Hollywood to Dollywood

Year: 2012

Runtime: 81 min

Language: English

Director: John Lavin

BiographyComedyMusicDocumentary

Driven by a shared love for Dolly Parton, two brothers set out on a cross-country road trip from Hollywood to Tennessee. Their journey is filled with unexpected encounters and heartwarming moments as they meet inspiring people and face various challenges. Along the way, they discover more about themselves, their friendship, and what it truly means to chase a dream, all while celebrating the music and legacy of a true icon.

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Twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane, passionate filmmakers, have crafted a screenplay tailored for their idol, Dolly Parton. Despite multiple attempts to connect with her, they find themselves unable to deliver their dream directly to her, prompting an ambitious cross-country trip where they hope to personally present their script. They embark on this journey starting from Dolly’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, traveling East toward Pigeon Forge, TN, with the help of their friend, Mike Bowen, who is at the wheel of their RV, affectionately named Jolene.

As they traverse Interstate 40, the brothers encounter a tapestry of everyday Americans at various rest stops, RV parks, bars, and hair salons, enriching their understanding of the diverse cultures that populate the heartland of America. This journey is not merely a pursuit of a dream; it acts as a powerful voyage of self-discovery. Throughout their travels, Gary and Larry confront their evolving relationship with their parents, as well as their own hopes, fears, and ambitions. They grapple with the COURAGE required to share their own story, as they fear that such openness may risk their familial bonds.

The climax of their adventure leads them to the heavenly moment of handing their screenplay to Dolly Parton, a culmination of their lifelong aspiration, providing them with the acceptance they so deeply desired from her. The film serves as a modern-day Wizard of Oz, with the twins stepping into the shoes of contemporary Dorchys, Dolly embodying both Glinda and The Wizard, and their path down Interstate 40 acting as the enchanting Yellow Brick Road. The harsh weather conditions symbolize the Wicked Witch, while the array of characters they meet along the way resemble the diverse band of Scarecrows, Tinmen, and Lions encountered in the classic tale.

This heartwarming journey is marked not only by its emotional depth but also by the delightful inclusion of 15 original songs by Dolly Parton, showcasing her musical genius. The film features a series of amazing cameos from talented individuals including Leslie Jordan, Beth Grant, Chad Allen, Ann Walker, Oscar winner Lance Black, and of course, the star of their dreams, Dolly herself. Hollywood to Dollywood emerges as a unique blend of a road-trip documentary and a civil rights odyssey, inviting viewers to join in the celebration of dreams, familial love, and the indomitable spirit of perseverance.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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