
142 minutes
5/13/1984
During World War II, hard-luck farmer Colvis Nevels leaves his rural Kentucky home to take a factory job in bustling Detroit. Reluctantly accompanying Colvis is his long-suffering wife, Gertie, a talented woodcarver set in her traditional ways. When the perils of city life and Colvis' reckless squandering of money send the Nevels into precarious financial straits, Gertie starts a business making hand-carved dolls in order to provide for her family.

Jane Fonda
as Gertie Nevels

Levon Helm
as Clovis

Amanda Plummer
as Mamie
Susan Kingsley
as Sophronie

Ann Hearn
as Max

Robert Swan
as Victor (as Bob Swan)

Geraldine Page
as Mrs. Kendrick
Jason Yearwood
as Reuben
David Brady Wilson
as Enoch
Starla Whaley
as Clytie
David Dawson
as Amos

Nikki Creswell
as Cassie

Raymond Serra
as Joe

Dan Hedaya
as Skyros

Christine Ebersole
as Miss Vashinski
Ellen Marchman
as Wheateye

Studs Terkel
as Taxi Driver

Sheb Wooley
as Mr. Kendrick
James N. Harrell
as Old John Miller
Edward Sadlowski
as Bender

Phyllis Boyens
as Mrs. Hull

Mike Timoney
as Army Major

Bruce McKinnon
as Soldier

Mike Bacarella
as Truck Driver
Etel Billig
as Mrs. Bomarita

Pat Billingsley
as Cooper (as Patrick Billingsley)

Diane Dorsey
as Irish Neighbor
Derek Googe
as Bubble Gum Boy

Cheryl Hamada
as Mrs. Saito
Elizabeth Regal
as School Girl (as Elizabeth Perez)
Jamie Wild
as GIlbert
Jason Wild
as Jean-Claude
Dennis Kelly
as Mr. Daly (uncredited)