Wild Texas Wind

Dolly Parton plays a rising singer struggling with the manager-lover (Gary Busey) who abuses her. Parton co-wrote the original songs with costar Ray Benson (of the band Asleep at the Wheel), who plays Ben. Willie Nelson has a cameo, joining Dolly for “On the Road Again.” Harlan: Dennis Letts. Judge Bolen: Merrill Connally. DA: Tony Frank. Filmed in Austin, Texas., Dolly Parton goes dramatic in Wild Texas Wind–with plenty or songs in her repertoire to gloss over the script’s shortcomings. This made-for-TV movie costars a curiously hammy Gary Busey as the manager of a country western band fronted by Parton. Through his business acumen, Parton’s aggregation goes to the top. But the price of fame is Parton’s peace of mind; she enters into a love affair with Busey, who proves to be psychotically abusive. Despite constant beatings, Parton stands by Busey until she gains the gumption to stand alone. C & W fans may not cotton to the storyline of Wild Texas Wind, though they’ll probably be appeased by the musical performances of Dolly Parton, Ray Benton and (in a cameo) Willie Nelson.