The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)

The Journey of Natty Gann Poster

America is in the depths of the Great Depression. Families drift apart when faraway jobs beckon. A courageous young girl confronts overwhelming odds when she embarks on a cross-country search for her father. During her odyssey, she forms a close bond with two diverse traveling companions: a magnificent, protective wolf, and a hardened drifter.

Summary
"The Journey of Natty Gann" is a 1985 American Disney experience film directed by Jeremy Kagan, with screenplay composed by Jeanne Rosenberg. The movie is set during the Great Depression in America and tells the tale of a girl's courageous travel across the nation to reunite with her dad.

Setting and Characters
The film stars Meredith Salenger as the titular character, Natty Gann, who deals with her unemployed daddy (played by Ray Wise) in Chicago. When her father gains work in Washington, he has to take a trip, leaving Natty behind in the care of a local boarding home supervisor. But Natty, independent and strong-willed, chooses she would rather make the journey across the nation to be with her daddy.

Desperate Journey
The journey is filled with threat and challenge. Natty stash on a freight train, takes on versus unfriendly hobos, endures in the wilderness, and even defends herself versus a predatory fugitive hunter aiming to exploit runaways for child labor. On her journey, Natty also befriends a wolf who ends up being a devoted companion till the end of her experience.

New Encounters
Throughout Natty's journey, she likewise experiences various characters: from destitute task applicants to kind complete strangers who help her. One such encounter is with travel companion Harry (played by John Cusack), who becomes a romantic interest. Despite the possible confusion and hurt that could emerge from these detours, these conferences just enhance Natty's resolve to reach her dad.

Reunion
Towards the end of the film, after a series of difficulties and close calls, Natty lastly reunites with her father. In the meantime, her father had actually been searching for her, ultimately discovering her solo journey to locate him.

Conclusion
"The Journey of Natty Gann" informs a heartfelt tale of survival, durability, and familial love. Natty's steady loyalty to her dad and decision versus all odds make the protagonist an engaging character to see. The film is an engaging representation of a girl's perseverance in the face of hardship and the considerable lengths she goes to protect and recover her family.

Meanwhile, the film does not avoid illustrating the extreme truths of the Great Depression age-- revealing the homelessness, joblessness, and desperation experienced by people during these difficult times. This important take a look at the period includes a layer of depth to the movie, which sets it apart from lots of other kids's adventure movies.

A family-friendly film for all age groups, "The Journey of Natty Gann" stands out due to its grounded storytelling, compassionate characters, and a narrative that encourages viewers to never ever quit no matter the chances. It stays a cherished Disney classic, which feels as pertinent today as it did when it was first launched.

Top Cast

  • Meredith Salenger (small)
    Meredith Salenger
    Natty Gann
  • John Cusack (small)
    John Cusack
    Harry
  • Ray Wise (small)
    Ray Wise
    Sol Gann
  • Jed (small)
    Jed
    Wolf
  • Lainie Kazan (small)
    Lainie Kazan
    Connie
  • Scatman Crothers (small)
    Scatman Crothers
    Sherman
  • Barry Miller (small)
    Barry Miller
    Parker
  • Verna Bloom (small)
    Verna Bloom
    Farm Woman
  • Bruce M. Fischer (small)
    Bruce M. Fischer
    Charlie Linfield
  • John P. Finnegan (small)
    John P. Finnegan
    Logging Boss
  • Jack Rader (small)
    Jack Rader
    Employment Agent