Straight Talk

Directed by Barnet Kellman, 1992
PG; 87 minutes

“The best scenes in the movie are the ones where the [Dolly] Parton character simply speaks her mind. Her advice is sound, earthy and blunt.” —Roger Ebert, Roger Ebert.com

Dolly Parton stars as Shirlee Kenyon, a small-town woman who leaves her boyfriend (Michael Madsen) behind and heads to Chicago for a fresh start. When a mix-up finds her sitting in as host for a radio call-in advice show, her common-sense wisdom quickly wins her fans. As “Doctor Shirlee” navigates her new popularity, she also finds herself the subject of a journalist’s (James Woods) investigation.

The “My Favorite Films” series features tales of romance, humor, suspense, satire, and heroism with films since 1945. These films may hold special memories for you—no matter how many times you see them, they continue to draw you in once more. While many of these films are available through streaming, it's always more fun to see them in the theatre.

This December, the Modern invites you to gather for a month of films that honor the lives and screen legacies of Tim Curry, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall, and Dolly Parton, this lineup reflects the range of performances that stay with us—warm, eccentric, deeply human, and unforgettable. From small-town salons and radio booths to Texas farms and snow-bright city streets, these stories remind us how humor, resilience, tenderness, and a little mischief can turn ordinary days into lasting cinematic memories.

Make a day of it at the Modern and include extra time to visit the galleries. Enjoy lunch in Café Modern and then settle in for an afternoon screening, or plan for a coffee break afterwards with fellow film enthusiasts.

Screenings are at 2 pm most Wednesdays in the auditorium. Tickets are $5 (free for Modern members) and are available at the Museum’s admission desk or online here.