Stone Pillow (1985)

Stone Pillow Poster

A homeless woman named Florabelle becomes the unwitting guide to the streets for a New York social worker named Carrie who thinks she has lessons to offer the down-and-out clients she serves at the homeless shelter. Soon, however, Carrie realizes that she's the one who has much to learn.

Film Overview
"Stone Pillow" is an American made-for-television drama movie which premiered on CBS on November 5, 1985. It was directed by respected filmmaker George Schaefer and written by Rose Leiman Goldemberg. The film features Lucille Ball, the legendary American starlet and comedian, in the leading function. This drama was one of Ball's last efficiencies and a departure from her well-known comical roles.

Plot Summary
The movie focuses around Florabelle (Lucille Ball), a resistant senior woman who has actually lived on the streets of New York City for at least 26 years. Florabelle is increasingly independent and has a shimmering spirit regardless of her harsh surroundings. She collects cans for a living while wandering the streets and sleeping on park benches, her existence the really meaning of a 'stone pillow.'

The plot thickens when a young, optimistic social worker named Carrie Lang (Daphne Zuniga) chooses to carry out a field research study on the homeless. Carrie encounters Florabelle and is interested by her. In spite of Florabelle's preliminary resistance, Carrie looks for to understand her and bring some comfort to her life. What begins as a professional interest evolves into a real personal issue, highlighting the deepening relationship in between the two.

Important Themes
"Stone Pillow" explores the extreme truths of homelessness and the complex social situation of the 1980s American city landscape. It examines the vulnerability and dangers associated with life on the streets, but likewise the remarkable durability of those who endure under these conditions.

The film likewise looks into the psychological and psychological elements of homelessness. Florabelle, regardless of her apparently destitute state, takes pride in her self-sufficiency and her discovered skills of flexibility. She sticks to a personal code of principles and lives with a level of dignity. Florabelle's persistent resistance to Carrie's initial aid, and her steady acceptance of the very same, highlights the trust concerns among the homeless.

Performances and Critical Reception
In a substantial departure from her iconic comedic functions, Lucille Ball provided a passionate and credible efficiency as Florabelle, earning herself much appreciation. Daphne Zuniga's representation of Carrie Lang was equally compelling, and the duo's on-screen chemistry was admired.

Seriously, "Stone Pillow" was received with mixed reviews. Some admired the film for accentuating the societal problems and sparking discussions about homelessness. Others felt that the script was sentimental and lacked depth. In spite of this, the film remains noteworthy for Ball's dramatic performance and its unflinching depiction of homelessness.

Conclusion
"Stone Pillow" is a thought-provoking drama that spotlights an oft-overlooked issue: homelessness. The pairing of a young, understanding social worker and an experienced, strong-willed homeless female delivers an engaging story that checks out trust, compassion, and the human will to endure against all chances. It remains notable for Lucille Ball's remarkable performance and its genuine exploration of its main style. Despite some criticisms, the film continues to resonate for its earnest effort to catch an uncomfortable element of society.

Top Cast

  • Lucille Ball (small)
    Lucille Ball
    Florabelle
  • Daphne Zuniga (small)
    Daphne Zuniga
    Carrie Lang
  • William Converse-Roberts (small)
    William Converse-Roberts
    Max
  • Stephen Lang (small)
    Stephen Lang
    Tim
  • Susan Batson (small)
    Susan Batson
    Ruby
  • Anna Maria Horsford (small)
    Anna Maria Horsford
    Collins