Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991)

This is the story of Sonora Webster, a teenage runaway during the Depression. Her life's ambition is to travel to Atlantic City, where "all your dreams come true." After leaving home she ... See full summary »

Director:

Steve Miner

Writers:

Matt Williams, Oley Sassone

Stars:

Gabrielle Anwar, Michael Schoeffling, Cliff Robertson

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gabrielle Anwar	...	Sonora Webster
Michael Schoeffling	...	Al Carver
Cliff Robertson	...	Doctor W.F. Carver
Dylan Kussman	...	Clifford Henderson
Kathleen York	...	Marie
Frank Renzulli	...	Mr. Slater
Nancy Moore Atchison	...	Arnette Webster
Lisa Norman	...	Aunt Helen
Lorianne Collins	...	Clarabelle
Elizabeth Hayes	...	Miss Simpson
Laura Lee Norton	...	Mrs. Ellis
Michael J. Matusiak	...	Photographer
Jeff Woodward	...	Reporter #1
David Massry	...	Reporter #2
Cheri Brown	...	Attractive Girl

Storyline

This is the story of Sonora Webster, a teenage runaway during the Depression. Her life's ambition is to travel to Atlantic City, where "all your dreams come true." After leaving home she accepts a job from Dr. Carver and his girl-and-horse high diving act. Starting out as a stable hand her goal is to become a real diving girl. Dr. Carver's son, Al, helps her in her quest by helping her tame a wild horse she's named Lightning. Their early morning practices lead not only to Sonora being put into training as a diving girl, but also for Al's emotions for Sonora to begin to surface. Al leaves after an argument with his father and the diver girl, Marie, is injured in a practice. Sonora finally takes her place and becomes a real diving girl. The act is thriving but fairgrounds are suffering hard times and the show is closed. Al comes back with the surprise revelation of getting the act booked in Atlantic City. Dr. Carver passes away en route to New Jersey and Al takes over. He asks Sonora to...

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Plot Keywords:

diving | new jersey | accident | runaway | horse | 

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Taglines:

The inspiring true-life adventure of a courageous young rebel who defied the odds...and won.

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Romance

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Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 May 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Atithases kardies

Filming Locations:

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$7,300,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV, Pegasus Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Burt Reynolds turned down the role of Doctor W.F. Carver.

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Goofs

When Sonora introduces herself to Dr. Carver and he tells her to leave, she stubbornly anchors herself to her chair twice. The first time she is shown from behind as she wraps her feet around the chair legs then grips the seat with her hands. Then the close up shows her already gripping with her hands and then wrapping her feet.

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Quotes

Marie: You poor thing. Who does your hair?
Sonora: Well, I do.
Marie: Sonora, you have to be extremely careful with your appearance. I mean, having no natural beauty of your own you really need to help yourself.

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Connections

Referenced in The Simpsons: Wild Barts Can't Be Broken (1999)

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Soundtracks

"Happy Days Are Here Again"
Written by Jack Yellen and Milton Ager
Performed by Mason Daring

User Reviews

A charming film for young girls

I saw this movie when I was in third grade or so, and it was a favorite for a long time. You get gripped quickly by Sonora's stubbornness and determination to become a diving girl. The scenes where she practiced for that used to terrify me, what with all the horses thundering up the ramp and her leaping onto them to dive. The increasing drama of the latter part of the film would probably be too much to take for anyone past 14 or so, but before that age it's a great movie.