The Grass Harp

PG

1995

1 hr. 47 min.

Comedy

Drama

List

50%

14 Reviews

Tomatometer

93%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In the 1940s, young Collin (Edward Furlong) arrives in a small, sleepy southern town after his mother's death and moves in with his aging spinster cousins, Dolly (Piper Laurie) and Verena (Sissy Spacek). He soon finds a mentor in the retired Judge Cool (Walter Matthau), who harbors secret affections for Dolly. Meanwhile, Dolly is troubled by the appearance of Morris (Jack Lemmon), a sleazy entrepreneur who wants to market her health tonic on a national scale.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered Jan 30

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Prime Video

Apple TV

Rent The Grass Harp on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Truth S

This is by far the worst movie I ever watched with Walter Matthau And Jack Lemmon. They make Mr. Matthau look way older then he was at the time the movie was made and the plot is not even funny. If you like Matthau and Lemmon acting together do not watch this movie as you will be very disappointed.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/11/24

Full Review

Hunter J

Set against the backdrop of Truman Capote's childhood in the South, this narrative delicately uncovers the subtleties and quirks of small-town life, infused with humor and sharpness. The film's rich visuals and rhythmic tempo conjure a relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of the simpler times of the 1930s. Enhanced by warm, golden sepia tones, the scenes gently draw us into Collin's memories, through whose perspective the story unfolds. It masterfully brings to life the Southern charm, the era's social etiquette, and the quaint leisure activities, painting a vivid picture of the world that the characters inhabit.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/28/23

Full Review

Ben C

It's truly a pity that Hollywood doesn't produce such magnificent works more frequently, perhaps only once every decade or so. The adaptation of Capote's masterpiece is so flawlessly executed by a meticulously chosen cast, it's absolutely awe-inspiring. In an era dominated by violent action films created by those who profess to despise violence yet profit from it, The Grass Harp stands out as a paragon of refinement and high-quality literary storytelling.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/28/23

Full Review

Kevin C

An adaptation that truly captures the essence and nuances of Truman Capote's magnificent novel. It immerses the viewer in the vibrant atmosphere, colors, and delicate sensitivities of the original work. The standout element is the performances, which shine brightly. There's a genuine passion in recreating every detail of a bygone world. This is not just an adaptation, but a thoughtful tribute to a unique way of viewing life and its inherent magic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The Grass Harp is a novel by Truman Capote, based (in part) on his a youth, living with a pair of aunts in a southern town. Loved this! A surprisingly wonderful movie and a must watch.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This movie is great!!! I love this movie~

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Charles Matthau

Director

Piper Laurie

Dolly Talbo

Sissy Spacek

Verena Talbo

Walter Matthau

Judge Charlie Cool

Edward Furlong

Collin Fenwick

Nell Carter

Catherine Creek

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

37%

69%

Corrina, Corrina

81%

84%

A League of Their Own

TRAILER

for A League of Their Own

13%

50%

Curly Sue

76%

80%

Twelfth Night

85%

74%

A Good Marriage

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Daniel M. Kimmel

Variety

Helmer Charles Matthau combines a sensitive screenplay adaptation of Truman Capote's autobiographical novel with a wonderful ensemble cast to create a jewel of a film.

Apr 29, 2005

Full Review

Globe and Mail

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 12, 2002

Full Review

Mike Clark

USA Today

Star power isn't a problem in this episodic rendering of Truman Capote's novel. A scattershot story without focus is, which is why the film soon evaporates from the memory.

Rated: 1.5/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Chuck O'Leary

FulvueDrive-in.com

Rated: 2/5

May 7, 2007

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 1/5

Jul 1, 2005

Full Review

Jonathan R. Perry

Tyler Morning Telegraph (Texas)

Rated: 3/5

Jun 1, 2005

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

In the 1940s, young Collin (Edward Furlong) arrives in a small, sleepy southern town after his mother's death and moves in with his aging spinster cousins, Dolly (Piper Laurie) and Verena (Sissy Spacek). He soon finds a mentor in the retired Judge Cool (Walter Matthau), who harbors secret affections for Dolly. Meanwhile, Dolly is troubled by the appearance of Morris (Jack Lemmon), a sleazy entrepreneur who wants to market her health tonic on a national scale.

Director: Charles Matthau
Executive Producer: Solomon J. LeFlore, Michael Mendelsohn, John Winfield
Screenwriter: Stirling Silliphant, Kirk Ellis
Production Co: Grass Harp, New Line Cinema, Charles Matthau-Jerry Tokofsky-John Davis Productions, Fine Line Features
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 24, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $511.6K
Sound Mix: Surround

Most Popular at Home Now