On the Set of A Prairie Home Companion

The Fitzgerald and its prairie home made their film debut.

Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon, courtesy of Noir Productions, Inc.

The singing cowboys, played by John C. Reilly (left) and Woody Harrelson (center), and Kevin Kline's Guy Noir lament the show's fate.

Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon, courtesy of Noir Productions, Inc.

Veteran director Robert Altman, a master at getting the shot, got a standing ovation after the first dailies were viewed.

Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon, courtesy of Noir Productions, Inc.

From the podium at stage right, Tim Russell plays the part of the worrywart stage director overseeing the last broadcast.

Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon, courtesy of Noir Productions, Inc.

Keillor was the busiest man on the set, writing and rewriting his script, acting, and keeping things humming, literally.

Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon, courtesy of Noir Productions, Inc.

Virginia Madsen—who plays the Dangerous Woman—Reilly, Lohan, and Russell kick back at Pazzaluna with the rest of the cast.

Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon, courtesy of Noir Productions, Inc.