The Ballad of the Sad Cafe (1991)

In the rustic heart of the early 20th century South, the eccentric Miss Amelia has carved out a curious existence, distilling corn liquor and doling out remedies to the locals. Her solitary life takes a twist when she takes in her half-sister's son, Lymon, a small, hunchbacked man with a knack for mischief. Inspired by Lymon's suggestion, they transform the ground floor of Amelia's imposing house into a café, breathing life into their sleepy surroundings. Their harmonious existence is disrupted when Marvin Macy, a figure from Amelia's past, emerges from prison's shadows. Once married to Amelia in a union left unconsummated, Marvin was scorned on their wedding night and relegated to a shed, only to be driven away by Amelia's relentless indifference. Now, free from his shackles, Marvin returns not in pursuit of lost love, but with an ominous agenda - to shatter Amelia's newfound happiness with Lymon. As tension mounts, Amelia and Marvin find themselves in an inevitable, no-holds-barred confrontation in the café that stirs up old wounds and reveals hidden desires. Lymon, caught in the crossfire of their vendetta, navigates through his complex feelings towards both Marvin and Amelia, shaping the course of their intertwined destinies. The Ballad of the Sad Café is a tale of tangled relationships and unfulfilled desires, set against the backdrop of a café that becomes a stage for passion, revenge, and redemption.

The Ballad of the Sad Cafe is a comedy movie featuring Austin Pendleton and directed by Simon Callow.

The Ballad of the Sad Cafe is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on Cohen Media Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Ballad of the Sad Cafe on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.