Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991)

70% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
84% of users liked it
(16,212 ratings)

Based on a true story, Disney's family film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken follows the adventures of a 1920s teenager named Sonora Webster (Gabrielle Anwar), who runs away from her foster home to join a carnival. At the carnival, she gets a job as a stunt rider who leaps with her horse into a tank of… More Based on a true story, Disney's family film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken follows the adventures of a 1920s teenager named Sonora Webster (Gabrielle Anwar), who runs away from her foster home to join a carnival. At the carnival, she gets a job as a stunt rider who leaps with her horse into a tank of water 40 feet below. Along the way, she has plenty of adventures, eventually falling in love with the son of one of the show's cowboys. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Steve Miner
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family

In Theaters: May 24, 1991 Wide
On DVD: Jan 17, 2006

Critic Reviews

Brian Costello, Common Sense Media
Girl-and-her-horse story with some peril might inspire kids.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Tells the true story of a runaway orphan who gets a job in a traveling stunt show

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Curtis L

This movie is okay. I guess I like it when she goes blind, and when cliff roberton tells her she needs bigger boobs.
Leigh R

Wonderful movie.
Dannielle A

Gabrielle Anwar was 21 years old when she played Sonora. I thought she was maybe 14, no more than 16 except when she got her hair done and put on make-up I thought, "DANG! She looks 21." But then when the love scenes played out I became increasingly disgusted because she… More
Gabrielle Anwar was 21 years old when she played Sonora. I thought she was maybe 14, no more than 16 except when she got her hair done and put on make-up I thought, "DANG! She looks 21." But then when the love scenes played out I became increasingly disgusted because she kept kissing a guy who looked like he was 30. Indeed, Michael Schoeffling was 31 in this movie. The huge age difference was very distracting to the story line. I couldn't tell if she was supposed to have grown older from the school days or if the love story was happening over a longer period. Other than that, this film was inspiring and fun to watch, even if Sonora was a bit of a spoiled brat. I still liked her for her fire and spirit. She was also very beautiful!
ashley h

Love it- I love true stories of overcoming obstacles and I hate major hots for Mike Schoeffling which I desperately wish would come back on the scene.
Erin C

This movie was so sad! I haven't seen it in forever, but I'm sure it would still make me cry to this day. Very cute though.

Cast

            Gabrielle Anwar as Sonora Webster

            Cliff Robertson as Dr. Carver

            Michael Schoeffling as Al Carver

            Dylan Kussman as Clifford

            Kathleen York as Marie

            Frank Renzulli as Mr. Slater

            Nancy Moore Atchison as Arnette

            Lisa Norman as Aunt Helen

            Carson Aull as Kid #4

            Haley Aull as Little Girl

            Sam Aull as Kid #3

            Wendy Ball as Kid #2

            Cheri Brown as Attractive Girl

            Lorianne Collins as Clarabelle

            Ed Grady as Preacher

            Elizabeth Hayes as Miss Simpson

            David Massry as 2nd Reporter

            Katy Matson as Kid #1

            Michael J. Matusiak as Photographer

            Mark Jeffrey Miller as Candy Man

            Laura Lee Norton as Mrs. Ellis

            Boyd Peterson as 1st Farmer

            Lowell D. Smith as Wrangler

            Swing Time Orchestra as Steel Pier Band

            Gene Walker as 2nd Farmer

            Rick Warner as Doctor

            Jeff Woodward as 1st Reporter

            David Dwyer as Stagehand

            Mary Gail Artz
            
See full cast