Off the Minnesota Strip

Micki (Mare Winningham) plays a 15 year-old who ran from home and spent months in New York City prostituting herself. The police have found her, beaten by her pimp and ready to come home. But this won't be a happy reunion and you have a general idea why she ran when you see her parents' reaction...no crying, no hugs, nothing! The father (Hal Holbrook) often deals with things by NOT dealing with things and the mother (Michael Learned) is just angry. Obviously the homecoming is going to be a bumpy ride! As for Micki, she isn't completely committed to being home either...and she drinks and is a mess. As for her classmates in her high school, she is NOT made particularly welcome--and most of the guys just see her as a chance for an easy trick. In light of all of this, does Micki stand a chance?! And, why did she leave in the first place?!

For 1980, this is pretty intense stuff...very adult for a made for TV film. I am NOT complaining or saying it's inappropriate...just a bit unexpected. The acting is excellent, the story filled with twists and surprises and it seems very sad but very real as well. A good film, available on YouTube if you're looking to see it...and one with no magical happy endings.