The Journey of Natty Gann
1985 · Movie · PG · 101 min · ★ 6.8 · 79% critics
During the Great Depression, a determined young girl sets out across America to find her father after work pulls families apart. Riding the rails and facing hard choices, she forms an unlikely bond with a protective wolf and a streetwise drifter who help her survive the journey.
Where to watch
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 1985
- Release date
- 1985-09-27
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 79/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.8/10 (170 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a heartfelt, Depression-era journey with a strong young hero, steady tension, and an animal companion vibe similar to White Fang or Lassie; Not for you if you dislike grim situations, mild profanity, or dogfight peril.
Pros: wholesome, touching adventure; strong lead performance; fast, engaging pace | Cons: can feel formulaic; darker moments for kids; lead may annoy some
Themes
- freight train
- great depression
- attempted rape
- hitchhiking
- institution
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Costume Design · 1986 · nominated
Cast & crew
Meredith Salenger
as Natty Gann
John Cusack
as Harry
Ray Wise
as Sol Gann
Lainie Kazan
as Connie
Scatman Crothers
as Sherman
Barry Miller
as Parker
Verna Bloom
as Farm Woman
Bruce M. Fischer
as Charlie Linfield
John Finnegan
as Logging Boss
Jack Rader
as Employment Agent
Directed by Jeremy Kagan