How to Make an American Quilt

1995

How to Make an American Quilt

Critics Consensus

How to Make an American Quilt is a bit of a patchwork from a storytelling standpoint, but a strong ensemble cast led by Winona Ryder helps hold it all together.

61%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 33

63%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 11,383
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Movie Info

In this tender film, a group of women instruct a nervous bride with lessons from their own lives. Finn Dodd has returned to her hometown to escape her wedding preparations and write her thesis. While her friends and relations patiently stitch Finn's wedding quilt, each of them tells a story.
  • Rating:
    PG-13
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Directed By:
    Jocelyn Moorhouse
  • Written By:
    Jane Anderson
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    MCA Universal Home Video

Cast

Winona Ryder
as Finn Dodd
Ellen Burstyn
as Hy
Anne Bancroft
as Glady Joe
Maya Angelou
as Anna
Samantha Mathis
as Young Sophia
Kate Nelligan
as Constance
Jean Simmons
as Em
Lois Smith
as Sophia
Alfre Woodard
as Marianna
Kate Capshaw
as Sally
Adam Baldwin
as Finn's Father
Dermot Mulroney
as Sam
Rip Torn
as Arthur
Claire Danes
as Young Glady Joe
Esther Rolle
as Aunt Pauline
Derrick O'Connor
as Dean
Johnathon Schaech
as Leon
Loren Dean
as Preston
Mykelti Williamson
as Winston
Melinda Dillon
as Mrs. Darling
Joanna Going
as Young Em
Tim Guinee
as Young Dean
Richard Jenkins
as Howell
Alicia Goranson
as Young Hy
Maria Celedonio
as Young Anna
Debra Stricklin
as Guest
Denis Arndt
as James
Matt Zusser
as Pres
Ari Meyers
as Duff
Kaela Green
as Evie
Jared Leto
as Beck
Holland Taylor
as Mrs. Rubens
Gail Strickland
as The Mrs.
Jane Alden
as Em's Mother
Will Nipper
as Boy at Party
David Williams
as Em's Father
Tamala Jones
as Anna's Great Grandmother
James Rebhorn
Harvey E. Lee Jr.
as Anna's Great Grandfather
Debra Sticklin
as Lady Guest
Charles Parks
as Male Guest
Will Estes
as Boy at Party
Jonah Rooney
as Boy at Party
Kaelyn Craddick
as Young Finn
Sara Craddick
as Young Finn
Rae'Ven Larrymore Kelly
as Little Anna
Brian McElroy
as Baby Pres
Michael McElroy
as Baby Pres
Paige Kettner
as Little Evie
Ryanne Kettner
as Little Evie
Annie Mae Hunter
as Little Duff
Krysten Lee Wilson
as Baby Duff
Kellie Lynn Wilson
as Baby Duff
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Critic Reviews for How to Make an American Quilt

All Critics (33) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (13)

  • It has its effective moments but it tends to indicate emotions more than deliver them, and is finally more conventional and unadventurous than its elements would lead you to believe.

    Aug 2, 2016 | Full Review…

    Kenneth Turan

    Los Angeles Times
    Top Critic

  • Dramatically, more ultimately proves less, and the jumble feels like it should have been torn apart and rethreaded with stronger material.

    Mar 27, 2009

    Leonard Klady

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • Ryder, as gamine as ever, delivers her most credible performance to date, while the luminous Simmons and imposing Angelou infuse the film with grace and understated charm.

    Jun 24, 2006 | Full Review…

    Karen McCluskey

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • This exceptional film takes the makings of a limp "women's weeper" and as if by magic, spins them into gold.

    May 20, 2003 | Full Review…

    Caryn James

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • Flat out, "How to Make an American Quilt" is a wonderful movie -- soulful, funny, eccentric and filled with a love of female humanity.

    Jun 18, 2002 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

    Peter Stack

    San Francisco Chronicle
    Top Critic

  • Walking out of the movie, I jotted a note to myself: "This is not my cup of tea, but I'm prepared to admit it's someone's. I see what they're doing but there is not much zest in the doing of it."

    Jan 1, 2000 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…

    Roger Ebert

    Chicago Sun-Times
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (33)

Audience Reviews for How to Make an American Quilt

  • Oct 23, 2012
    Not without merit by highlighting the silent sacrifices of women from more repressed times, but still pretty dull.
    Doctor S Super Reviewer
  • Jan 30, 2010
    Oh Lord. Overly sentimental rubbish. Please keep me away from films like this.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Oct 25, 2009
    <a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/hs3ss6.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> Winona Ryder's role in this typical American movie, was nothing more then breathtaking. The message brought in here was clearly. It was about a young woman Finn (Winona) who was about to get married with her long time fiance(Dermot Mulroney). She decided to pass the summer away from him to be sure of her feelings and to be with her great aunts. These aunts were quilt makers for years and while she was there they told her their stories of their past life.The movie unfold these flashbacks stories beautifully. So Finn discovered that love was not perfect, and that you must appreciate what you have.Good performances by Anne Bancroft and Ellen Burstyn.
    Daisy M Super Reviewer
  • Jul 05, 2009
    One of my top 5 most boring films of all time list. zzzzzzzz nothing more to say!
    Lee K Super Reviewer
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