Goin' South (1978)

Goin' South Poster

Henry Moon is captured for a capital offense by a posse when his horse quits while trying to escape to Mexico. He finds that there is a post-Civil War law in the small town that any single or widowed woman can save him from the gallows by marrying him.

Introduction
"Goin' South" is a wacky western comedy released in 1978, directed by and starring Jack Nicholson. The film features Nicholson as Henry Lloyd Moon, a criminal in the era of the American Old West. He is recorded and set to hang but manages to avert this fate through an unexpected regional ordinance. The movie features a diverse assistance cast, including Mary Steenburgen in her debut role, Christopher Lloyd, and John Belushi.

Plot
The movie centers on Henry Moon, a low-life bandit who is captured and confronted with hanging for his comprehensive unlawful activities. However, the law in the small town of Longhorn in Texas has a strange guideline. According to this provision, a guy condemned for "any other than murder" can be lawfully conserved from hanging if a "decent" female accepts marry him and take obligation for his good behavior. Nicholson's character, Moon, directly leaves his fate when a stoic and independent lady named Julia Tate, played by Mary Steenburgen, chooses to wed him.

Julia needs him to work in her cash cow. As the story unfolds, it emerges that Julia's dad was a prospector and had discovered gold in the mine, however he had passed away before he might extract it. She thought that Henry's experience as a horse thief and basic miscreant would offer the grit and perseverance needed to dig up the gold.

Character Development and Relationship
Despite an abrasive start, where Henry is decreased to bit more than servant labor, an unique relationship begins to establish between the not likely set. Henry learns that Julia is not as gruff as she at first appeared, and Julia changes from a piercing, unyielding taskmaster into a woman falling in love. After a series of useless mining attempts, they finally advance.

Nevertheless, their happiness is temporary as the corrupt constable, played by Christopher Lloyd, along with his silly deputy Hector played by John Belushi, catch wind of their newly found wealth and plot to take the mine.

Twist and Conclusion
While the movie plays up comical absurdity, the story follows conventional stories surrounding love, greed, and a battle against corrupt institutional figures. As the couple trades comic barbs with each other and the townsfolk, they likewise discover themselves in a desperate battle for their mine, resulting in gunfights, chases and an explosive climax.

Eventually, the couple manages to protect their gold and begin a new life. Henry, who initially used to leave Julia once he was pardoned for his crimes, voluntarily chooses to stay and start a fresh life with her, treasuring the love and newfound bond they 'd cultivated.

Overall Review
"Goin' South" captivates its audience with its eccentric characters, wacky humor, and timeless American Old West atmosphere. Jack Nicholson's direction enables the film's strange setting and characters to shine, offering both extreme Old West looks and pronounced funny. The on-screen chemistry in between Steenburgen and Nicholson adds a romantic charm to the plot, while the inclusion of physical comical scenes ensures an enjoyable, silly, yet satisfying look for the audience. The movie is a pleasurable ride from start to finish, which remains real to its genre while likewise providing something new.

Top Cast

  • Jack Nicholson (small)
    Jack Nicholson
    Henry Lloyd Moon
  • Mary Steenburgen (small)
    Mary Steenburgen
    Julia Tate / Moon
  • Christopher Lloyd (small)
    Christopher Lloyd
    Deputy Towfield
  • John Belushi (small)
    John Belushi
    Deputy Hector
  • Veronica Cartwright (small)
    Veronica Cartwright
    Hermine, Moon's Old Gang
  • Richard Bradford (small)
    Richard Bradford
    Sheriff Andrew Kyle
  • Jeff Morris (small)
    Jeff Morris
    Big Abe, Moon's Old Gang
  • Danny DeVito (small)
    Danny DeVito
    Hog, Moon's Old Gang
  • Tracey Walter (small)
    Tracey Walter
    Coogan, Moon's Old Gang
  • Luana Anders (small)
    Luana Anders
    Lorette Anderson
  • Lucy Lee Flippin (small)
    Lucy Lee Flippin
    Diane Haber