When schoolteacher and aspiring writer Novalyne Price (Renee Zellweger) arrives in Cross Plains, Texas, in 1933 to begin the school term, she meets Robert Howard (Vincent D'Onofrio), an odd loner with a temper and a successful pulp magazine writer known for his Conan the Barbarian series. She's seeking advice but their friendship soon blossoms into more and Novalyne must learn how to deal with Robert's attitude and stories that offend her sensibilities.
Others in the cast include Ann Wedgeworth and Harve Presnell as Robert's sickly mother and doctor father; and Libby Villari as Novalyne's mother. Also appearing is Elizabeth D'Onofrio (Vincent's sister).
Based on the memoir of Novalyne Price Ellis. Directed by Dan Ireland.
Run time: 1 hour, 46 minutes
Rated PG for a substantial amount of mild language and mature thematic elements.
My personal rating: B+
