Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Kurt Russell | ... | Wayland Jackson | |
Kelly McGillis | ... | Collie Wright | |
Lloyd Bridges | ... | William Wright | |
Mitchell Ryan | ... | Drury Campbell | |
Jeffrey Meek | ... | Cole Campbell | |
Don Michael Paul | ... | Young Wright | |
Lanny Flaherty | ... | Gudger Wright | |
Eileen Ryan | ... | Annie Wright | |
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Amelia Burnette | ... | Paula Jackson |
David Dwyer | ... | Milton Wright | |
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Bill Gribble | ... | Skeet Campbell |
Wallace Merck | ... | Harmon Campbell | |
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Walker Averitt | ... | Margaret Campbell |
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Dashiell Coleman | ... | Jonathan Wright |
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Barbara Freeman | ... | Mavis McGregor |
A young widower moves with his daughter into a North Carolina mountain town in 1934. He quickly takes up with a young woman with an illegitimate baby. First he must prove himself to her father and her three brothers. He does so first by joining them on a bear hunt and then by designing a clock tower for the small community. Trouble comes when it is revealed that the baby's father is the demented son of a mean clan across the river and they mean to take the child back. Written by John Sacksteder <jsackste@bellsouth.net>
Kurt Russell and Kelly McGillis give believable performances in this rural drama. Tremendous North Carolina atmosphere and a fine score add immensely to the film. Some may find it a bit slow, but those willing to watch and listen, will be rewarded. "Winter People" does not follow any typical feuding families formula, but carves new ground, with sacrifice instead of shoot outs. Anyone expecting a "Deliverance" clone would be advised to seek out "Hunter's Blood" and leave "Winter People" to those who appreciate a quieter, more thought provoking movie. Definitely recommended for couples viewing as there is enough depth to maintain interest for everyone. - MERK