Product Details

• Actors: Geraldine Fitzgerald, Henry Fonda, Lois Smith, Jr. Jo Swerling, Jo Swerling
• Directors: Randa Haines
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Monterey Video
• DVD Release Date: May 3, 2005
• Run Time: 57 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00082ZR1C
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,491 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Seen on PBS

Written By: Teleplay writer Corinne Jacker, based on the Katherine Anne Porter classic

Starring: Geraldine Fitzgerald (Academy Award Nominated & Tony Award Nominated)

Directed By: Randa Haines (Academy Award Nominated – "Children of a Lesser God") Description: Granny Weatherall (Geraldine Fitzgerald: Academy Award Nominee & Tony Award Nominee) is a spunky old lady of eighty who bosses her doctor and her children. She seems so strong and in control, and yet she has never had the upper hand in her destiny.

One morning, a flood of long-forgotten memories bring her to the realization that of all her accomplishments, she cannot console herself for the shame-filled day she was left standing at the alter. Still, her indomitable will to live and act independently infuses the last day of her life.

Adapted from the short story by acclaimed writer Katherine Anne Porter ("Ship of Fools"), THE JILTING OF GRANNY WEATHERALL reminds us of the plight of many women who wait for life to claim them, rather than seek life out for themselves.

DVD Features: – Author Bio, Actor Bio, Printable Study Guide, About the American Short Story Collection, Audio Interview – Robert Geller, Henry Fonda Intro, Trailer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars UNFULFILLED DREAMS, March 23, 2002

By 

Bonita L. Davis - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jilting of Granny Weatherall [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Granny Weatherall has worked all of her life. She is proud of her accomplishments and still remains a demanding woman in her old age. Now things are changing. She's hearing things and seeing people long dead but she stubbornly refuses to slow down, until her body plays its own wicked game with her.

For the first time in her life this old woman is forced to confront the deep pain that she has carried in her heart. Her great love left her at the altar of matrimony. The incident infused a deep anger and sorrow that she carried around her for the rest of her life.Now ,in her old age, she must give an account of her life as she comes closer to the shadow of death.

This adaptation of Katherine Anne Porter's story shows us the dynamics in a woman's life when she abandons her dreams and substitute them for being a work horse. A vibrant young woman's folly turns into the bitterness of an old woman still holding a grudge over the man her left her and those who died on her. What is she left with after all of these years of sacrifice?

Such a snapshot of a woman's life give us pause to wonder about the meaning of our lives as we determine what is important. Are we to become the work horse grannies or the dutiful daughter called Cordelia who is ever faithful but unappreciated. Porter's story causes us to reflect upon this and this cinematic portrayal will make you think twice about your life. This is an enjoyable presentation with a profound message about living fully.

5.0 out of 5 stars amazing!, January 18, 2012

By 

Carrie (Summerville, Seychelles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Jilting of Granny Weatherall (Amazon Instant Video)

I had to read the story for literature class this semester. I also had to write a paper on the differences between the movie and the literature. And to determine whether the film adaptation did so successfully. There were a few changes to the story however these changes in the film took the literature to a higher level. Not only were you to fall in love with the character of granny weather all, but also see the family structure and the dutiful daughter that so seemed her mothers approval. A wonderful movie! A must see....Do not listen to the negative reviews...it was a wonderful adaptation.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Unimaginative direction makes extraordinary story ordinary., January 8, 2002

By 

Scott Andrew Hutchins (Bronx, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jilting of Granny Weatherall [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Katherine Anne Porter's short story "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall," being told in stream-of-consciousness, could easily have been a cinematic tour-de-force. Unfortunately, director Randa Haines drains any interest out of it by trying to present it in a literal manner. The story would have been nothing special were it not for the stream of consciousness technique. Instead of trying to express Granny's feelings, Haines simply gives us static reenactments of events in her past, filmed in such conventional ways that we do not get much of Granny's attitude toward how she remembers things.

In this TV movie, it is simply an old dying woman having flashbacks. Had Porter's story been given an imaginative director, it could have easily been made into a remarkable and astonishing film. Instead, we get a lame Cliffs Notes version of the story.

I would recommend this film only to curious Porter fans, but I don't expect they'll like it. Anyone who took interest enough to read this review is referred to the short story, which was very innovative in its day. It could make an innovative film someday, but this definitely is not it.