[Quick Summary: Orphaned Collin has a grand adventure living in a tree house with his ephemeral Aunt Dolly, after a serious argument with rich Aunt Verena.]
This is the last film of writer Stirling Siliphant, who had a long string of film and tv credits, including In the Heat of the Night and The Poseidon Adventure.
I sensed his practiced hand particularly in the characters. I really appreciated they are full fleshed out and distinct. No one acts or speaks the same.
ex. Aunt Verena doesn't trust easily and relies on facts and cash to relate to people. Aunt Dolly is the opposite: open, fun, and trusting.
So when Verena wants to mass produce Dolly's medicinal recipe, it's the last straw. I believed Dolly would take her maid and nephew to live in a tree house.
I thought the reconciliation scene below was particularly fine because it's so emotionally true.
NOTE:
- Judge Charlie proposed to Dolly during their adventures.
- My heart bled for Charlie, who probably didn't understand sisterly bond, but accepted it.
- I think it avoids the trite and cliche because it does not duck hard truths. Verena would have never admitted these things at the beginning (aging, loneliness, etc.)
EXT. PORCH -- NIGHT
Rain floods down. Dolly shivers under the eaves. Verena approaches behind her. The judge watches from the threshold.
...VERENA (beat): I walk through the house, nothing is mine. Your pink room, your kitchen, the house is yours - and Catherine's too, I think. Only don't leave me. Let me live with you. I'm feeling old. I want my sister.
Her voice cracks. Dolly stretches out a tentative hand.
DOLLY: Forgive me, Charlie. I want my sister, too.
The judge cannot reach her: not with his arms, not with his heart. [This line really moved me. It captures the longing, disappointment, and reality.] Verena's claim is too final. The sisters embrace in reconciliation. Dolly strokes Verena's hair. The judge looks on sadly, silently from the doorway. The storm rages on....
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: This scene made me feel the longing and loss that I'd rather not feel, yet I felt good because it's an "I see you" moment.
Also, I liked there was no "message," no false importance to the moment.
The Grass Harp (1995)(9/6/94, revised)
by Stirling Silliphant and Kirk Ellis
Based on the novel by Truman Capote
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