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Desert Hearts (1985)

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Average Rating: 6.8/10
Reviews Counted: 5
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 1

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Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 1

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Movie Info

Director Donna Deitch makes a strong impression in her first feature film, a simple story of a lesbian love affair, based on Jane Rule's 1964 novel Desert of the Heart. Helen Shaver stars as Vivian Bell, an uptight 35-year-old Columbia University professor who travels to Reno to get a divorce. She arrives in Reno on her way to Frances Parker's (Audra Lindley) ranch, where she is staying to establish six weeks of residency in order to obtain the divorce. Once at the ranch, Vivian catches the

R, 1 hr. 33 min.

Drama, Art House & International, Gay & Lesbian

Directed By: Donna Deitch

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1998 Wide

On DVD: May 22, 2007

MGM Home Entertainment

Desert Hearts Trailer & Photos

Cast

Helen Shaver
Vivian Bell
Patricia Charbonneau
Cay Rivvers
Audra Lindley
Frances Parker
Andra Akers
Silver
Gwen Welles
Gwen
Dean Butler
Darell
Katie La Bourdette
Lucille
James Staley
Art Warner
Jeffrey Tambor
Jerry
Denise Crosby
Pat
Alex McArthur
Walter
Antony Ponzini
Joe Lorenzo
Tyler Tyhurst
Buck
Donna Deitch
Hungarian Gambler
Tom Martin
Red Cop

Critic Reviews for Desert Hearts

All Critics (10) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (1) | DVD (4)

Wolfe's 2-disc DVD includes commentary from director Donna Deitch, never-before-seen footage of the famous lovemaking scene, and new interviews with actresses Helen Shaver and Patricia Charbonneau.

June 17, 2007 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

Despite many shortcomings--narrow focus, stiff dialogue, and lack of humor--it's worth seeing for historical reasons: this movie herladed a new wave of American gay and lesbian independent films.

June 20, 2006 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

A smooth and sensitive film that convincingly circles around the many different kinds of love and lets in light from several angles.

January 15, 2002 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

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Audience Reviews for Desert Hearts

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The story of an unexpected, atypical lesbian romance set in 1950's Reno, Nevada.If you're willing to overlook the low production quality and a few stiff performances, there's a very interesting film here. Helen Shaver is absolutely gorgeous and Audra Lindley (aka Mrs. Roper) impressed almost everyone with her

January 13, 2009

Randy Tippy

Super Reviewer

One of the most sensitive stories for what it feels like to be a woman who loves women, "Desert Hearts" made quite a difference when it was released. Produced in 1985, it has been one of the most groundbreaking films of its time for the American audience- one of the many forward steps that the movie industry had to

November 28, 2009