Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jessica Lange | ... | Jewell Ivy | |
Sam Shepard | ... | Gil Ivy | |
Wilford Brimley | ... | Otis | |
Matt Clark | ... | Tom McMullen | |
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Theresa Graham | ... | Marlene Ivy (as Therese' Graham) |
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Levi L. Knebel | ... | Carlisle Ivy |
Jim Haynie | ... | Arlon Brewer | |
Sandra Seacat | ... | Louise Brewer | |
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Alex Harvey | ... | Fordyce, FHA Man |
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Stephanie-Stacy Poyner | ... | Missy Ivy |
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Jim Ostercamp | ... | Cowboy |
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Robert L. Somers | ... | Grain Elevator Operator (as Robert Somers) |
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Frank Noel | ... | Semi Driver (as Frank Noel Jr.) |
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Warren Duit | ... | Preacher (as Rev. Warren Duit) |
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Conrad Doan | ... | Auctioneer |
Gilbert Ivy and his wife Jewell are farmers. They seem to be working against the odds, producing no financial surplus. Gilbert has lost hope of ever becoming prosperous, but his wife decides to fight for her family. Written by Mattias Thuresson
A sobering look at farms in crisis. Shows how farmers tried to hide herds from government lenders, the human cost of financial strain, the hopelessness shown by families who have reached the end of their financial rope. Sam Shepard and Jessica Lange anchor a strong and capable cast that effectively portrays the plight of U.S. farmers in the mid-1980s. Cinematography well done, with Kansas and Nebraska location shooting. Auction scene is heart-wrenching, as a farm held by generations of one family is auctioned to satisfy debtors. To watch the bidders converge on the equipment lined up for sale is a powerful image, repeated many times throughout the Plains states during that period.