In order to support her ten children, Evelyn Ryan (Moore) enters a commercial jingle-writing contest. Based on a true story.
Director:
Jane Anderson
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Title: The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005)
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1 win & 1 nomination.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Julianne Moore | ... | ||
| Woody Harrelson | ... | ||
| Laura Dern | ... |
Dortha Schaefer
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| Trevor Morgan | ... | ||
| Ellary Porterfield | ... | ||
| Simon Reynolds | ... |
Ray the Milkman
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Monté Gagné | ... |
Lea Anne Ryan at 17 yrs
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| Robert Clark | ... |
Dick Ryan at 16 yrs
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| Michael Seater | ... |
Bub Ryan at 15 yrs
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| Erik Knudsen | ... | ||
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Jake Scott | ... | |
| Jordan Todosey | ... | ||
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Ryan Price | ... | |
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Shae Norris | ... |
Barb Ryan at 4 yrs
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Abigail Falle | ... |
Betsy Ryan at 2 yrs
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Plot Summary
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Add Synopsis
Storyline
Kelly and Evelyn Ryan live in Defiance, Ohio with their 10 children. At first glance their life seems idyllic; they call each other "Mother" and "Father" and seem to dote on the kids. But Kelly was a garage-band crooner whose voice was ruined in an auto accident. He's resigned to a dead-end factory job that barely pays the bills, and is given to fits of alcohol-induced rage. Evelyn, a stay-at-home wife and mother, deals with this abuse by appealing to her priest, who is no help at all. She deals with their poverty by entering the jingle contests that were the rage in the 50's and early 60's, even sending in multiple entries in the names of the children. She is very clever at it, winning more than her share of prizes, but her successes aren't enough to keep the wolf from the door. Further, they trigger Kelly's insecurities and he retreats deeper into the bottle, using food and mortgage money to support the habit. Can the loving, optimistic Evelyn hold the family together? Is she ... Written by Joe Jurca
Taglines:
The true story of how a mother raised ten kids on twenty-five words or less.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some disturbing images and language | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
1 June 2007 (Spain) See more »Also Known As:
La ganadora See more »Box Office
Opening Weekend:
$159,056 (USA) (30 September 2005)Gross:
$626,310 (USA) (18 November 2005)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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(1931)
Music by Harry Barris
Lyrics by Ted Koehler and Billy Moll
Performed by Dee Carstensen
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Contrary to the movie, real-life Evelyn Ryan and her son did get to take trip to New York City, where they stayed at Waldorf-Astoria, saw Broadway musical "The Music Man," dined at Sardi's and appeared on a TV show hosted by Merv Griffin as part of the "Name The Sandwich" contest prize. See more »Goofs
At one point, the characters watch an actual clip from an actual Miss America pageant in which emcee Bert Parks asks a contestant about that year's presidential election. But shortly afterward, a sequence is identified as occurring in May 1960. Because the Miss America contest was always held (at that time) in September, this clip would have to be been from an earlier pageant (probably 1959) - which was not an election year. See more »Crazy Credits
Before the ending credits roll, updates are given of all the children and of Ms. Schaefer along with their real life photos. See more »Soundtracks
Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams(1931)
Music by Harry Barris
Lyrics by Ted Koehler and Billy Moll
Performed by Dee Carstensen
See more »
Julianne Moore was excellent in her role of Evelyn Ryan. The movie is inspirational and thought provoking for women everywhere. A great family story. Woody Harrelson was perfectly cast as her alcoholic husband. He portrayed his character Kelly Ryan with just enough intensity and a touch of humor to not take the spotlight away from Julianne's character. The movie was taken from the book by the same name. It was written by Terry Ryan the daughter of Evelyn Ryan. You can sense the genuine connection between each character. Definitely see this one you will not regret it. There is none of that over the top Hollywood glitz and effects just a great story and excellent acting.