The Ballad of the Sad Cafe

Synopsis

In the small, isolated town of Cheehaw, a complex love triangle unfolds between Miss Amelia, her ex-convict husband Marvin, and her charismatic cousin Lymon. The arrival of Lymon sparks a series of events that challenge the dynamics of the town and its inhabitants. As secrets are revealed and tensions escalate, The Ballad of the Sad Cafe delves into themes of loneliness, betrayal, and the transformative power of love. The movie, based on the novella by Carson McCullers, captures the essence of Southern Gothic literature with its eccentric characters and haunting narrative, making it a poignant exploration of human relationships and desires.

Cast

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  Vanessa Redgrave

  Miss Amelia

• 

  Keith Carradine

  Marvin Macy

• 

  Cork Hubbert

  Cousin Lymon

• 

  Rod Steiger

  Rev. Willin

• 

  Austin Pendleton

  Lawyer Taylor

• Beth Dixon

  Mary Hale

Reviews

The Ballad of the Sad Cafe has received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciated the film's atmospheric portrayal of Southern Gothic themes and the stellar performance by Vanessa Redgrave, others found the pacing slow and the story lacking depth. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie a rating of 56%, with some critics praising its visual style and strong performances, but critiquing its uneven storytelling. IMDb rated the movie at 5.9/10, indicating a mediocre reception among audiences. Overall, the film has been praised for its evocative cinematography and captivating characters, but criticized for its narrative inconsistencies and pacing issues.