The Adventures of Ociee Nash (2002)

Equal parts POLLYANNA and FORREST GUMP, this family-friendly fare is set in the 1989 American south. Nine-year-old tomboy Ociee Nash lives with her widowed father and her brother Ben in rural Mississippi, but after she has a run-in with a gypsy that disturbs Papa Nash (Keith Carradine, INTO THE WEST), he sends her to Asheville, North Carolina, to live with her Aunt Mamie (Mare Winningham, WYATT EARP). Reluctant to leave, Ociee's spirits are soon raised by the cast of characters she meets en route. These historical figures include Nellie Bly, a female investigative journalist; the Wright Brothers, whom Ociee helps with their flight plans, and even President William McKinley, whom Ociee inspires as well. Once ensconced in her opulent new home, Ociee receives training in "girl stuff," wearing dresses and playing dolls with her new friend, Elizabeth Murphy (Jasmine Sky). But she can't leave all of her country past behind, and some of her mischievous ways scandalize the prim and proper townsfolk. The spirited girl manages, however, to win over her Aunt with her charm and matchmaking abilities, and when a fire strikes the Murphy home, it's Ociee who saves the day. Based on the book A FLOWER BLOOMS ON CHARLOTTE STREET by Milam McGraw Propst, this rich, winning film boasts a charming score by quirky composer Van Dyke Parks. The material will especially appeal to children and young teens, and is replete with wholesome messages of love, friendship, independence, and forgiveness.


family film The Adventures of Ociee Nash set in 1898 and starring KEITH CARRADINE as Papa Nash, introducing SKYLER DAY as Ociee Nash, and with MARE WINNINGHAM as Aunt Mamie Nash.

lovely score by Van Dyke Parks - like the movie it adorns, it's likable and upbeat."