Square Dance (1987)
A quietly powerful coming-of-age drama about a young girl's journey from a Texas farm to the city, and the complicated people she finds along the way.
Square Dance - Movie Information
- Original Title: Square Dance
- Release Year: 1987
- Directed by: Daniel Petrie
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 1, 1987 (United States - PG-13)
- Alternative Titles: Ciranda de Ilusões (BR), Home Is Where the Heart Is (US)
- Production Companies: Island Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Square Dance - Plot
An awkward 13-year-old leaves her cranky grandfather in rural Texas, to live with her mother in Fort Worth.
Square Dance - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this heartfelt coming-of-age story:
Sometimes leaving is the first step to finding home.
Square Dance - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Daniel Petrie
Main Cast
- Jason Robards
- Jane Alexander
- Winona Ryder
- Rob Lowe
- Deborah Richter
- Guich Koock
- Elbert Lewis
- Charlotte Stanton
- J. David Moeller
- Dixie Taylor
Writers
- Alan Hines
Producers
- Daniel Petrie
- Michael Nesmith
Square Dance - FAQs
Who plays Gemma in Square Dance?
Gemma, the 13-year-old protagonist of Square Dance, is played by Winona Ryder. The role marked one of Ryder's earliest major film performances, earning her significant critical praise and helping establish her as a rising talent in Hollywood at just 15 years old during production.
Is Square Dance based on a book?
Yes, Square Dance is based on a novel by Alan Hines, who also wrote the screenplay adaptation. The story draws on themes of adolescent identity, family estrangement, and the emotional journey of a young girl navigating the gap between rural and urban life in Texas.
What is Square Dance about?
Square Dance follows Gemma, an awkward 13-year-old raised on a rural Texas farm by her gruff grandfather, who leaves to seek out her estranged mother in Fort Worth. The film explores her coming-of-age journey as she encounters new relationships, urban life, and the complexities of family and young love.
When was Square Dance released?
Square Dance was released in the United States on March 1, 1987. The film was rated PG-13 and distributed by Island Pictures. It was produced in the United States and runs approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes.
Who directed Square Dance?
Square Dance was directed by Daniel Petrie, a seasoned filmmaker known for his sensitive handling of character-driven dramas. Petrie also served as a producer on the film alongside Michael Nesmith, bringing Alan Hines's coming-of-age novel to the screen with a focus on emotional authenticity.
Who are the main actors in Square Dance?
Square Dance stars Winona Ryder as Gemma, Jason Robards as her grandfather Dillard, Jane Alexander as her mother Juanelle, and Rob Lowe as Rory, a young man with an intellectual disability. Deborah Richter, Guich Koock, and Elbert Lewis round out the supporting cast.
What is the age rating for Square Dance?
Square Dance is rated PG-13 in the United States. The rating reflects the film's mature coming-of-age themes, including family dysfunction, young love, and the emotional challenges faced by its teenage protagonist. It is generally suitable for teenagers and older audiences.
How long is Square Dance?
Square Dance has a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes (112 minutes). Directed by Daniel Petrie and released in 1987, the film takes its time developing the emotional arc of its young protagonist as she navigates life between rural Texas and the city of Fort Worth.
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