The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Jane Anderson |
| Produced by | Jack Rapke Steve Starkey Robert Zemeckis |
| Screenplay by | Jane Anderson |
| Starring | Julianne Moore Woody Harrelson Laura Dern |
| Music by | John Frizzell |
| Cinematography | Jonathan Freeman |
| Editing by | Robert Dalva |
| Studio | Revolution Studios ImageMovers |
| Distributed by | Go Fish Pictures (through DreamWorks Pictures) |
| Release date(s) | October 14, 2005 |
| Running time | 99 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $12 million |
| Money made | $689,028 |
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio is a 2005 American biographical film. It tells a true story and was written and directed by Jane Anderson. The movie stars Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson, and Laura Dern. It was first shown in a few theaters on October 14, 2005.
About the Movie
This movie is based on the real-life story of Evelyn Ryan. She was a housewife who lived in Defiance, Ohio. Evelyn had ten children and found a unique way to help her family. She became very good at winning jingle-writing contests.
The Story of Evelyn Ryan
Evelyn's husband, Kelly (played by Woody Harrelson), found it hard to support their large family. He had once dreamed of being a singer. However, he lost his singing voice after a car accident. Kelly sometimes acted in ways that made things difficult for Evelyn.
Evelyn was amazing at winning contests. In the movie, she wins many different prizes. These include a large freezer, a washing machine and dryer, and a trip to New York City. She also won sleds, boots, a pony, and even a sports car!
Kelly sometimes felt like Evelyn's contest wins made him look less important. He would criticize her and sometimes damage the prizes she won. Despite this, their children always supported Evelyn. In one scene, Kelly gets upset and causes Evelyn to fall. She was carrying many glass milk bottles and hurt her arm. Evelyn always managed to calm him down, and he would treat her better for a while.
Evelyn spent a lot of time taking care of her children. This meant she didn't get out much. However, she connected with other housewives from the Midwest. They also loved entering contests, and Evelyn became good friends with them.
A Big Challenge
Later, Evelyn found out something serious. Kelly had secretly taken out a second loan on their house. He had not made any payments on it. This meant the family was in danger of losing their home.
The children were very worried. They prayed that their mother would win a special contest. This contest was sponsored by Dr Pepper. Luckily, Evelyn won the contest! She used the prize money to pay off the loan and save their house.
Years later, after Kelly passed away, Evelyn discovered something touching. Kelly had saved his pension money in a bank account just for her. At the end of the movie, you see the real Ryan children as adults.
Meet the Cast
Here are some of the main actors and the characters they played:
- Julianne Moore played Evelyn Ryan
- Woody Harrelson played Leo "Kelly" Ryan
- Laura Dern played Dortha Schaefer
- Trevor Morgan played Bruce
- Simon Reynolds played Ray the Milkman
- Monte Gagne played Lee Ann Ryan
- Jordan Todosey played Young Tuff Ryan
- Ellary Porterfield played Tuff Ryan
Where to Watch
The movie was released on DVD on March 14, 2006.
