Hidden in America

Hidden in America

Year: 1996

Runtime: 95 mins

Language: English

Director: Martin Bell

TV MovieDrama

His pride costs him everything. A father, obsessed with being the family’s head, refuses help from his sick daughter’s doctor. After his wife’s death and the loss of his job, he must prove to his children that they can survive. Though he faces one setback after another, a glimmer of hope finally appears.

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Timeline & Setting – Hidden in America (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Hidden in America (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

United States

The setting unfolds in a working-class American town anchored by a General Motors plant. The neighborhood relies on close-knit networks of neighbors who share food, money, and labor during hard times. It is a pragmatic, industrial backdrop that emphasizes daily struggles and the quiet resilience of families.

🏙️ Urban 🏭 Industrial town 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Working-class

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:40

Main Characters – Hidden in America (1996)

Meet the key characters of Hidden in America (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bill (Beau Bridges)

A widowed father and longtime GM welder whose job is replaced by automation. He fights to provide for Willa and Robbie, showing stubborn determination and occasional desperation. He navigates the limits of aid and the realities of a shrinking job market.

👨‍👦 Father 💪 Resilient 🏚️ Struggling

Willa

Bill's daughter who suffers coughing fits and headaches from malnutrition. Her health is a constant reminder of the family's hardship. She embodies vulnerability but is a potential catalyst for positive change as care improves.

👧 Daughter 🏥 Illness 🧭 Hope

Robbie (Shelton Dane)

Bill and Willa's son who begins by skipping school to earn money. He steals Bill's rent money to buy a carburetor part, later teams with Gus to fix an old car, and ultimately confesses his misdeed. His arc moves from reckless acts to seeking redemption.

👦 Son 🪙 Impulsive 🛠️ Resourceful

Gus (Frances McDormand)

A tough female mechanic who befriends Robbie and helps him learn the value of pulling his weight. She becomes a partner in fixing and selling the car, showing pragmatism and loyalty. Her actions propel Robbie toward a risky but hopeful plan.

👩‍🔧 Mechanic 💪 Resourceful 🤝 Loyal

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:40

Major Themes – Hidden in America (1996)

Explore the central themes of Hidden in America (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💵 Poverty

The film centers on a family pressed by unemployment after automation takes Bill's welding job. They experience delays in aid and the pressure to find any form of income. The story shows how economic strain shapes choices and tests family bonds.

🤝 Community

Neighbors lend support when the family needs food, money, or practical help. The Millertons and Janusons build a web of mutual aid that sustains them during hardship. Strangers become allies through everyday acts of generosity.

🌤️ Hope

Moments of solidarity and small wins keep the family moving forward. Robbie and Gus demonstrate that collaboration can create opportunities amid scarcity. The ending suggests that hope persists when a community sticks together.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:40

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Unlock the Full Story of Hidden in America

Don't stop at just watching — explore Hidden in America in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Hidden in America is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Hidden in America Summary

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Hidden in America Summary

Hidden in America Timeline

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Hidden in America Timeline

Hidden in America Spoiler-Free Summary

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Hidden in America Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Hidden in America

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Hidden in America: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Hidden in America

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