Heartland

Heartland, motion picture about a woman’s adventures in Wyoming in the early 20th century, based on the diaries of Elinore Randall Stewart. Released in 1979, this bleak portrayal of frontier life won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. A young widow (played by Conchata Ferrell) moves her family to Wyoming and goes to work for a rancher (Rip Torn). She adjusts to life in the country and eventually marries the rancher.

Director

• Richard Pearce

Cast

• Rip Torn (Clyde Stewart)
• Conchata Ferrell (Elinore Randall)
• Barry Primus (Jack)
• Lilia Skala (Grandma)
• Megan Folson (Jerrine)
• Amy Wright (Clara)
• Jerry Hardin (Cattle buyer)
• Mary Boylan (Ma Gillis)
• Jeff Boschee (Land office agent)
• Robert Overholzer (Land office agent)
• Bob Sirucek (Dan)
• Marvin Berg (Justice of peace)
• Gary Voldseth (Cowboy)
• Mike Robertson (Cowboy)
• Doug Johnson (Cowboy)

Awards

• Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize (1981)
• Berlin International Film Festival Golden Berlin Bear (1980)