The Stars Fell on Henrietta

Texas 1935. It's a time of boomtowns or bust for oil wildcatters and, time and again, derby-topped Mr. Cox has come out flat busted. No worries. Mr. Cox has a mule-headed optimism. He's sure as the sunrise that near the town of Henrietta on a cotton farm that raises more dust than bolls, there's black gold beneath the barren sod. From Clint Eastwood's production company, The Stars Fell on Henrietta is a sweet-natured tale of hope and redemption. As Mr. Cox, Robert Duvall adds another acclaimed expert performance to his gallery of great roles. And Aidan Quinn, Frances Fisher and Brian Dennehy shine as Lone Star denizens not so much swayed as gradually infected by Mr. Cox's unflagging will. Sweep up the stardust spread by this warm and winning movie and you may well be too.