Toby Keith was more than a country star.
We all know Toby Keith for being a legendary singer, songwriter, and biggest fan of the USA. But did you know that actor, screenwriter, and producer are also on his resume? In 2008, Keith wrote and produced his only film, Beer For My Horses, based on the hit 2002 song featuring Willie Nelson. Now, Keith was featured in other movies like Broken Bridges (which was his film debut) but was not involved in the production side.
The film was co-written by Rodney Carrington and directed by Michael Salomon, who often directed Keith’s music videos. While the movie was not considered a massive box office hit, fans of Keith loved the comedic film.
Keith stars in the film as Bill “Rack” Racklin, the Deputy Sheriff in a small town in Oklahoma. The city is known for having a massive drug problem, and the two are often fighting to keep crystal meth and other substances off the streets. While fighting crime, Keith’s character is thrilled to learn that his high school sweetheart, Annie, has returned to town, and it’s his time to swoop in on her.
However, things go south when Racklin arrests the brother of a big-time Mexican cartel leader, and the gang’s head, honcho, arranges to have Racklin’s high school sweetheart kidnapped. For Racklin to rescue Annie, he has to release the prison or take the more extreme option… head to Mexico to rescue Annie themselves. Racklin, along with his other deputies, takes a road trip that is filled with gunfire, beer drinking, stopping in small towns, and other unfortunate mishaps, eventually rescuing Annie.
By the end of the movie, this crime-fighting crew proved:
“We’ll raise up our glasses against evil forces singingWhiskey for my men, beer for my horses…”
IMBD rated the movie 4.6 out of 10 stars, but many fans love it because it’s goofy and perfectly fits Toby Keith’s personality. It’s the perfect lighthearted film with hilarious punchlines and a plot that unfolds easily, and with characters, you have to love.
And how can you not love a movie with Toby Keith and a Willie Nelson feature? Add this film to your weekend watch list if you haven’t seen it.
And, of course, fire up the song that inspired the screenplay while you’re here.
