The Dollmaker (TV 1984)

Jane Fonda gives an Emmy-winning performance as Gertie Nevels, a pioneer woman and the mother of five from the Kentucky hills who is forced to uproot her children to follow her husband ... See full summary »

Director:

Daniel Petrie

Writers:

Harriet Arnow (novel), Susan Cooper,

Stars:

Mike Bacarella, Etel Billig, Phyllis Boyens

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 5 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Mike Bacarella	...	Truck Driver
Etel Billig	...	Mrs. Bomarita
Phyllis Boyens	...	Mrs. Hull
Nikki Creswell	...	Cassie
David Dawson	...	Amos
Diane Dorsey	...	Irish Neighbor
Christine Ebersole	...	Miss Vashinski
Jane Fonda	...	Gertie Nevels
Derek Googe
Cheryl Hamada	...	Mrs. Saito
James N. Harrell	...	Old John Miller
Ann Hearn	...	Max
Dan Hedaya	...	Skyros
Levon Helm	...	Clovis
Susan Kingsley	...	Sophronie

Storyline

Jane Fonda gives an Emmy-winning performance as Gertie Nevels, a pioneer woman and the mother of five from the Kentucky hills who is forced to uproot her children to follow her husband Clovis (Levon Helm) to Detroit when he finds work during World War II. One setback follows another and shattering tragedy strikes the family. It's all up to Gertie to find new strength, courage and determination to keep her family together and strong.

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Plot Keywords:

strike | railroad track | train | union | doll | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 May 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dollmaker - Ein Traum wird wahr

Filming Locations:

Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Finnegan Productions, IPC Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

150 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jane Fonda traveled in Appalachia for two weeks on Dolly Parton's tour bus while researching her role for this movie.

User Reviews

Amazing Story

This movie is an undiscovered gem: a simple, beautiful story of a woman struggling with poverty and other obstacles in her life. Jane Fonda creates a picture of an Appalachian woman who is complex, brave, and at times resigned to the limitations of her life. This movie is unique in its straightforward presentation of a story about poverty that never swerves into sentimentality or condescension: ultimately it celebrates the strength, faith, and ingenuity of Gertie. Had this movie been released as a feature film it probably would have gotten more attention and be praised along side movies like "The Grapes of Wrath," which coincidentally was one of Jane Fonda's father's most memorable roles.