Ode to Billy Joe is the 1976 film that takes its title from the classic song about a boy who committed suicide. In the song itself, written by Bobbie Gentry in 1967, there is never a clear explanation as to why the boy jumped off a bridge. Part of the popularity of the song came from the fact that it hinted at an explanation without giving a clear reason. In this film, the story follows the life of young Billy Joe McAllister (Robby Benson). Billy Joe goes to a barn dance one night where the townsfolk have gathered. Everyone celebrates, dances, and gets a bit drunk. Billy Joe, inebriated, approaches a local brothel. However, at the last minute, he turns aside and ends up having sexual relations with another man, Dewey Barksdale (James Best), his boss at the sawmill. Overcome with guilt, Billy Joe disappears for a few days, returns, and then completes the story that would make for the narrative of the song.moreless