Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A group of small-town Texas women obsessed with James Dean gather in a Woolworth’s to reveal long-held secrets and question the paternity of a slow-witted young man, leading to surprisingly progressive conclusions for a movie made in the early 80s.

🍿 Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Reunion Begins

The film opens on September 30, 1975, in McCarthy, Texas, at a Woolworth’s five-and-dime store. Members of a James Dean fan club, “The Disciples of James Dean,” reunite on the 20th anniversary of his death. The core group consists of Mona, Sissy, and Juanita, who still live in the small town. Flashbacks to 1955 are interspersed, showing the group’s initial formation and their obsession with James Dean during the filming of “Giant” nearby.

Secrets and Revelations

As the reunion progresses, long-held secrets and buried resentments surface. Mona, a central figure, maintains she had a child with James Dean after being an extra in “Giant.” The arrival of other members, including Stella Mae and the mysterious Joanne, intensifies the emotional atmosphere. Joanne’s presence disrupts the group dynamic and forces each woman to confront her past and present realities.

Hidden Identities

The flashbacks reveal that the group’s only male member, Joe, was integral to their performances as the McGuire Sisters. In a stunning revelation, Joanne reveals that she is Joe, having undergone a sex change operation. This revelation shocks the group, particularly Juanita, whose religious beliefs clash with Joanne’s identity. The truth about Mona’s son, Jimmy Dean, also comes to light, challenging the idealized memories of the past.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sissy (Cher): A waitress known for her beauty and sharp wit, harbors a secret about her health and past relationships.
• Joanne (Karen Black): A mysterious stranger who arrives at the reunion, revealing a shocking connection to the group’s past.
• Mona (Sandy Dennis): A fervent James Dean fan, clings to the belief that she had Dean’s child and struggles with delusion.
• Juanita (Sudie Bond): A deeply religious woman and owner of the five-and-dime, judges others while concealing her own biases.
• Stella Mae (Kathy Bates): A once brash member of the group returns as a wealthy woman, revealing the consequences of her choices.
• Joe Qualley (Mark Patton): A former member of the group, Joe’s identity and journey play a pivotal role in the story.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Juanita: “Well, you ain’t bringin’ beer in here.” – Juanita establishes her strict, religious rules for the reunion at the 5 & Dime.
• Sissy: “Could you just, um, turn God off for tonight and have yourself a good time?” – Sissy challenges Juanita’s strictness and encourages her to relax for the evening.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $850,000
• Domestic Gross: $840,958
• Worldwide Gross: $840,958

💥 Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean Reviews

Personal Review

I remember stumbling upon this movie late one night and being completely captivated. The confined setting, the raw emotions, and the incredible performances by Cher and Sandy Dennis just drew me in. The mirror scenes were particularly effective, blurring the lines between past and present. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s a thought-provoking one that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. The script doesn’t provide the viewer with answers, and I loved that.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Robert Altman”
  • “Those interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate theatrical adaptations”
  • “Those interested in films with strong female ensemble casts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of gender identity”
  • “Delusions and mental health”
  • “Mature themes and language”
  • “Brief discussions of breast cancer and sex change operations”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Altman brings his signature style to this adaptation of a stage play, creating a compelling character study with a strong ensemble cast. The film’s exploration of identity and the power of illusion resonates, though its stage-bound nature may limit its appeal for some viewers.
• The New York Times: “While undeniably theatrical, ‘Come Back to the 5 & Dime’ benefits from Altman’s inventive direction and the powerhouse performances of its female leads. Cher, Dennis, and Black deliver memorable portrayals of women grappling with their past and facing uncertain futures in a small Texas town.

Audience Reactions

The acting is phenomenal, especially Cher and Sandy Dennis’ performances.: Viewers praise the film’s strong female performances, thought-provoking themes, and Robert Altman’s direction.

The mirror scenes beautifully transition between past and present.: Many viewers found the use of mirrors as a visual storytelling device to be incredibly effective.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking and well-acted film that explores themes of identity, illusion, and the burden of the past, though its stage-bound nature may not appeal to all viewers. Strong female performances elevate the material.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The entire cast reprised their roles from the stage production that played on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre in 1982. Robert Altman also directed the stage version.”
• “The film uses mirrors and a split set to transition between 1955 and 1975 seamlessly, without changing the actors’ appearances to reflect aging.”
• “Robert Altman shot the film on 16mm film with a low budget of $850,000, creating a desolate atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean?

As of October 2024, “Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean” can be found for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. Check local listings for possible streaming availability, as options may vary by region. Unfortunately this film is not widely available on major streaming services. Physical media copies (DVD/Blu-Ray) are scarce and may require searching online retailers such as Amazon or eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, you might like these similar films:

• The Last Picture Show (1971): A coming-of-age drama set in a small, dying Texas town, exploring themes of lost youth and disillusionment.
• ‘night, Mother (1986): A mother-daughter drama set in one location focusing on themes of depression and familial conflict, and the secrets that can destroy a relationship.

🛒 Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean Related Products

• James Dean: Rebel Life: His Movies, Women, Fame, Death, and Impact: Explore the life and legacy of James Dean, the iconic actor whose presence looms large in the film. Delve into his movies, personal life, and the tragic circumstances of his death, gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultural phenomenon that Dean represents.
• Robert Altman: The Oral Biography: This biography of Robert Altman showcases his revolutionary method to cinema. It is a must have for the director’s lovers.
• Vintage Woolworth’s Five and Dime Store Sign: A vintage-inspired sign that harkens back to the setting of the film, capturing the nostalgia of small-town America. This item is great for decorating.
• 1950s Jukebox Music CD: This CD features the music that defines the 1950s, to immerse yourself in the era of James Dean and the early days of the fan club.

🎧 Soundtrack

Come Back to the 5 & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sincerely” – performed by The McGuire Sisters
• “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone” – performed by Allan F. Nicholls

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Don’t throw fastballs to a slowball hitter. 😅 (via br41bennett tiktok)

Ever felt like you were completely outmatched? This hilarious clip perfectly captures that feeling, and it’s baseball-related, just like the movie! I chuckled way too much at this.

Boardwalk Empire season 3 – Richard tells Nucky that he killed Manny Horvitz for Angela Darmody

Want to understand why Richard did what he did? This intense scene between him and Nucky reveals everything! You can feel the weight of his decision in every word.

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