On June 3, 1953 Billy Joe McAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge. Now, the muddy Tallahatchie River gives up its secrets – the secrets within the haunting ballad that swept America. Based on Bobby Gentry’s song, Ode to Billy Joe is the tragic story of Billy Joe (Robby Benson) and Bobbi Lee (Glynnis O’Connor). But as their young relations bloom, Billy Joe is consumed by forbidden desires.
“Ode to Billy Joe is a superbly sensitive period romantic tragedy. Robby Benson is excellent as Billy Joe McAllister, and Glynnis O’Connor is outstanding as his Juliet.” – Variety
