Rambling Rose

1991, Comedy/Drama, 1h 55m

19 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

A touching. bittersweet, and wonderfully-acted film. Read critic reviews

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Rambling Rose Photos

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Movie Info

During the Great Depression, a Southern family hires the domestic services of Rose (Laura Dern), a damaged woman who hopes to avoid prostitution as a way of life. While in the employ of the household, Rose begins to develop feelings for the father of the family (Robert Duvall), who must continually rebuff her unwanted sexual advances. Meanwhile, Rose also develops a relationship with the 13-year-old son, Buddy (Lukas Haas). Eventually the father begins to reach the limits of his tolerance.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Martha Coolidge
  • Producer:
    Renny Harlin
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $6.3M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Artisan Entertainment, New Line Cinema, Pioneer Entertainment
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Laura Dern
Rose
Robert Duvall
Daddy
Diane Ladd
Mother
Lukas Haas
Buddy
John Heard
Willcox Hillyer
Kevin Conway
Dr. Martinson
Robert John Burke
Dave Wilkie
Lisa Jakub
Doll
Evan Lockwood
Waski
Matthew Sutherland
Billy
Martha Coolidge
Director
Edgar J. Scherick
Executive Producer
Mario Kassar
Executive Producer
Renny Harlin
Producer
Elmer Bernstein
Original Music
Johnny E. Jensen
Cinematography
Steven Cohen
Film Editing
Aleta Chappelle
Casting
Randall Badger
First Assistant Director
Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Rambling Rose

All Critics (19) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (19)
Full Review… David Ansen Newsweek Full Review… Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Full Review… Peter Travers Rolling Stone Full Review… Desson Thomson Washington Post Full Review… Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Full Review… Hal Hinson Washington Post Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Full Review… Carol Cling Las Vegas Review-Journal Full Review… Rob Thomas Capital Times (Madison, WI) Full Review… Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Full Review… Jeffrey Westhoff Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL) Full Review… Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice
View All Critic Reviews (19)

Audience Reviews for Rambling Rose

  • Apr 09, 2019
    Dern is great. However, the movie attempts to be a straightforward character study but that is undermined by it's consistent tone problems.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Jul 05, 2012
    Rambling Rose is the definitive Laura Dern performance. I particularly like mother-daughter performances as there is often additional sizzle to fictional work and Dern and Diane Ladd don't disappoint.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Aug 07, 2007
    This movie is retarded.
    Jessica O Super Reviewer
  • Jun 17, 2007
    Was not expecting to enjoy this at all but it's a very well acted film, that has one or two suprising scenes. 7/10
    Nyk P Super Reviewer
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