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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... Written by
Heather Kantrowitz
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The inspiring true-life adventure of a courageous young rebel who defied the odds...and won.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Burt Reynolds turned down the role of Doctor W.F. Carver.
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Goofs
At the beginning of the movie when Sonora jumps the fence on Lightning on the way to school, he only breaks the top board of the fence. When the cows are breaking out of the field through the newly broken fence, both boards are suddenly broken.
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Quotes
Al:
Why did you never answer any of my letters?
Sonora:
I never got any letters.
Al:
Well, I wrote you just about everyday.
Sonora:
What did you say?
Al:
Stuff.
Sonora:
What kind of stuff?
Al:
Well... you know... stuff!
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Soundtracks
"Weren't So Bad What Used To Be"
Written by
Mason Daring
Performed by Eula Lawrence
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I watched this movie as a teen and would not hesitate to show it to my family. This is a sweet movie about overcoming adversity and realizing your dreams, and does not pander to the juvenile tastes that prevail in many family movies today.
Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken has intelligent, thoughtful dialogue, and addresses some of our deeper fears, i.e. losing family, not being wanted, and other problems that Sonora encounters throughout the movie. Sonora also has a romantic interest that is played out in a very family-oriented way, not full of the bawdy humor that current moviemakers feel is necessary, even in children's movies.
On the negative side, most of the time you are rooting for Sonora, and at other times her abrasive "I can do it myself" attitude can be somewhat annoying, but I guess that's what made her a star!