjoyed the movie over all but I only watched it because I knew Joe Tinoco would be in it.I am glad I did as the whole movie turned out to be very good.Dolly is always good in every movie she has ever been in and can still sing better than most young stars of today! They should have let Joe Tinoco sing too as he is awesome at that as well as dancing!
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10/10
Thank You those who are taking time to sign in with great comments about the movie!
yrtnuoc19 March 2002
Thanks to all who have taking time to sign in with great comments about Joe and the Dolly Parton movie!

Thanks to all and please be sure and spread the word about the movie and to look in video stores close to you. Great job Joe! Whens the next movie.

Fans For Joe Staff
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Blue Valley Songbird
bandit383 April 2001
Hey watched the movie and recorded it also. We have watched it a couple more times and enjoy it more each time we watch it. Joe is a great actor and would like to see him in more movies. Dolly is still as beautiful ever. She is still a great singer. Joe get to working on some of your songs and make them into a movie, so the whole world can see and hear you.
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I loved the Movie
jobbink18 January 2002
I have always loved Dolly Pardon, her singing and her movies. She was really good in this movie and Joe Tinoco was especially good in the birthday scene. Joe Tinoco should do more movies! He is a really good dancer and he absolutely made the show. Billy Dean is great so it had some of my favorite people in it.
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ok
MichaelLee199118 August 2003
i think this movie was ok. i loved that dolly parton can play a role like this.but you know i mean it isn't one of her very best films.although i did like the stripper scene.but all in all i really do think it was a good movie
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