Mermaids (1990)

An unconventional single mother relocates with her two daughters to a small Massachusetts town in 1963, where a number of events and relationships both challenge and strengthen their familial bonds.

Director:

Richard Benjamin

Writers:

Patty Dann (novel), June Roberts (screenplay)

Stars:

Cher, Bob Hoskins, Winona Ryder

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 4 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cher	...	Mrs. Flax
Bob Hoskins	...	Lou Landsky
Winona Ryder	...	Charlotte Flax
Michael Schoeffling	...	Joe
Christina Ricci	...	Kate Flax
Caroline McWilliams	...	Carrie
Jan Miner	...	Mother Superior
Betsy Townsend	...	Mary O'Brien
Richard McElvain	...	Mr. Crain
Paula Plum	...	Mrs. Crain
Dossy Peabody	...	Coach Parker
William Paul Steele	...	Boss in Oklahoma
Rex Trailer	...	Dr. Reynolds
Pete Kovner	...	Perfect Family Father
Patricia Madden	...	Perfect Family Mother

Storyline

After yet another failed relationship, Mrs. Flax (Cher) ups her family to the east coast to start all over again. Reluctantly dragged along with her is her daughter Charlotte - going through a very confusing time of her life - who wants to become a nun, and instead falls in love with a quiet, mild-mannered church employee, to the mixed response of her mother. Set at around the time of the Kennedy Assassination.

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Plot Keywords:

single mother | swimming pool | year 1964 | female protagonist | teenage girl | 

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Taglines:

This is our mother. Pray for us.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was to be director Lasse Hallström's American film debut. He repeatedly clashed with Cher, and was replaced by Frank Oz, then Richard Benjamin.

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Goofs

After Charlotte runs away and is sitting on the rocks, and Joe comes to see her, her hair is noticeably different. Her hair looks like a wig, but in all the scenes before and after this one, it goes back to how it's been throughout the whole movie.

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Quotes

Charlotte Flax: [narrating] Please, God, let him throw me on the ground and make another Joey Junior.

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Alternate Versions

The versions shown on A&E and Lifetime both have the ending between Cher and Christina Ricci.

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Connections

References Oklahoma! (1955)

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Soundtracks

Sleepwalk
Written by Santo Farina (as Farina), Johnny Farina (as Farina) & Ann Farina (as Farina)
Performed by Santo & Johnny
Courtesy of Dischi Ricordi

User Reviews

wonderul, cute, sweet comedy/drama, winona's best ever!!

this film was wonderful!!, i loved winona's and christina ricci's acting in their roles for this film! this film shows the lengths, and the relationship, of how a mother and daughter work out their relationship together! it was funny, tragic, sexy, and works for winona fans. it takes place in 1963/64. vcher is snobby, yet, hysterical in a mean way for this film! bob hoskins is wonderful in this film! he's very talented when he hides his english accent. this movie is foir drama lovers, who love mother/daughter dramas! it seems long, but, is enjoyable if you watch it a number of times! see this movie!! if you love winona!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 December 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mermaids

Filming Locations:

Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,514,678, 16 December 1990

Gross USA:

$35,419,397

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$35,419,397

Company Credits

Production Co:

Orion Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min 93 min (Ontario - edited)

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1