Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)

Set in Cincinnati at the height of the Great Depression, Kit Kittredge, a resourceful young girl, helps her mother run a boardinghouse after her father loses his job.

Director:

Patricia Rozema

Writers:

Ann Peacock, Valerie Tripp (Kit Kittredge stories)

Stars:

Abigail Breslin, Julia Ormond, Joan Cusack

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Abigail Breslin	...	Kit Kittredge
Julia Ormond	...	Margaret Kittredge
Chris O'Donnell	...	Jack Kittredge
Jane Krakowski	...	Miss Dooley
Wallace Shawn	...	Mr. Gibson
Max Thieriot	...	Will Shepherd
Willow Smith	...	Countee
Glenne Headly	...	Mrs. Howard
Zach Mills	...	Stirling Howard
Kenneth Welsh	...	Uncle Hendrick
Madison Davenport	...	Ruthie Smithens
Joan Cusack	...	Miss Bond
Stanley Tucci	...	Jefferson Berk
Dylan Smith	...	Frederich
Douglas Nyback	...	Billy

Storyline

'Kit Kittredge: An American Mystery' centers around a young girl living in the struggles of the Great Depression. 10 year old Kit lives in a boarding house her parents own in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has a passion for writing, & dreams of having something of hers put in the local paper someday. With the help of her friends, Sterling & Ruthie, will her dream finally come true?

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Plot Keywords:

great depression | girl | ohio | boarding house | 10 year old | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Certificate:

G

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 July 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

An American Girl Mystery

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$220,297 (USA) (20 June 2008)

Gross:

$17,655,201 (USA) (3 October 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Picturehouse Entertainment, New Line Cinema, HBO Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Shot in 27 days.

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Goofs

The bank that's foreclosing the houses is located at 510 Main Street in Cincinnati, between Eighth and John Streets. 510 Main is actually between Fifth and Sixth Streets.

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Quotes

Jefferson Jasper Berk: Miss Bond? I have never levitated a mobile librarian before.
Miss May Dooley: Have you ever levitated a dance instructor?
Jefferson Jasper Berk: Yes, but that's a long story.

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Connections

Follows An American Girl on the Home Front (2006)

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Soundtracks

"Ain't We Got Fun"
Written by Ray Egan (as Raymond B. Egan), Gus Kahn and Richard A. Whiting
Performed by Renee Olstead
Courtesy of Reprise/143 Records

User Reviews

history, morals, mystery - all in one!

While not being semi-prof. film critics,we know what we like and what is a good movie, worth your time and money. This is not a deep psychological study, but is an intriguing look at an era most people have long forgotten. The story is nimble and keeps your interest while being clearly told from a child's perspective. We all loved the cinematography and the period clothes, cars, etc. The story had universal appeal and was not so childish that adults couldn't enjoy it. It was a real pleasure to see many senior citizens in attendance (even w/o grandkids) as I suspect that they actually lived through the struggles outlined in the movie. There were enough twists and turns and plenty of good, moral messages for old and young alike. Another plus is the 90 min. length! Our family votes yes to taking your kids and your senior citizens as well.