The Winter People (1989)

13% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
39% of users liked it
(926 ratings)

Set in the Appalachians during the Depression, this drama follows the events that take place when Wayland Jackson (Kurt Russell) falls in love with Collie Wright (Kelly McGillis) and becomes involved in the family feud that is sparked by the existence of Collie's illegitimate son. ~ Iotis Erlewine,… More Set in the Appalachians during the Depression, this drama follows the events that take place when Wayland Jackson (Kurt Russell) falls in love with Collie Wright (Kelly McGillis) and becomes involved in the family feud that is sparked by the existence of Collie's illegitimate son. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By: Ted Kotcheff
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Apr 14, 1989 Wide
On DVD: May 22, 2001
Studio: Nelson Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Caryn James, New York Times
One of these days, maybe Kurt Russell and Kelly McGillis will look back at Winter People and laugh.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
The film is shot in 'Scope, but the effort is essentially wasted by dull center framing that makes the format superfluous.
Hal Hinson, Washington Post
An overearnest story about feudin' mountain families that's good for little more than a few hoots at its own expense.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Winter People is the kind of movie where you sit there asking yourself questions that apparently never occurred to the filmmakers.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Touching, and excellently performed
, Empire Magazine
A plodding period drama with its fair share of ludicrous plot twists.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Cast

            Kurt Russell as Wayland Jackson

            Kelly McGillis as Collie Wright

            Lloyd Bridges as William Wright

            Mitchell Ryan as Drury Campbell

            Amelia Burnette as Paula Jackson

            Eileen Ryan as Annie Wright

            Lanny Flaherty as Gudger Wright

            Don Michael Paul as Young Wright

            Walker Averitt as Margaret Campbell

            Gary Bullock as Mr. McGregor

            James Eric as Bartering Man

            Barbara Freeman as Mavis McGregor

            Ivan Green as Mr. Crawford

            Bill Gribble as Skeet Campbell

            Lucile Dew McIntyre as Mrs. Crawford

            Jeffrey Meek as Cole Campbell

            Wallace Merck as Harmon Campbell

            Lynn Stalmaster
            
            David Dwyer as Milton Wright

            Dashiell Coleman as Jonathan Wright

            Judy Simpson Cook as Gudger's Wife

            Rebecca Koon as Bartering Woman

            Stacy Moore as Campbell Man

            Dick Parkinson as Campbell Man

            Mark Fincannon
            
            Pam Plummer
            
            Mitch Ryan
            
See full cast

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