Places in the Heart

Places in the Heart

Year: 1984

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Benton

Drama

During the Depression in rural Texas, Edna Spaulding struggles to keep her farm and family afloat after her husband’s death. Facing financial hardship and raising two young children, she finds unexpected support from a blind boarder, a charismatic but deceptive traveling salesman, and her capable sister. As a dangerous tornado threatens their livelihood, these unlikely companions form a strong bond, demonstrating resilience and hope amidst challenging times.

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Timeline – Places in the Heart (1984)

Trace every key event in Places in the Heart (1984) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Great Depression Sets In

In 1935, the small Texas town of Waxahachie finds its community grappling with the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Desperation and hopelessness loom large, impacting the lives of families and individuals throughout the town.

1935 Waxahachie, Texas
2

Sheriff Royce Spalding's Death

On a fateful Sunday afternoon, Sheriff Royce Spalding responds to reports of gunfire at the rail yards. Tragically, he meets his end at the hands of a drunken teenager named Wylie, a shocking event that sends shockwaves through the community.

Sunday afternoon Rail yards, Waxahachie
3

Aftermath of the Incident

In the wake of the sheriff’s death, the town erupts in vigilante justice as Wylie's lifeless body is dragged behind a truck, ultimately left outside the Spalding family home. This gruesome act leaves Royce's widow Edna and their children, Frank and Possum, grappling with profound grief.

Shortly after the shooting Spalding family home, Waxahachie
4

Moze Arrives

A drifter named Moses 'Moze' Hadner shows up at the Spalding household, offering his services as a handyman. Edna, already distressed by the loss of her husband and the threat of foreclosure, sees Moze's presence as a potential lifeline amid her struggles.

Shortly after Wylie's death Spalding family home
5

Edna's Challenges

As Edna navigates the grief of losing her husband and financial instability, her sister Margaret steps in to help organize the funeral. Together, they face the new reality of life without Royce, providing comfort and support to the grieving children.

Weeks after Royce's death Waxahachie, Texas
6

Moze's Complex Nature

Moze begins to establish a complex relationship with the family, often disappearing and returning without warning. During one of his absences, he takes some silver spoons but reappears the next morning seeking breakfast, leaving Edna conflicted about his character.

Several weeks later Spalding family home
7

Denby's Threats

Albert Denby, a local banker, pressures Edna to sell her land due to falling cotton prices. His contempt for her partnership with Moze is evident, and he attempts to manipulate her into making hasty decisions about her family's future.

As financial troubles escalate Bank, Waxahachie
8

Welcoming Will

Under Denby's insistence, Edna takes in his blind war veteran brother-in-law, Will, as a paying lodger. The adjustment is difficult for the family, particularly for Frank, who finds himself in trouble at school, highlighting the challenges of their new living arrangement.

After Denby's demand Spalding family home
9

Tornado Hits Town

A devastating tornado sweeps through Waxahachie, wreaking havoc in the town but mercifully sparing the Spalding residence. In a moment of bravery, Will risks his life to save Possum, establishing a deep bond with Edna's children during the crisis.

During the tornado's landfall Waxahachie
10

Financial Desperation

Edna discovers that selling her entire cotton yield will not suffice to cover her next loan payment, adding to her worries. In a moment of determination, she learns about a cash prize for the first bale of cotton delivered to market, reigniting her hopes.

Weeks later Waxahachie
11

Delivering the First Bale

Through hard work and persistence, Edna and Moze succeed in delivering the first bale of cotton to market, earning the $100 cash prize. This milestone not only alleviates some of Edna's financial pressures but also brings newfound hope for a better future.

Cotton season, shortly after learning about the prize Cotton market, Waxahachie
12

Attack by the Klan

Tragedy strikes when Moze is brutally attacked by members of the Ku Klux Klan, an event that shakes the community and threatens both his safety and Edna's newfound stability. Will intervenes, using Royce's gun to fend off the attackers, exposing their identities.

After delivering the cotton bale Waxahachie
13

Moze's Departure

Feeling that his presence has become too dangerous due to the ongoing hostility, Moze makes the painful decision to leave the Spalding family. Before parting, he gifts Edna a cherished handkerchief, symbolizing their bond and connection to the land.

After the Klan attack Spalding family home
14

Communion and Healing

The film concludes with a poignant church service where townspeople gather to share a moment of communion amidst their grief. Edna offers a blessing for her late husband, and in a moment of reconciliation, even Wylie is symbolically blessed, indicating a shared peace among the living and the dead.

Final scene Local church, Waxahachie

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 09:40

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Places in the Heart Summary

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Places in the Heart Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Places in the Heart

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Places in the Heart

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