Love this film ..... it is a tender and poignant piece of work sensitively directed by Paul Newman and starring his real life Wife Joanne Woodward that has stood the test of time an is as relevant today as it was back in the early seventies when it was made.
Woodward is completely convincing as an ageing, frustrated, poorly educated single mother struggling against poverty and a drinking habit to raise two young daughters - one in her early teens keen to spread her wings, and her youngest, a delightfully bright and optimistic child around whom the title of the film is based.
The film is centres around Woodward's struggles to keep her eldest daughter on the straight and level, and to provide a secure and stable home for both daughters despite her alcohol addiction. Haven't seen the film for the best part of 30 years but I remember it vividly for it's study of a family in turmoil and all the disappointment felt by the eldest daughter of her mother's parenting. Nells Potts is truly delightful as the youngest daughter Nell, who is the beacon of hope and optimism from which the film draws its strength. A beautiful film for it's time .... one I would love to show to my own children.
Woodward is completely convincing as an ageing, frustrated, poorly educated single mother struggling against poverty and a drinking habit to raise two young daughters - one in her early teens keen to spread her wings, and her youngest, a delightfully bright and optimistic child around whom the title of the film is based.
The film is centres around Woodward's struggles to keep her eldest daughter on the straight and level, and to provide a secure and stable home for both daughters despite her alcohol addiction. Haven't seen the film for the best part of 30 years but I remember it vividly for it's study of a family in turmoil and all the disappointment felt by the eldest daughter of her mother's parenting. Nells Potts is truly delightful as the youngest daughter Nell, who is the beacon of hope and optimism from which the film draws its strength. A beautiful film for it's time .... one I would love to show to my own children.