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Citizen Ruth (1996)
6.8
Ratings: 6.8/10 from 3,811 users
Metascore:
64/100
Reviews: 43 user | 38 critic | 18 from Metacritic.com An irresponsible, drug-addicted, recently impregnated woman finds herself in the middle of an abortion debate when both parties attempt to sway her to their respective sides. Director:Alexander Payne |
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106 min - 
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3 wins
&
2 nominations
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Laura Dern | ... | ||
| Swoosie Kurtz | ... |
Diane Siegler
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| Kurtwood Smith | ... |
Norm Stoney
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| Mary Kay Place | ... | ||
| Kelly Preston | ... |
Rachel
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| M.C. Gainey | ... |
Harlan
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| Kenneth Mars | ... |
Dr. Charlie Rollins
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| David Graf | ... |
Judge Richter
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| Kathleen Noone | ... |
Nurse Pat
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| Tippi Hedren | ... |
Jessica Weiss
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| Burt Reynolds | ... | ||
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Lance Rome | ... |
Ricky, Ruth's Lover
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Jim Kalal | ... |
Tony Stoops
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Shea Degan | ... |
Arresting Officer
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Vince Morelli | ... |
Dr. George
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Storyline
Ruth Stoops is a poor indigent drug-user (a huffer - inhaling glue and paint for a high) whose down and out existence is complicated once more by becoming pregnant (she has had and lost four children already). When a judge orders that she gets an abortion or face a felony charge, she is befriended by Gail Stoney, a pro-lifer whose husband is president of the local "Babysavers" group. Suddenly Ruth is thrust into the middle of the pro-choice/pro-life struggle, with each side wanting her to take their side as a "message" to others - and the situation escalates... Written by Gary Dickerson <slug@mail.utexas.edu>
Plot Summary | Add SynopsisTaglines:
Meet Ruth Stoops...One Bad Mother. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for substance abuse, strong language and a sex scene See all certifications »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
(USA) See more »Also Known As:
Precious See more »Box Office
Budget:
$3,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$26,709 (USA) (15 December 1996) (6 Screens)Gross:
$153,155 (USA) (12 January 1997)Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
Color (FotoKem)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Ruth: Yeah, um, it means that I don't have to go to jail and it means I don't have to have another baby and it means that I can start getting my life together ...
Clinic Nurse: I, I, I, I, I. Don't you think that's all just a little selfish?
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The "ASK ME" pin worn by Kurtwood Smith in the hardware store shows up again in Alexander Payne's following film, Election. See more »Goofs
Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): When Ruth is going out to party with her host family's daughter, she takes a hit from a bong, but does so incorrectly, not clearing the smoke from the chamber. See more »Quotes
Clinic Nurse: Let me just ask you something, Ruth. Have you ever really taken the time to think about what it means to have an abortion?Ruth: Yeah, um, it means that I don't have to go to jail and it means I don't have to have another baby and it means that I can start getting my life together ...
Clinic Nurse: I, I, I, I, I. Don't you think that's all just a little selfish?
See more »
Crazy Credits
About halfway through the credits, we hear the beginning of Tape 2, Side 1. See more »
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