Watch Heartland
- PG
- 1980
- 1 hr 36 min
-
7.3 (1,276)
Heartland is a 1979 drama film that was directed by Richard Pearce and was based on a novel by Elinore Randall Stewart. The movie stars Rip Torn, Conchata Ferrell, and Barry Primus. The movie is set in the early 20th century and tells the story of a family who is struggling to survive in the American Heartland, specifically in rural Nebraska.
The protagonist of the movie is a man named Clyde Stewart (played by Rip Torn). He is a widower who lives on a small farm with his two teenage daughters, Elinore (played by Megan Folsom) and Jerrine (played by Amy Madigan). Clyde is a hard-working farmer who is struggling to make ends meet. He is often absent from his daughters' lives as he is forced to travel long distances to sell his crops in order to provide for them.
The two daughters, Elinore and Jerrine, are left to fend for themselves in their father's absence. Despite their difficult circumstances, they are resilient and determined to survive. They take on many responsibilities around the farm and help their father in any way they can. However, they are still young and inexperienced, and their lack of adult guidance often makes life difficult.
One day, a young teacher named Miss Hattie (Conchata Ferrell) comes to the farm to teach the daughters. Miss Hattie is a strong, independent woman who immediately takes a liking to Elinore and Jerrine. She becomes a mentor to the girls, helping them with their studies and offering them guidance and advice.
As the story progresses, the challenges faced by the family become increasingly difficult. There are moments of triumph, such as when the family receives an award for their crops at the county fair. But there are also moments of tragedy, such as when one of the daughters falls ill.
Despite the hardships they face, the family remains strong and resilient. They are determined to thrive in the Heartland, even as many others are forced to leave and seek their fortunes elsewhere.
Overall, Heartland is a beautifully crafted movie that offers a poignant portrayal of life in rural America. The performances by Rip Torn, Conchata Ferrell, and Barry Primus are all exceptional, and the story is both moving and thought-provoking. Anyone interested in American history or rural life will find this movie to be a must-watch.
Heartland is a 1980 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.