
The Trip to Bountiful
1985 · Movie · PG · 108 min · ★ 7.2 · 91% critics
In 1940s Texas, an elderly woman feels trapped in a tense home with her son and daughter-in-law. Longing to see her childhood town one last time, she sets out on a deeply personal journey shaped by memory, loss, and the hope of finding peace.
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Details
- Years
- 1985
- Release date
- 1985-12-20
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 91/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 (57 votes)
About
You’ll likely connect with this if you like intimate, emotional dramas such as Driving Miss Daisy or Tender Mercies; Not for you if you want fast pacing, big plot turns, or a lighter mood.
Pros: deeply moving story; powerful lead performance; tender emotional journey | Cons: slow pacing; stagey feel; sentimental for some
Themes
- escape
- bus
- texas
- based on play or musical
- houston, texas
- memory
- senior citizen
- 1940s
- daughter–in–law
- elderly lady
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Actress · 1986
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay · 1986 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Actress · 1986 · nominated
Cast & crew

Geraldine Page
as Mrs. Carrie Watts

John Heard
as Ludie Watts

Carlin Glynn
as Jessie Mae

Richard Bradford
as Sheriff

Rebecca De Mornay
as Thelma

Kevin Cooney
as Roy
- HL
Harvey Lewis
as Second Bus Ticket Man

Gil Glasgow
as Stationmaster Gerard
- KS
Kirk Sisco
as Train Ticket Agent
Directed by Peter Masterson