The Ponder Heart

Airdate
October 15th, 2001

Directed by
Martha Coolidge

Written by
Gail Gilchriest, Eudora Welty

Starring
JoBeth Williams
Peter McNicol
Angela Bettis
Jennifer Lewis

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A comedic period piece set in 1940s Mississippi, The Ponder Heart follows the life of Daniel Ponder (Peter MacNicol), son of the wealthiest man in town. Carefree Daniel has a habit of giving away and promising things he shouldn't, which forces his niece Edna Earle (Jobeth Williams) to keep a close eye on him. When Daniel gives away the family-owned gas station, Edna Earle and Daniel's father reach their limit and decide he should get married, hoping a wife will rein in his destructive ways. When Daniel discovers the girl of his dreams (Angela Bettis), it is only the beginning of more trouble for the family.

Mr. Von Dohlen portrays DeYancy Clanahan, a lawyer representing the Ponder family. DeYancy also runs for Senate against fellow lawyer Dorris Gladney (Brent Spiner), who opposes him in court.

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Streaming Availability 

The Ponder Heart is not currently streaming aside from my upload to YouTube. It was released on VHS in the United States and DVD overseas. 

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The Film and Its Adverts

Film Stills

Promotional Photos

Media Releases

Newspaper Pieces

Clarion Ledger

The Clarion Ledger

The South Florida Sun Sentential 

The Buffalo News

The Boston Globe

The Des Moines Register