Sissy Spacek's southern accent, singing voice and admirable naturalistic acting all merit 10 out of 10 in this moving musical biopic about Loretta Lynn, a poor-born Tennessee girl who married at 13, had seven children and became America's number one female country and western star. Sissy deservedly scooped the year's Best Actress Oscar from under the noses of more fancied nominees. Other Oscar nominations went to the film itself, Tom Rickman for his screenplay, cinematographer Ralf D Bode and to the editor and art directors. The direction of Britain's Michael Apted is exemplary in its feel for time and place, and Tommy Lee Jones provides fine support as Lynn's unfeeling husband, the driving force behind her fortunes. If the film glosses over some of the less savoury aspects of the true story - drugs, nervous breakdowns etc - the treatment is in keeping with Spacek's wholesome portrait of the singing mum. She can be our number one lady of country and western any day.


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