A Prairie Home Companion

"We come from people who brought us up to believe that life is a struggle, and if you should feel really happy, be patient: this, too, will pass." --Garrison Keillor

That's not the whole quote, just the last part. The first part is just as funny, which makes the last part even funnier. Unfortunately, I can't remember the whole quote because so much was going on in the movie.

That's right. Last night, I saw the movie I was most looking forward to in a "special sneak preview." All the other people out there who are looking forward to seeing it (not enough people, if you ask me) have to wait until Friday. (Or, if you come from a place like my hometown, you'll probably have to wait until it's available through Netflix. *sigh*)

So, what is A Prairie Home Companion? It's a movie about what goes on backstage, and onstage, at a radio show broadcasting its final show. The final show part is always there, but I got the feeling that a the backstage would have been just as chaotic it if the film was just about putting on a radio show this size.

The cast is star studded and they all do an excellent job. Altman's direction is sure and he keeps the camera moving to show the frantic pace. And Garrison Keillor's script is hilarious.

Fans of the radio show will not be disappointed. Guy Noir is there with his classic opening about "a city that knows how to keep its secrets." Also, there's Dusty and Lefty fighting and singing right there on stage.

Oh, and the show is brought to you by Powdermilk Biscuits, Bebop-a-reebop Rhubarb Pie, and The Catchup Advisory Board, which bottles a little bit of sunshine just for you.