Based on a 1983 novel by Dan Jenkins, Baja Oklahoma is set sometime in the 1950s. Texas barmaid
Lesley Ann Warren wants more than anything to be a rich and famous country-western songwriter. Unfortunately, she spends most of her time sorting out her many dead-end romances. Just when she thinks she's ready for the big move to Nashville, along comes her erstwhile old flame
Peter Coyote. Deftly stealing every scene she's in is
Swoosie Kurtz as Warren's hot-to-trot best pal.
Willie Nelson, who cowrote the film's title song with Dan Jenkins, makes a guest appearance, along with such other C&W favorites as
Emmylou Harris and Bob Wills Jr. Actress
Alice Krige is superb as songstress Patsy Cline-far better, incidentally, than
Jessica Lange in
Sweet Dreams. Playing the supporting role of Warren's daughter is
Julia Roberts, who was later touted as the film's star when Baja Oklahoma was released to video. Made for the HBO cable service, the film debuted February 20, 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide