Watch The Trip to Bountiful

The Trip to Bountiful is a 1985 television movie produced by Lifetime based on the play of the same name by Horton Foote. The story revolves around a woman named Carrie Watts, played by Geraldine Page, who is living with her son and daughter-in-law in a cramped apartment in Houston, Texas. Carrie, who is in her seventies, longs to return to her hometown of Bountiful, a small rural community in southeast Texas, where she grew up and spent most of her life.

However, her son Ludie, played by John Heard, and daughter-in-law Jessie Mae, played by Carlin Glynn, are not supportive of her desire to leave and think she is too old to travel alone. Jessie Mae in particular is annoyed with Carrie's constant reminiscing about her past and mocking of her current living situation.

Despite their objections, Carrie devises a plan to run away and take a bus to Bountiful. She befriends a young woman named Thelma, played by Rebecca De Mornay, on the bus and shares her story with her. Along the way, they encounter various characters who embody the struggles and hardships of life in rural Texas, including a sheriff who warns them to be careful and a kind-hearted woman who offers to help Carrie.

As Carrie arrives in Bountiful, she is disappointed to find that the town has changed significantly since she last visited. Many of the familiar landmarks are gone, and the people she remembers are either dead or have moved away. She finds refuge in an abandoned house that she believes is her childhood home, and spends a peaceful night there.

The following day, Ludie and Jessie Mae arrive in Bountiful to take Carrie back to Houston. Ludie is worried about his mother's health and safety, and Jessie Mae is eager to get back home. Carrie resists, insisting that she wants to stay in Bountiful and die there. Eventually, Ludie relents and allows Carrie to stay for a few more days.

The Trip to Bountiful is a moving story about the importance of home and the desire to return to a simpler time and place. Geraldine Page delivers a powerful performance as Carrie, capturing both her determination and vulnerability. John Heard and Carlin Glynn provide strong support as the conflicted son and daughter-in-law, respectively. The film also features excellent cinematography, capturing the beauty and starkness of rural Texas, and a memorable score by J.A.C. Redford.

Overall, The Trip to Bountiful is a heartwarming and poignant film that explores themes of aging, family, and the power of memories. It is a must-see for fans of Horton Foote's writing and for anyone who appreciates a good drama with strong performances.

The Trip to Bountiful is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between March 8, 2014 and on Lifetime