Watch The Story Lady

The Story Lady is a heartwarming family drama from 1991 starring Hollywood legends Jessica Tandy and Stephanie Zimbalist, along with talented child actress Lisa Jakub. Directed by Larry Elikann, the movie revolves around a former librarian named Grace McQueen (Tandy) who becomes a beloved storyteller on a local television station. Grace is a wise and gentle woman in her seventies, who adores books and believes in the power of stories to help people connect with each other and find meaning in their lives. She volunteers at a retirement home, where she entertains the elderly residents with her readings and listens to their life stories. One day, she gets a chance to host a weekly program called "The Story Lady" on a small station in a rural town in Georgia.

At first, Grace is nervous about being on TV and unsure if anyone will be watching. But she quickly wins over the station manager, a young widow named Dawn (Zimbalist), who is struggling to raise her two children alone and keep the station afloat. Dawn sees Grace's program as a way to attract more viewers and advertisers, but also as a way to honor her late husband's dream of making the station a cultural and educational center for the community.

As the weeks go by, Grace's program becomes increasingly popular, and she gains a loyal following of children and adults who tune in every Wednesday night to hear her enchanting tales. She reads from classic books like "The Wind in the Willows," "The Secret Garden," and "Alice in Wonderland," as well as from lesser-known works and folk tales from around the world.

As Grace becomes more comfortable on screen, she starts to open up about her own life and share personal anecdotes and insights with her audience. She talks about growing up in the South during the Depression, losing her husband in World War II, and finding solace in the books she read and the stories she told her own children. She also speaks candidly about her struggles with aging and loneliness, and her hopes for the future.

Meanwhile, Dawn has her own challenges to face. She is dealing with financial pressures, limited resources, and a resentful sister-in-law who disapproves of her career and her parenting. She is also torn between her growing affection for the station's handsome and ambitious sales manager, Frank (played by Bruce Greenwood), and her sense of loyalty to her late husband's memory.

Throughout the movie, The Story Lady weaves together various plotlines and characters, from the children who write letters to Grace, to the nursing home residents who treasure her visits, to the townspeople who come to rely on the station's programming. There are also moments of humor, sentiment, and drama, as the story explores themes of family, friendship, loss, and renewal.

The movie is anchored by the powerful performances of its lead actors, especially Jessica Tandy, who brings a warmth and dignity to the role of Grace. Tandy, who was in her eighties at the time of filming, was an icon of stage and screen, best known for her Oscar-winning work in "Driving Miss Daisy" and "Fried Green Tomatoes." She infuses Grace with a quiet charisma and wisdom that make her a role model for viewers of all ages.

Stephanie Zimbalist, meanwhile, gives a nuanced and sympathetic performance as Dawn, a character torn between her own dreams and obligations. Zimbalist, who was a popular TV actress in the 1980s, brings a naturalism and vulnerability to the part, making Dawn both relatable and admirable.

Lisa Jakub, who plays Dawn's daughter Becky, is also noteworthy for her winning portrayal of a spirited and imaginative young girl who befriends Grace and shares her love of reading. Jakub, who was only 12 at the time, captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, and provides a sweet counterpoint to the adult themes of the story.

Overall, The Story Lady is a charming and uplifting movie that celebrates the power of storytelling and the human spirit. It is a reminder that even in a fast-paced and complex world, there is still a place for simple pleasures and timeless truths. Whether you are a book lover, a fan of family dramas, or simply in need of a touch of inspiration, this movie is sure to warm your heart and stir your imagination.

The Story Lady is a 1991 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.