A Girl Named Sooner

When I think back to my childhood, this movie stands out above all others. It first aired when I was 8 yrs old. I watched it every opportunity I had after that. The teasing Sooner encountered, esp the crow scene, connected with my own life experience of being teased endlessly.

The wonderment of Sooner at the fair also stands out in my mind. These scenes were so well shot that I remember feeling like I was see through Sooner's eyes and feeling her wonderment.

I wish this movie was available in video so that I could share it with my daughter.

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.

I saw this movie back in the 70's, and like the other reviewer, I will never forget the scene where Sooner wants to be accepted by the other girls. For years I have thought of this movie, and particularly that scene, and even wished I never saw it, because the scene haunted me! Yet it was so beautifully done! It is a heartbreaking, yet terribly understandable, scene. I continually check the TV guide to see if it is on again. I'm surprised that it has not shown up in the video stores, or on IMDb. Cloris Leachman is amazing, as is the little girl. I read that the girl never made another movie. I wonder why..... I would love to find this movie on DVD. I will never forget this movie. I'd like to see it again. I hope others who have seen the movie will advocate for a DVD!

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.

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.