Wanda Nevada (1979)

User Rating:

5.0/10   

Director:

Peter Fonda

Writer:

Dennis Hackin (written by)

Release Date:

June 1979 (USA)

Genre:

Romance | Western

Plot:

Romantic drama following the fortunes of a drifter named Beaudray Demerille (Peter Fonda) who wins a...

Plot Keywords:

Grand Canyon | Orphanage | Crooked Gambling | Shot With Arrow | Gold Digger

Cast

Peter Fonda	...	Beaudray Demerille
Brooke Shields	...	Wanda Nevada
Fiona Lewis	...	Dorothy Deerfield
Luke Askew	...	Ruby Muldoon
Ted Markland	...	Strap
Severn Darden	...	Bitterstix
Paul Fix	...	Texas Curly
Henry Fonda	...	Old Prospector
Larry Golden	...	Slade, the Card Hustler
John Denos	...	Billy, the Gas Station Greaser
Bert Williams	...	Trading Post Owner
Fred Ashley	...	The Barber
Jason Clark	...	Alonzo
Robert V. Walker Jr.	...	Poker Player
H. Samuel Hackin	...	Poker Player

Runtime:

107 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:PG (certificate #25642) | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Colorado River, Moab, Utah, USA

Company:

Hayward-Fonda Productions

Goofs:

Continuity: When Wanda and Beaudray arrive at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Wanda sits down on a chair beside the blockhouse and is totally in the shadow of the roof. Moments later, she is mostly sitting in the sun while the chair is unmoved.

Quotes:

Old Prospector: What are you prospectin'?
Beaudray Demerille: Oh, ah, silver...
Wanda Nevada: ...and gold!
Beaudray Demerille: Shh!
Old Prospector: Everyone knows there ain't no gold in the Grand Canyon!

Soundtrack:

Wanda's Wish

too cute to be bad

This movie is absolutely adorable. Having seen it many times throughout the years, each time I find more fun and silliness in it. The silly and animated acting reminds me somewhat of "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken", another great adventure film. It is not meant to be a "romance movie" as it is too ridiculous, but more an adventure, with breathtaking scenery. Peter Fonda's part of a 35 year old or so gambler, never does anything to abuse or hurt Wanda, "Brooke Shields" who is coming of age and wants to see the world and be a star. He is very respectful of her and respects her younger age. The only one who really announces his desire to "have her" is the sidekick of the bad guys, who ends up dead hanging on a cross. Bo and Wanda both are looking for the "Pot O Gold" in their lives, and happen to partner up. She brings out the good luck charm and they end up happy together, yeah, so there is a slight difference in age, there is no sex or nastiness in the movie. The so called "bad acting" that some people mention is their hamming it up to add to the script. I think they are having a great time with it, and those of you that think it's so bad, lighten up and have a laugh. Maybe you'll enjoy life more.