A Girl Named Sooner

My sister and I remember watching this incredible telefilm when it came out, and for years afterwards. We were heartbroken when they stopped airing it regularly. It is an outstanding story of a poor, uncared-for young girl and what happens to her. It is stunningly acted, and incredibly moving. Some images are still with me to this day. The sight of Cloris Leachman, unrecognizable, playing this loathsome woman, unkempt, her bosom sagging (with rice!) was so shocking to me as a 7-year old that I have been unable to see her any other way since then, in anything, and Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" is totally ruined for me. There is a scene where Sooner, in an attempt to make friends, does something shocking, and thinking about it 20 years after last having seen this, I am still getting upset and a lump is forming in my throat. It was also available as a book, and I read my paperback copy of it until it fell apart.

This is a terrific thing to watch as a family. It sure will make your children realize how lucky they are, but more, how much you love them, because you won't be able to stop hugging and kissing them when this is over.

Despite having been about four at the time I saw this movie, I still remember it. Set around the depression, it involves Sooner, a neglected child raised by a backwards, crazy old woman. Sooner is given to a couple to raise, and the drama comes from seeing this formerly isolated and ignorant little girl learn about love and family. Chloris Leachman deserved an Emmy as her portrayal of the wagon-driving, wily old woman--I can still remember her screeching at the people who want to take Sooner from her. The movie has a sort-of WALTONS feel to it, and that's not a bad thing at all. Too bad somebody hasn't released this on video; I think many people would love it.

Funny, how like the other reviewers, I still remembered this movie and have a great desire to see it again. After seeing this movie when I was only about 10, my mom said that I told her I wanted to adopt. Now, I don't remember saying that, but I do think it was funny that, not remembering that being said, I grew up to adopt a sib group of 3. I guess that says how much a movie can seriously affect a life, or many lives. I have been looking off and on on the web to see if I could find the movie to purchase and I have finally found a place. Not knowing the company, I know I am taking a chance on ordering it, but to me it is worth the chance. Here is the link if anyone is interested: http://www.onlyclassicmovieworld.com/Agirlnamedsooner.html

I am from Switzerland County where this movie was filmed. Sooner lived with the old woman on a hill in a small town called Bennington. The Hill was called Schuel Hill. Bennington was around six miles from Vevay. That is where Sooner lived with the married couple who had no children. The school that Sooner attended in the movie is called the old gym and is still used today for basketball games and carnivals. My sister in law was an extra in this film. She was a little girl on the playground. It is wonderful to watch a movie and to be familiar with the surroundings. This is a very touching film. You will laugh and cry while watching it.

Hi. I saw this when I was around 8 years old ,and it has always stuck with me. I love touching movies. I just wanted to let anyone interested in purchasing it. I just purchased a copy at only classic movies dot com for $23.95. Cloris Leachman was wonderful and Lee Remick ,and Richard Crenna are wonderful actors too. Cloris just really stood out to me when I was that age. This movie just made me cry. Something that is a rarity in movies this day and time. Susan Deer was just a little doll,and I still remember those sad haunted eyes. I have often wondered what happened to her. I know Lee and Richard are dead now. Just a wonderful movie for anyone wanting their heartstrings pulled. I can't wait until my copy arrives. Please let me know if you get yours.