Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990)

Director:

Jim Abrahams

Writer (WGA):

Karen Leigh Hopkins (written by)

Release Date:

12 October 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy

Tagline:

She doesn't want much. Just a whole new life.

Plot:

A small town prepares for the homecoming of superstar Roxy Carmichael, as does a young outsider, who believes Roxy is her mother.

Plot Keywords:

Outsider | Small Town | Homecoming | Teacher Student Relationship | Misfit

Cast

Winona Ryder	...	Dinky Bossetti
Jeff Daniels	...	Denton Webb
Laila Robins	...	Elizabeth Zaks
Thomas Wilson Brown	...	Gerald Howells
Joan McMurtrey	...	Barbara 'Barbie' Webb
Graham Beckel	...	Les Bossetti
Frances Fisher	...	Rochelle Bossetti
Robby Kiger	...	Beannie Billings
Dinah Manoff	...	Evelyn Whittacher
Sachi Parker	...	Libby Ohiemacher
Stephen Tobolowsky	...	Mayor Bill Klepler (as Stephen Tobolowski)
Micole Mercurio	...	Louise Garweski
John Short	...	Ronald Reems
Robin Thomas	...	Scotty Sandholtzer
Valerie Landsburg	...	Miss Day Ashburn (as Valerie Landsberg)

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Canada:PG (Ontario) | Iceland:L | Australia:PG | South Korea:15 | Argentina:13 | Chile:14 | Germany:12 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Clyde, Ohio, USA

Company:

Incorporated Television Company (ITC)

Quotes:

Louise: Starting tomorrow there will be hourly tours of Roxy Carmichael's birthplace. You'll see where Roxy slept and where she ate during her wonder years. You'll also see pictures of her beloved dog, Bonkers.
Town person: She loved that dog. She used to ride it. It was a big dog.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Cave Dwellers (#4.1)" (1991)

Soundtrack:

My Way

In Roxy's eyes

'Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael", is an endearing, and utterly underrated picture, with more heart and intelligence than it is given credit for. Winona Ryder's portrayal of a sexually confused, socially dysfunctional, and emotionally reserved character, is charming and convincing, bringing truth and credibility to the film. Set over a week dedicated to the return of obscure legend, "Roxy Carmichael", whose most famous contribution to society was having her name in a song, in the small town of Clyde, Dinky Bosseti (Winona Ryder), feels a connection for the first time in her life. The film focuses on the need for mother/ daughter relationships through adolescence, and the sexual development of a young woman through self-discovery and fascination. Relationships between her guidance councillor, her adopted father, and a young town's boy, contrast the romantic appeal of celebrity to highlight the importance of human interaction, allowing for Ryder's character to re-assess her life. If you pass this film in the "comedy" section of your video store, as it is so wrongly placed, pick it up. You will be surprised. If you have ever felt detached from society, or inadequate (particularly during your teenage years), this film is something you will certainly relate to.