The Grass Harp is set in the 1940s in a small southern town and tells the story of how people learn to love and to change. After his mother dies, Collin Fenwick comes to live with his father's maiden cousins, Verena and Dolly Talbo. Verena is a rigid and proper businesswoman who owns half the stores in their small town. Collin prefers the company of Verena's sister Dolly , who has a delicate and romantic soul, but her lack of practicality is a constant vexation to her sister. Catherine is the Talbos' outspoken housemaid and Dolly's closest friend. Collin also learns about life and love from the local retired Judge Charlie Cool who himself discovers, when he meets Dolly Talbo, that his heart, once dry as an empty husk at the twilight of his life, can again be filled with love. It is clear to the townspeople that Collin, raised by this household of eccentric women, will have anything but a normal childhood.
When Dolly, Collin and Catherine leave the Talbo home for a tree house to escape Verena and to dream and talk, they set in motion a chain of comic events that will change their world and the lives of several townspeople. The trio's friendship gives Dolly the courage to take control of her life and find love, self-respect and independence. Collin's life opens up as he learns from Dolly of the "grass harp," the unforgettable sound of wind rushing through the Indian grass whispering life's secrets.
Also starring: Piper Laurie, Walter Matthau, Sissy Spacek, Jack Lemmon, Mary Steenburgen, Edward Furlong, Roddy McDowall, Nell Carter, Charles Durning, Joe Don Baker and Mia Kirshner
Based on a novel by Truman Capote
Directed by Charles Matthau
Screenplay by Stirling Silliphant and Kirk Ellis
Release Date: 1995
DID YOU KNOW?
Sean worked with Mary Steenburgen before in the movie "Powder"
