If These Walls Could Talk (1996)

The movie examines the abortion issue through three stories set in different eras - 50s, 70s and 90s.

Directors:

Cher, Nancy Savoca

Writers:

Pamela Wallace (story), Earl W. Wallace (story),

Stars:

Demi Moore, Shirley Knight, Catherine Keener

Nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Another 2 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Demi Moore	...	Claire Donnelly (segment "1952")
Shirley Knight	...	Mary Donnelly (segment "1952")
Catherine Keener	...	Becky Donnelly (segment "1952")
Jason London	...	Kevin Donnelly (segment "1952")
CCH Pounder	...	Nurse Jenny Ford (segment "1952")
Kevin Cooney	...	Dr. Kramer (segment "1952")
Robin Gammell	...	Jim Donnelly (segment "1952")
Phyllis Lyons	...	Audrey (segment "1952")
Aaron Lustig	...	Tom (segment "1952")
Dena Burton	...	Young Nurse (segment "1952")
Marie DeCicco	...	Nurse Annie Ross (segment "1952")
Lorna Scott	...	Louise (segment "1952")
Mary Portser	...	Margaret (segment "1952")
Annie Weldon	...	Nurse (segment "1952")
Vaughn Armstrong	...	Painter (segment "1952")

Storyline

A trilogy of stories set in the same house, but with different occupants and spanning over 40 years, deals with various women and moral crisis over unexpected pregnancies and their choice of abortion. In 1952, when abortion was illegal, a nurse deals with her unexpected pregnancy and takes drastic measures to get one. In 1974 a family housewife with four children discovers that she's pregnant and decides she can't handle another child to raise. In 1996, a pregnant college student decides on an abortion, but doesn't realize the means to go through to get one.

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Plot Keywords:

abortion | pregnancy | student | nurse | archive footage | 

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Taglines:

There's one question only a woman can answer

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for realistic depiction of abortions, a graphic shooting and some language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 October 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Gdyby sciany mogly mówic

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO NYC Productions, Moving Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Followed by If These Walls Could Talk 2 (2000)

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Soundtracks

"One by One"
Written by Anthony Griffiths
Performed by Cher

User Reviews

Hard-hitting and gut-wrenching

"If These Walls Could Talk" is one of the most powerful films I've ever seen in my life. It is divided into 3 segments: 1) 1950s - Demi Moore plays a woman who must either face becoming the town tramp or getting an abortion; 2) 1970s - Sissy Spacek is a woman forced to choose between losing her lifelong dream or terminating her pregnancy; and 3) 1990s - Anne Heche must come to terms with her own choices amidst a world of hate. All 3 parts are brilliant, each very special in its own way. Demi Moore gives a terrific performance in her role. Sissy Spacek is equally impressive. However, the greatest deal of my praise must go to the '90s portion. Anne Heche is absolutely incredible. Cher also appears as the abortion doctor, as well as directs this part. The ending is so shocking and disturbing that it will leave every viewer breathless. That being said, this film is not for the light of heart. But if you are seeking a well-made movie with a shining cast, "If These Walls Could Talk" is for you.