The Ballad of Lucy Whipple *** (2001, Glenn Close, Jena Malone, Bruce McGill) – Classic Movie Review 10,290

Director Jeremy Paul Kagan’s 2001 TV movie The Ballad of Lucy Whipple is a superior, pacy, gripping adventure about a mom, Arvella Whipple (Glenn Close), and her three children heading West after the death of the father, and joining the 1850s California gold rush.

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple is lustily done, with strong acting from a fine cast, plus a handsome-looking quality production.

It also stars Jena Malone as 13-year-old Lucy Whipple, who learns about life in a coming-of-age subplot.

The fine cast also include Bruce McGill, Wilford Brimley, Robert Pastorelli, Meat Loaf, Chloe Webb, Olivia Burnette, Dennis Christopher, Judy Gold and Andy Garrison.

It is shot at Park City, Utah.

Christopher Lofton’s teleplay is based on Karen Cushman’s novel.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,290

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