The Grass Harp is a 1995 American comedy drama film based on the novella by Truman Capote. The screenplay, which is the final work of Oscar-winning screenwriter Stirling Silliphant, is adapted from the play. Directed by Charles Matthau, the film features a cast including Piper Laurie, Sissy Spacek, Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, Edward Furlong and Nell Carter. Piper Laurie won the Best Supporting Actress award from the Southeastern Film Critics Association for her performance.
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Plot
In a small 1930s Alabama town, Collin Fenwick is sent to live with his father's maiden cousins—the sweet Dolly and the overbearing Verena—following the death of his mother. He soon discovers that the Talbo household is anything but normal. After also losing his father, Collin grows close to Dolly and housekeeper Catherine, and becomes acquainted with the eccentric townspeople, from the gossip-loving barber to a traveling evangelist with 15 illegitimate offspring. To escape Verena's oppression, Dolly, Collin and Catherine run away to an old treehouse in the woods. Their rebellion sparks a series of events that changes their lives, as well as the entire town.
Cast
Piper Laurie – Dolly Talbo, a gentle eccentric and Verena's sister
Sissy Spacek – Verena Talbo, a domineering entrepreneur with most of the town in her pocket, and Dolly's sister
Edward Furlong – Collin Fenwick, an orphan sent to live with Dolly and Verena
Nell Carter – Catherine Creek, a quick-witted hired housekeeper and Dolly's friend
Walter Matthau – Judge Charlie Cool, a former judge attempting to find meaning in his retirement years, and Dolly's love interest
Roddy McDowall – Amos Legrand, the town barber and gossip
Jack Lemmon – Dr. Morris Ritz, a confidence man who charms Verena
Mary Steenburgen – Sister Ida, a good-hearted traveling evangelist
Sean Patrick Flanery – Riley Henderson, Collin's friend and eventual competitor for the affections of Maude
Joe Don Baker – Junius Candle, the town sheriff
Scott Wilson – Eugene Fenwick, Collin's father, who leaves him with Dolly and Verena after the death of his wife
Mia Kirshner – Maude Riordan, Collin's "love interest"
Charles Durning – Reverend Buster
Bonnie Bartlett – Mrs. Buster
Doris Roberts – Mrs. Richards
Ray McKinnon – Charlie Cool, Jr.
Production
The Grass Harp is based on Truman Capote's 1951 semi-autobiographical novel. The screenplay is written by Stirling Silliphant and Kirk Ellis. Silliphant's previous credits include In the Heat of the Night, The Towering Inferno, and The Poseidon Adventure. The film is directed by Charles Matthau, son of Walter Matthau. It was filmed on location in Wetumpka, Alabama.
Reception
Despite generally good reviews, the film did poorly at the box office. With an estimated budget of $9 million, the film grossed roughly $1.5 million in ticket sales.
The New York Times review of the film states that the actors' performances were "uniformly expert, sharp renderings of distinctive individuals", and that Charles Matthau had "managed to set them in a landscape specifically distant and atmospheric".
The Los Angeles Times review calls it a beguiling film, and one that "celebrates rebirth and renewal but within a tough-minded view of life that never allows it to lapse into a fairy tale".
Variety calls it a "sensitive screenplay adaptation", and noted the film's "wonderful ensemble cast".