MovieChat Forums > Ode to Billy Joe (1976) Discussion > Sorry for my ignorance, but

Sorry for my ignorance, but

posted 9 years ago by matanil
6 replies | jump to latest

considering the fact that I have no background on this and the trivia page wasn't helpful - is this based on a real story?

Thanks in advance!

[–] Woodyanders 9 years ago

No, it's inspired by the hit song by Bobbie Gentry.

I am the Duke of IMDb bio writers! I am A#1!

[–] matanil 9 years ago

Thanks for the reply! And that song, was it a made up tale?

[–] Woodyanders 9 years ago

Yeah, the song was made up.

I am the Duke of IMDb bio writers! I am A#1!

[–] matanil 9 years ago

Thank you.

[–] puirt-a-beul 8 years ago

Bobbie Gentry did say that the song was based on a real-life story, though as far as I've heard she didn't say it involved her personally, and she didn't specify who it was about.

I don't think it matters. Billy Joe wouldn't have been the first teenager to kill himself because of his sexuality.

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] db20db (16208) 2 years ago

Kudos to the screenwriter for crafting a plausible and moving story around that enigmatic song that haunted the nation.