MovieChat Forums > The Straight Story (1999) Discussion > The real Straight's last trip ended badl...

The real Straight's last trip ended badly

posted 15 years ago by joaquinposada
12 replies | jump to latest

From the Laurens, Iowa civic website:
The Final Chapter
In July of 1996 Alvin started a mower trip to Idaho. Near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, about 400 miles from Laurens, he was found in his pull trailer suffering from dehydration and severe sunburn. He never fully recovered from this, later suffering a stroke. He passed away November 9, 1996 at a Sioux City hospital. He is survived by a brother, five sons and two daughters.

I wonder what influence, if any, this knowledge had on the screenwriters or on Lynch as they shaped "The Straight Story".

[–] suz-mal 15 years ago

That's depressing.

[–] Tjcat 15 years ago

At least he was attempting another journey. I certainly hope he did not suffer too much in the months leading up to his death.

[–] ronnyim12345 14 years ago

well its the journey that matters not the destination, whether we reach it or not.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] grumpy_otter 14 years ago

I worked at Pine Ridge for a summer--I can completely see how that happened. It is on the edges of the Badlands, and help is very far.

[–] jbmarcy 14 years ago

Thanks Jerk.

[–] flexiblogic 13 years ago

Shoulda taken a bus.

The more I think, the more I am?

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] bsharporflat 12 years ago

The real question might be what effect that had on the lead actor, Richard Farnsworth, who shot himself after playing this role.

[–] mdunford74 12 years ago

Richard Farnsworth shot himself after being diagnosed with terminal cancer
it had nothing to do with the filming of this movie

[–] graeneyo 11 years ago

Hey you a-hole: Get your facts straight!

That's what I found out after I researched:

http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Alvin+Straight

In the summer of 1994, Straight wanted to visit his brother Henry, who had suffered a stroke. But he couldn't see well enough to get a driver's license. He decided his only option was the mower.

Setting off in early July, towing a trailer loaded with gasoline, camping gear, clothes and food, he arrived at his brother's in Blue River, Wis., in mid-August.

The trip was chronicled by the likes of Jay Leno, Paul Harvey and David Letterman. Henry Straight recovered, and recently moved back to Iowa to be closer to his family

Not only did he make it, he his brother even survived the illness. Ha!

TAKE THAT, DEPRESSING THREAD!

[–] dannyvaneijk-595-170579 11 years ago

Learn to read.
He is clearly talking about his "last trip".