Sometimes What You’re Looking For Is Right Where You Left It.|Sep. 26, 2002|USA|108 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Comedy;Romance
Description: **Sweet Home Alabama 2002 Movie Synopsis**
The story begins in the fictional town of Pigeon Creek, Alabama, where 10-year-olds Jake Perry and Melanie Smooter discover the effects of lightning striking sand. Jake confidently declares they will marry one day. Years later, Melanie has become a successful New York fashion designer, using the surname “Carmichael” to conceal her humble Southern origins. After accepting a marriage proposal from wealthy Andrew Hennings, Melanie returns to Alabama to share the news with her parents and finalize her divorce from Jake, whom she married as a pregnant teenager but left after losing their baby.
Andrew’s mother, Kate Hennings, who is also the Mayor of New York City, questions Melanie’s suitability as a partner for her son, who she is preparing for a future presidential run. Upon arriving in Alabama, Melanie confronts Jake, who has stubbornly refused to sign the divorce papers for years. Frustrated, she empties his bank account to force his hand. Jake, angered by her actions, heads to a local bar without signing the papers. Melanie follows, gets drunk, insults her old friends, and unintentionally reveals a secret about her longtime friend, Bobby Ray. Jake intervenes, takes her home, and ensures her safety. The next morning, Melanie finds the signed divorce papers waiting for her.
Later, Melanie visits the Carmichael plantation to apologize to Bobby Ray, whose family resides there. She is confronted by Kate’s assistant, sent to investigate her background. Bobby Ray helps Melanie maintain the pretense that she is a relative of the Carmichael family and that the mansion is her childhood home. As Melanie reconciles with her friends, she learns that Jake had followed her to New York after their separation, intending to win her back. Overwhelmed by the city and her success, he returned home to focus on improving himself. Through a heartfelt conversation, Melanie finally understands why Jake never signed the divorce papers.
Cast director: Andy Tennant
Cast actor: Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey, Candice Bergen, Mary Kay Place, Fred Ward, Jean Smart, Ethan Embry, Melanie Lynskey, Courtney Gains
Original name: Sweet Home Alabama