Not Without My Daughter (1991)

An American woman, trapped in Islamic Iran by her brutish husband, must find a way to escape with her daughter as well.

Director:

Brian Gilbert

Writers:

Betty Mahmoody (based on the book by), William Hoffer (based on the book by)

Stars:

Sally Field, Alfred Molina, Sheila Rosenthal

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sally Field	...	Betty Mahmoody
Alfred Molina	...	Moody
Sheila Rosenthal	...	Mahtob
Roshan Seth	...	Houssein
Sarah Badel	...	Nicole
Mony Rey	...	Ameh Bozorg
Georges Corraface	...	Mohsen
Mary Nell Santacroce	...	Grandma
Ed Grady	...	Grandpa
Marc Gowan	...	Doctor
Bruce Evers	...	Doctor
Jonathan Cherchi	...	Mammal
Soudabeh Farrokhnia	...	Nasserine
Michael Morim	...	Zia
Gili Ben-Ozilio	...	Fereshte

Storyline

"Moody" is an Iranian doctor living in America with his American wife Betty and their child Mahtob. Wanting to see his homeland again, he convinces his wife to take a short holiday there with him and Mahtob. Betty is reluctant, as Iran is not a pleasant place, especially if you are American and female. Upon arrival in Iran, it appears that her worst fears are realized: Moody declares that they will be living there from now on. Betty is determined to escape from Iran, but taking her daughter with her presents a larger problem.

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Plot Keywords:

american abroad | binational couple | tyrant husband | female protagonist | domestic violence | 

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Taglines:

In 1984, Betty Mahmoody's husband took his wife and daughter to meet his family in Iran. He swore they would be safe. They would be happy. They would be free to leave. He lied.

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

The real Mahtob appeared as an extra in a school scene.

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Goofs

In the movie, Betty and Moodi have a physical relationship on the roof top of the house.But if they can not have a physical relationship outside the house, they can not have a physical relationship on the roof top in public too.

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Quotes

Nicole: If you marry an Iranian man, you automatically become an Iranian citizen. The laws regarding women are very strict. You cannot travel anywhere without written permission. You have no rights to the children. They go to the man in a divorce. I'm sorry, but you *will* have to go back to your husband.
Betty Mahmoody: But we'll never get out of Iran. We're being held hostage! It was almost impossible to come here!
Nicole: Mrs. Mahmoody, there are many American women here in similar circumstances.
[pauses]
Nicole: May I ask you why you...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Without My Daughter (2002)

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Soundtracks

VISSI D'ARTE
from "TOSCA"
Music by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Zinka Milanov and The Rome Orchestra and Chorus
Conducted by Erich Leinsdorf
Courtesy of RCA Victor Red Seal
A division of BMC Classics

User Reviews

What's all the fuss about!!!!!

I saw this movie quite some time ago and enjoyed it. It did not leave me with a negative image of Iranians, Islam or Persia at all. I saw it as a simple story of mother trying to do what was best for her daughter. Not wanting ones daughter to be a second class citizen in my own opinion does not warrant the hostility I have seen portrayed in the previous comments. Sally Fields performance was certainly good. The movie told the story from the wifes/mothers point of view. I found that the movie showed just cause why the husband would become disenchanted with the USA. I can completely understand why he would like to return to his home. After all there is no place like home. My sympathy however with the husband left me when I saw the deception he displayed keeping his American family in Iran. This movie, though flawed was well worth viewing.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Persian Assyrian Neo-Aramaic

Release Date:

11 January 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Not Without My Daughter

Filming Locations:

Ankara, Turkey

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,804,055, 13 January 1991

Gross USA:

$14,789,113

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,789,113

Company Credits

Production Co:

Pathé Entertainment, Ufland

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1