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The Girl Who Spelled Freedom

Play trailer The Girl Who Spelled Freedom 1986 1h 40m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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When the Yann family is forced to flee to the United States from war-torn Cambodia, they find the cultural distance between themselves and their new neighbors overwhelming. Thankfully, they are taken in by American couple George (Wayne Rogers) and Prissy (Mary Kay Place), from whom the daughter, Linn (Jade Chinn), is able to learn English. In fact, before long, Linn becomes an excellent student and a spelling-bee star. But will her skills be enough to carry her to a national championship?

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member I remember this movie from growing up and it is one that has stuck with me for over 30 years. It was not just educational, but brought to light a very real struggle and touched the heart. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member one of my favorite movies growing up should see if i still have it somewhere around the house Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie is about a girl I grew up with, Linn Yann! I remember being interviewed on the news about it. I was young, at least a couple of years younger than the year of the movie's release. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member I loved this movie so much growing up. It truley proves in America all things are possible. I felt sorry for the daughter but i think she understood why her parents couldn't always be there for her. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member I want this movie sooo bad!It was a favorite of me and my sister growing up.I have not seen it since I was like 8.I remember the family hiding food in there bed cause they thought there would be a shortness of food.And the boy wanting all the pineapples at the store.And the girl looking down the sink for her ring.Wish with all my heart to see this movie again one day. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member This was a very good film. I got Flixster to put it on the database a couple of days ago. Maybe some of you remeber seeing it, it was on tv ...the disney channel and I believe abc. I remember seeing this film when I was young, and some of the scenes are still etched in my head. It was nominated for a emmy or two. Hopefully it will be on DVD soon. Very inspirational and a true story. Let me know if you have seen this film and what you think. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/24/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Girl Who Spelled Freedom

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Movie Info

Synopsis When the Yann family is forced to flee to the United States from war-torn Cambodia, they find the cultural distance between themselves and their new neighbors overwhelming. Thankfully, they are taken in by American couple George (Wayne Rogers) and Prissy (Mary Kay Place), from whom the daughter, Linn (Jade Chinn), is able to learn English. In fact, before long, Linn becomes an excellent student and a spelling-bee star. But will her skills be enough to carry her to a national championship?
Director
Simon Wincer
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 40m