Ellen Foster (1997)

After her mother's death, a young girl is separated from her abusive father and is sent between her various friends and relatives, always longing to find a place to call home.

Director:

John Erman

Writers:

Kaye Gibbons (novel), Maria Nation (teleplay),

Stars:

Julie Harris, Jena Malone, Ted Levine

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Julie Harris	...	Leonora Nelson
Jena Malone	...	Ellen Foster
Ted Levine	...	Bill Hammond
Glynnis O'Connor	...	Charlotte Nelson Hammond
Debra Monk	...	Aunt Nadine
Barbara Garrick	...	Aunt Betsy
Kate Burton	...	Abigail Montford
Zeljko Ivanek	...	Educational Psychologist
Lynne Moody	...	Mrs. Douglas
Bill Nunn	...	Mr. Douglas
Dick O'Neill	...	Judge
Amanda Peet	...	Julia Hobbs
Timothy Olyphant	...	Roy Hobbs
Kimberly J. Brown	...	Dora
Allison Jones	...	Starletta Douglas

Storyline

After her mother's death, a young girl is separated from her abusive father and is sent between her various friends and relatives, always longing to find a place to call home.

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Plot Keywords:

death | father daughter relationship | abuse | coming of age | alcoholism | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some abusive treatment of a child

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 December 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hallmark Hall of Fame: Ellen Foster (#47.2)

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, Hallmark Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min 120 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Edited into Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951)

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Soundtracks

"Remember (Christmas)"
Written by Harry Nilsson
Performed by Harry Nilsson

User Reviews

A Great movie, the Title character shines

Anyone with a heart could not help but like this movie. There was not a dry eye in the room, as we watched the movie. Ellen Foster shines, whether she is smiling or crying in the movie. The emotion she is feeling is expressed without words. She is a bright and intelligent little girl, mature beyond her years because of her circumstances. Abused by her father and abandoned by her relatives, she overcomes the trials life hands her and finds a place to belong. Isn't that what all people strive for in the end?

I give this movie a ten out of ten. I would recommend that people view it with an open mind.

Jena Malone is an actress to look out for, she is very talented. No wonder she played a young Ellie in the Jodie Foster movie Contact. Her quality reminds me of Jodie Foster.