During World War II, hard-luck farmer Colvis Nevels leaves his rural Kentucky home to take a factory job in bustling Detroit. Reluctantly accompanying Colvis is his long-suffering wife, Gertie, a talented woodcarver set in her traditional ways. When the perils of city life and Colvis' reckless squandering of money send the Nevels into precarious financial straits, Gertie starts a business making hand-carved dolls in order to provide for her family.
Jane Fonda
as Gertie Nevels
Levon Helm
as Clovis
Amanda Plummer
as Mamie
Susan Kingsley
as Sophronie
Ann Hearn
as Max
Robert Swan
as Victor (as Bob Swan)
Geraldine Page
as Mrs. Kendrick
Jason Yearwood
as Reuben
David Brady Wilson
as Enoch
Starla Whaley
as Clytie
David Dawson
as Amos
Nikki Creswell
as Cassie
