Heartland Poster

Heartland 1979

★ 6.519 votes96 min📅 1979-09-22

"Heartland is about roots and origins. Heartland is about love and survival."

Set against the stark, windswept backdrop of Wyoming in 1910, *Heartland (1979)* follows Elinor Randall, a resilient widow who leaves her past behind to become a housekeeper on Clyde Stewart's ranch.

Director: Richard Pearce

Cast

Rip Torn
Rip Torn
Clyde Stewart
Conchata Ferrell
Conchata Ferrell
Elinore Randall Stewart
Barry Primus
Barry Primus
Jack
Megan Folsom
Megan Folsom
Jerrine
Lilia Skala
Lilia Skala
Mrs. Landauer
Amy Wright
Amy Wright
Clara Jane
Jerry Hardin
Jerry Hardin
Cattlebuyer
Mary Boylan
Mary Boylan
Ma Gillis
Bob Sirucek
Dan Byrd
Marvin Berg
Justice of the Peace

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heartland (1979) about?

The film follows Elinor Randall, a widowed mother who moves to a remote Wyoming ranch in 1910, seeking a fresh start as a housekeeper. As harsh conditions and isolation mount, she considers homesteading her own land, defying the odds and the warnings of her employer.

Who directed Heartland?

Richard Pearce directed *Heartland*, bringing a nuanced, atmospheric approach to this frontier drama.

Who stars in Heartland?

The film features Rip Torn, Conchata Ferrell, Barry Primus, Megan Folsom, and Lilia Skala in pivotal roles.

Is Heartland (1979) worth watching?

With its authentic portrayal of early 20th-century struggle and strong performances, *Heartland* is a hidden gem for fans of period dramas and Western narratives. While not widely known, its themes of resilience and self-determination resonate deeply.

How long is Heartland?

The runtime of *Heartland* is 96 minutes.

About Heartland (1979) — A Gritty Frontier Drama of Love and Survival

Set against the stark, windswept backdrop of Wyoming in 1910, *Heartland (1979)* follows Elinor Randall, a resilient widow who leaves her past behind to become a housekeeper on Clyde Stewart's ranch. Director Richard Pearce crafts a poignant drama steeped in the struggles of survival, where isolation and backbreaking labor test Elinor's spirit as winter tightens its grip. With a young daughter in tow, she dreams of homesteading her own land, defying the harsh realities of a world that offers little mercy to a woman alone. The film's raw emotion and rugged beauty paint a portrait of love, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of independence.

Richard Pearce's *Heartland* blends romance and Western elements into a meditative study of human endurance, capturing the quiet desperation and fleeting hope of early 20th-century frontier life. With a stellar cast led by Rip Torn and Conchata Ferrell, the movie immerses viewers in a world where every decision carries weight, and survival depends on the strength of one's heart and will.