Back Roads (1981)
A road romance set in the rural South, pairing Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones as two drifters chasing something better.
Back Roads - Movie Information
- Original Title: Back Roads
- Release Year: 1981
- Directed by: Martin Ritt
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Romance
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 13, 1981 (United States - R)
- Alternative Titles: Nebenstraßen (DE), Dos hacia California (ES), Проселочные дороги (SU)
- Production Companies: CBS Theatrical Films, Meta-Films Associates
- Production Countries: United States of America
Back Roads - Plot
A prostitute and a drifter find themselves bound together as they make their way through the rural South, doing what they have to do to survive.
Back Roads - Trailer
See the official trailer for this 1981 road romance starring Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones.
Running from the past, and backing into love.
Where to Watch Back Roads
Looking for where to watch Back Roads?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Back Roads - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Martin Ritt
Main Cast
- Sally Field
- Tommy Lee Jones
- David Keith
- M. Emmet Walsh
- Michael V. Gazzo
- Nell Carter
- Royce D. Applegate
- Don 'Red' Barry
- Billy Jayne
- Brian Frishman
Writers
- Gary DeVore
Producers
- Ronald Shedlo
Back Roads - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Back Roads?
Back Roads stars Sally Field as Amy Post, a prostitute, and Tommy Lee Jones as Elmore Pratt, a drifter. The supporting cast includes David Keith, M. Emmet Walsh, Michael V. Gazzo, and Nell Carter, all bringing vivid life to this road-trip romance set in the rural South.
What is Back Roads about?
Back Roads follows Amy, a Southern prostitute, and Elmore, a down-on-his-luck drifter, who team up out of necessity and gradually fall for each other while hitchhiking toward California. It's a warm, bittersweet road movie about two outsiders finding unexpected connection and hope amid hardship.
Did Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones have real chemistry in Back Roads?
Absolutely. Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones deliver genuinely warm, sparky performances that anchor the film's romantic tension. Their natural rapport — playful yet emotionally honest — is widely considered the movie's greatest strength, turning what could have been a formulaic road story into something genuinely touching.
Where can I stream or watch Back Roads?
You can watch Back Roads through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home, all of which offer the film for purchase or rental. It's a straightforward way to catch this underrated 1981 road romance from the comfort of home.
Who directed Back Roads and what is his style?
Martin Ritt directed Back Roads. Known for character-driven dramas like Hud and Norma Rae, Ritt brought a grounded, humanistic touch to this road comedy-romance, focusing on the warmth and resilience of ordinary people rather than flashy cinematic spectacle — a perfect fit for the story's Southern setting.
Is Back Roads based on a true story?
No, Back Roads is not based on a true story. It's an original screenplay written by Gary DeVore. The film draws on familiar American road-movie traditions and Southern Gothic atmosphere to craft a fictional tale of two unlikely companions finding love while drifting toward a better life.
What is the age rating for Back Roads?
Back Roads carries an R rating in the United States. The rating reflects mature themes including prostitution, adult language, and some rough situations encountered along the characters' journey through the rural South. It's intended for adult audiences.
What movies are similar to Back Roads?
If you enjoy Back Roads, you might also like Up in Smoke (1978) for its freewheeling road-trip energy, The World According to Garp (1982) for its blend of comedy and heartfelt drama, or Never Been Kissed (1999) for its romantic warmth. All share a similar spirit of offbeat, character-led storytelling.
More About Back Roads
Explore further details and databases for Back Roads.