Desert Bloom (1986)

The story involves Rose Chismore's youth. She flashes back and remembers her coming-of-age. Her recollections are sometimes less than sweet, particularly those of her troubled and alcoholic... See full summary »

Director:

Eugene Corr

Writers:

Linda Remy (screen story), Eugene Corr (story)

Stars:

Jon Voight, JoBeth Williams, Annabeth Gish

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Annabeth Gish	...	Rose Chismore
Jon Voight	...	Jack Chismore
JoBeth Williams	...	Lily Chismore
Ellen Barkin	...	Aunt Starr
Jay Underwood	...	Robin (as Jay D. Underwood)
Desiree Joseph	...	Dee Ann Chismore
Dusty Balcerzak	...	Barbara Jo Chismore
Allen Garfield	...	Mr. Mosol
Tressi Loria	...	Shelly
Laura Rasmussen	...	Meryl
William Lang	...	Colonel
Jim McCarthy	...	Driver
Ann Risley	...	Mrs. Muratore
Rick Schieffer	...	Mr. Brandal
Irene Goodnight	...	R.C. Volunteer

Storyline

The story involves Rose Chismore's youth. She flashes back and remembers her coming-of-age. Her recollections are sometimes less than sweet, particularly those of her troubled and alcoholic stepfather. Her memories of Robin, her first love, are much happier, and she also recalls her colorful Aunt Starr, whose visit is fun, but also detrimental to her family's health. The setting of 1950s Nevada bomb testing is increasingly significant to the development of the story.

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Plot Keywords:

first love | memory | coming of age | 1950s | girl with glasses | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 April 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Flor do Deserto

Filming Locations:

Congress Street, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$22,797, 20 April 1986, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$416,393

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carson Productions,Columbia Pictures Corporation,Delphi IV Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Winona Ryder auditioned on video for the part of Rose.

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Connections

Referenced in Biography: Winona Ryder (2008)

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Soundtracks

MOCKIN' BIRD HILL
Written by Vaughn Horton
Performed by Patti Page
Courtesy of Polygram Special Projects
A division of Polygram Records, Inc.

User Reviews

Heartbreaking Triumph

A powerful and heartbreaking portrayal of what it is like to walk on egg shells in a household inhabited by an alcoholic husband and father.

The story deftly renders the awkward and secretive moral climate around alcohol, sex, and infidelity in post- WWII America. Unflinching in his lack of sensitivity, John Voight nonetheless succeeds in winning a kind of sad sympathy for his post-combat nightmares and his tortured reality. Jo Beth Williams, Annabeth Gish, and Ellen Barkin give outstandingly moving performances that could only be described as remarkable. John Garfield gives a subtle and important performance in a wonderful supporting roll.

This film was one of those sleepers that came out of left field, and knocked me down! It is a noteworthy American film, tragic, touching, and ultimately triumphant. It is truly unforgettable.