The Dollmaker

Saw this film when it came out, and the depiction of Kentucky life in the 40's, during WW II was spot on. This could have been the story of my family. They too left Kentucky in the 40's for a better life in Michigan. My dad worked in the coal mines and my mom was caring for her mom who was dying of cancer, and raising 3 children. She too went to work in the factory, Rosie the riveter. Work was dirty and paid little. As so many, they left Kentucky and moved to Michigan where the auto factories paid much more than coal mines. Housing sprouted up to provide a decent living condition for all the workers. They enjoyed running water in the house and electricity for the first time.

I was in awe of how accurately the film displayed their life. The actors did a phenomenal job, and it is the only film I am aware of that depicts that time so accurately. My brother and two sisters were little kids when they moved "up North to Deetriot", I arrived in 1950 and couldn't have experienced a more different upbringing. We would go back every summer to visit our down South relatives. As I became a teenager, I balked at going back down every summer. My cousins wanted me to tell them all about living up North. To them I was someone who could tell them about life outside the Hollers. It was two different worlds.

It was a hard life but they made a better life for their family, at the expense of leaving everything and everyone they knew. Calling them the greatest generation is well deserved.

This is an all time favorite of mine. A tear jerker, good story line. True to life drama, of the way things were, for the dirt poor. Not having enough money for medical and other expenses, moving to the city should make things better, but does it? Gertie puts her heart and soul into carving a piece of wood to try to get the peace she is seeking. And to get enough money to get her family back home. Out of the big city and back to the hills. This movie has the old time folk music which is great. You don't hear to many of them any more. Does anyone know if a sound track was made for this movie? I am looking for it with no success.

This is hands down, one of THE best movies/show ever shown on TV. I've only seen it a handful of times but I remember it so vividly. There isn't a single thing wrong with this movie. The acting, the directing, the script, costumes, everything is...well...perfect. Easily the best performance of Jane Fonda's career. I hope to come across it soon on DVD.

This movie is an undiscovered gem: a simple, beautiful story of a woman struggling with poverty and other obstacles in her life. Jane Fonda creates a picture of an Appalachian woman who is complex, brave, and at times resigned to the limitations of her life. This movie is unique in its straightforward presentation of a story about poverty that never swerves into sentimentality or condescension: ultimately it celebrates the strength, faith, and ingenuity of Gertie. Had this movie been released as a feature film it probably would have gotten more attention and be praised along side movies like "The Grapes of Wrath," which coincidentally was one of Jane Fonda's father's most memorable roles.

"The Doll Maker" starring Jane Fonda, was probably the most memorable movie I have ever seen. I have seen it only one time. I do not need to see it again. I would love to, but my husband was so emotionally moved by the scene with the child, that I promised him that I would never bring it around him. This story is so very real. The scenery, the acting, the emotions, all become a true part of your soul, if only for a couple of hours. I loved "The Doll Maker"! This movie is a sociological work of art. I am trying to think of a movie, which could possibly come close emotionally to this story. I almost want to say "Old Yeller". The difficulty presented to both families, may be comparable. When I think of the coloration of the scenery in "The Doll Maker", I am somewhat reminded of the movie, "The Grapes of Wrath". "The Grapes of Wrath" was an epic film, the movie "Old Yeller" was a family oriented film. "The Doll Maker" is a "must see"!