Stacking

Another overlooked film, suitable for family viewing, is this quiet, but powerful, tale of farm life, from director Martin Rosen (The Plague Dogs). Christine Lahti (Swing Shift) heads up a strong cast as a Montana farm wife, whose husband has been hurt in an accident, and won't be able to stack hay this year. But it's her daughter, 14-year old Anna Mae, who's the real focus of the story. Played by Megan Follows (Anne of Green Gables), Anna Mae is a spunky tomboy, who enlists the aid of a drunken, but loyal, farm worker named Buster (Frederic Forrest). Together the duo repair the stacking machine, and commence to bringin' home the hay. What elevates the film above its Rocky-like premise, is the relationships between mother, daughter, father, and Forrest's character--relationships which are complex, and emotionally charged. Highly recommended for both adult and YA collections.