IMDb >
Desert Bloom (1986)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsDesert Bloom (1986) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 4 | slideshow) | Videos |
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
August 1986 (USA)
more
Plot:
The story involves Rose Chismore's youth. She flashes back and remembers her coming-of-age. Her recollections are sometimes less than sweet...
more
| add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
1 win
more
User Comments:
Oscar-worthy acting by Jon Voight; good story
more (13 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Annabeth Gish | ... | Rose Chismore | |
| Jon Voight | ... | Jack Chismore | |
| JoBeth Williams | ... | Lily Chismore | |
| Ellen Barkin | ... | Aunt Starr | |
| Jay Underwood | ... | Robin (as Jay D. Underwood) | |
| Desiree Joseph | ... | Dee Ann Chismore | |
| Dusty Balcerzak | ... | Barbara Jo Chismore | |
| Allen Garfield | ... | Mr. Mosol | |
| Tressi Loria | ... | Shelly | |
| Laura Rasmussen | ... | Meryl | |
| William Lang | ... | Colonel | |
| Jim McCarthy | ... | Driver | |
| Ann Risley | ... | Mrs. Muratore | |
| Rick Schieffer | ... | Mr. Brandal | |
| Irene Goodnight | ... | R.C. Volunteer |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
105 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Metrocolor)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:12 |
Australia:PG |
Norway:11 |
Sweden:11 |
USA:PG |
West Germany:12 (video rating) |
Singapore:PG
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Movie Connections:
Referenced in The Holiday (2006)
more
Soundtrack:
MOCKIN' BIRD HILL
more
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (13 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Desert Bloom (1986)| Recent Posts (updated daily) | User |
|---|---|
| dvd. | halloweentowngirl |
| One of Jon Voights best | Yankees12 |
| Some good lines. | bethpage89 |
Recommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| American Beauty | Tex | Sixteen Candles | Mermaids | Ellen Foster |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |



This film story initially appeared to be a more or less typical coming of age story of a teenage girl, set in the '50's at the height of the atomic bomb testing age in the desert southwest, but ended up being a sad and multi-faceted story of unrealized potential, chronic physical pain, alcoholism, paranoia, abuse, spousal enabling, ruined family potential, and of a daughter's loss of love and trust in her father due to the results of his very human and typical response to great pain....self medication by alcohol. That, plus another very typical male response by her father to excessive temptation by his wife's sister who, without a care for the family unit, threw her many sexual charms at her drunk brother in law. Weak as he was in all ways he still responded, to great familial damage. Just too many human flaws and life burdens for any family to survive intact, and this one was no exception.
There are some outstanding acting performances in history that I think have gone outrageously unrewarded by Oscar. A few are the 1956 portrayal of Vincent van Gogh by Kirk Douglas in Lust For Life, Karen Black in Five Easy Pieces, Kevin Kline in Sophie's Choice, Tim Roth in Rob Roy, and Jon Voight in this film. When Voight was on screen, I could not see anyone else. That defines acting greatness, and was the case with the other performances stated. And, I find it very interesting that 4 of these 5 roles demonstrated an obvious form and level of mental illness. Maybe all of them did. Interesting point.
If you have ever known anyone who was forced to live with great chronic pain you may better understand the quality of Voight's performance, his very obvious pain resulting from severe WWII wounds that he knew would dog him mean every day of his tortured life. I knew someone with that great pain, and Voight's performance was so spot on I could not believe that someone without that pain could portray it so realistically.
You want to see truly great acting? Do yourself a favor and see Jon Voight in this film and get the rest of the well made story as a bonus.