Watch A Prairie Home Companion

"A Prairie Home Companion" is a comedy-drama film released in 2006 directed by Robert Altman. The movie is based on the popular radio show of the same name created by Garrison Keillor, who also stars in the film. The show, which was popular for its humor and music, was broadcast live from the Fitzgerald Theater in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The plot revolves around the final episode of the radio show, which is about to be canceled due to low ratings. We witness the backstage world of the radio station and the lives of the cast and crew on what they all believe to be their last show. Throughout the film, we get to know the character dynamics between the cast and the challenges they face.

The plot also focuses on the intertwined lives of Yolanda and Rhonda Johnson, played by Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin respectively, who are singing sisters on the show. They have a complicated relationship with each other as they go through issues such as bankruptcy and illness. They perform beautiful folk songs and keep the spirit of the show alive.

Woody Harrelson and John C. Reilly play Dusty and Lefty, a cowboy duo who usually sing humorously raunchy songs on the show. They have hilarious on-stage banter and are possibly the most popular performers on the show. However, in the course of the movie, we see that they have off-stage struggles as well.

The rest of the ensemble cast is made up of Kevin Kline, who plays the radio station's security head Guy Noir, and Virginia Madsen, who plays a mysterious woman who is a fan of the show. Joan Cusack also appears in the film as an Upstairs Woman who brings cookies and sweet treats to the cast and crew.

The film beautifully captures the essence of the original radio show and its sense of humor, drama, and music. The performances by the cast members are all excellent, and the chemistry between them feels authentic. The music in the film is stunning, with beautiful numbers such as "Goodbye to My Mama" and "Red River Valley" performed by Streep and Tomlin.

"A Prairie Home Companion" is a bittersweet film about the end of an era and the people who make it happen. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of stories and the connections we form around them. Despite the show's cancellation, we are left with a sense of hope and renewal for the characters and the memories they've created.

Overall, "A Prairie Home Companion" is a delightful and heartwarming movie that will leave you with a smile on your face. The film is a tribute to the radio show's enduring legacy and a celebration of the power of storytelling.

A Prairie Home Companion is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 75.