Sam Doonby (John Schneider) is a mysterious drifter who gets off a bus one afternoon in a small Texas town to change and improve the lives of all he comes in contact with. It is a story of greed and envy, played out against the backdrop of the classic country and blues music that is performed in Leroy’s Bar.[2] The film has been described by the producers as Crazy Heart-meets-It's A Wonderful Life, while Schneider described it as "It's A Wonderful Life without the Wonderful."[3]
Doonby was previewed during the 64th annual 2011 Cannes Film Festival.[1]
It received a limited release in February 2012 to be followed by wider release in the United States during the spring.[5] The film was given wide release on February 17, 2012 by Freestyle Releasing[6] In 2014 distribution company CMD Distribution obtained DVD distribution rights.[7]
Reception
Doonby resonated with many anti-abortion organizations due to its anti-abortion theme. Activist Norma McCorvey (1947-2017), known as the plaintiff Jane Roe of the Supreme Court landmark decision Roe v. Wade which legalized abortion in the United States in 1973, appeared in a cameo in the film.[1] It has also been endorsed by the Vatican and has premiered at the Landmark E Street Cinema during the 2013 March for Life, an annual anti-abortion march protesting abortion in the United States.[8]
