Watch Nickel Mountain

Nickel Mountain is a 1984 film directed by Drew Denbaum and starring a cast of relatively unknown actors including Michael Cole, Heather Langenkamp, and Patrick Cassidy. The film is an adaptation of John Gardner's novel of the same name, which tells the story of a young man named Henry Soames who travels to Nickel Mountain, a remote Appalachian community, in search of work and purpose.

The movie opens with Henry Soames driving through the rugged terrain of the Appalachians, seeking a job at a sawmill owned by his distant cousin, Hazel Weatherman (played by Langenkamp). Hazel initially resists hiring Henry, but ultimately agrees to give him a chance. Along with his co-workers, a group of colorful characters including a randy old man named Stubby (played by Richard Bradford), Henry begins the difficult and dangerous work of cutting logs in the mountains.

As Henry settles into his new life, he begins to develop a relationship with Susan (played by Mary Crosby), a young woman from the nearby town. But their romance is complicated by the fact that Susan is engaged to Jack (played by Cassidy), a wealthy businessman who has been pressuring her to leave the area and start a new life with him.

Meanwhile, Henry starts to develop a deep friendship with Stubby, who shares stories of his own past experiences with Henry and teaches him the ways of life in the mountains. As Henry becomes more integrated into the community, he learns about the struggles that the people of Nickel Mountain face, including poverty, addiction, and a lack of opportunities.

Despite this, the film maintains a sense of bittersweet hopefulness, as Henry and the other characters find moments of joy and connection amidst the difficult circumstances of their lives. As the plot progresses, Henry faces several challenges and setbacks, both in his job and in his relationships. But through it all, he remains determined to find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in this new world he has discovered.

Overall, Nickel Mountain is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of community, identity, and the search for meaning in life. With its strong performances, stunning natural landscapes, and evocative soundtrack, it is a movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled.