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The Dollmaker

Play trailer Poster for The Dollmaker 1984 2h 30m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 2 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
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.
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The Dollmaker

Critics Reviews

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Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 01/08/2011
B
Jane Fonda made her TV debut in this stirring story of an uneducated Kentucky woman and mother of five who struggles to make ends meet. Go to Full Review Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice 08/18/2004
5/5
Offers viewers an opportunity to clarify their own definition of "the good life," and to discuss some of the challenges of individualism. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Bookies B @BookiesBeat Jan 28 Some scenes, such as the little girl's distress over her imaginary friend, went on for too long. One couldn't help but think perhaps the hillbillies ought to have stayed where they were from the start instead of spending two and a half hours searching for common sense. Although the cast acted brilliantly, at times I had to put subtitles on because I couldn't understand what they were saying. See more jim c @RT40602522 12/18/2024 I really enjoyed the movie. But I also like the music. At 55.50 minutes into the movie a song starts by the Iron mountain string band. I don't know the name of this song and I was wondering if anybody could help. I'll give you the first few words at the beginning of the Stars maybe this will help anybody that might know what's the name of the song is. "Daniel was my favorite horse I loved him like a brother" See more Alexandra H @RT99463632 09/06/2024 I found this a fascinating depiction of life for a family which moved from rural Appalachian life to Detroit during World War II. Jane Fonda, as always, is extremely watchable. See more Michael F @Michael445 07/29/2023 This movie proves why Jane Fonda has been one of the top leading actresses for so many years. Her performance in "The Dollmaker" is remarkable and unforgettable. See more Gaylord R @RT95327010 05/30/2023 One of the finest, tightly wrought films I have ever watched. Jane Fonda is simply superb, an actress of the highest order, capable of expressing the deepest emotions humans are experiencing. This movie is clean, honest, moving, a wonderful snapshot of American life in the 40s. See more 03/23/2016 I worked on this film, Jane Fonda and the whole cast were wonderful. One of the highlights of my 35 year film and TV career. See more Read all reviews
The Dollmaker

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Cast & Crew

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Daniel Petrie

Director

Jane Fonda

Gertie Nevels

Levon Helm

Clovis

Geraldine Page

Mrs. Kendrick

Amanda Plummer

Mamie

Susan Kingsley

Sophronie
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The Dollmaker

The Dollmaker (1984) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis 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.
Director
Daniel Petrie
Producer
Bill Finnegan
Screenwriter
Susan Cooper, Hume Cronyn
Production Co
IPC Films, Finnegan Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (TV)
May 13, 1984
Runtime
2h 30m
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