The Trip to Bountiful

by Horton Foote

Book Overview

THE STORY: This is the poignant story of Mrs. Watts, an aging widow living with her son and daughter-in-law in a three-room flat in Houston, Texas. Fearing that her presence may be an imposition on others, and chafing under the watchful eye of her

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0822211742
• ISBN13: 9780822211747
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Dramatists Play Service
• Length: 65 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 5.3" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

This is a play script - not the movie...

This is a play script - an actor's script - for the play version of this marvelous story by the playwright Horton Foote. It was originally written as a teleplay (a play for TV) in the 1950's. It was then turned into a stage play, then finally changed again into the screenplay and film. While this is a wonderful play, it's not my personal favorite. It is also not exactly the same as the screenplay for the film, so be prepared. That said, if you are a student of theatre, it has lovely scenes and monologues, and is still a great read and a beautiful story.

A Rebirth Upon A Return Home.

Mrs. Carrie Watts' dream is to take a trip to Bountiful, where she was born and where life was happy for her, before death, before sickness and before Houston. In Houston she lives with her only child, Ludie, and his wife Jessie Mae, in a two room apartment. Mrs. Watts is so intent on taking that trip to Bountiful that she has tried, though unsuccessfully, several times before to get there, and get away from her daughter-in-law and son, who want nothing more than her monthly government check and assured safety at home, respectively. For anyone familiar with Horton Foote, the characters and time, the place and family circumstance are vintage. He writes about "little"/"regular"/"down home" people, that is, people whose lives and concerns are not worldly, nor philosophically or artistically shaped. Rather they operate day to day, intent on stability. Ludie has seen hard times, as has Mrs. Watts, while Jessie Mae is a demanding, unhappy woman, stuck with these two and not too thrilled about it. But the need for a return home, for the peace afforded by safety and the dependability of pension checks is challenged by the risk of achieving a dream. That is, of realizing an inner truth, no matter the consistent odds. What results is a fine lesson in the possibility of both safety and adventure, each enhancing the lives of the Watts family.

Outstanding!!

i've just ordered the book, but the movie is my absolute favorite of all time. Ms. Watts reminds me so much of my own grandmother, who died 13 years ago. Ms. Watts had so much to say, and share, and nobody was listening. The hymn at the end, "softly and tenderly", is my most favorite. and i can remember standing next to my grandma in church and singing that song, so many many times.not just 5 stars, i give it 100 stars!!!! its one of the most beautiful stories you'll ever hear, or read. movie or book.

GREAT!!!

I loved "Trip to Bountiful" it was GREAT! it was soo emotional. When i saw the movie i cried soo much. it was soo sad. This is GREAT book and a great movie. i would recommened it to all you sentimental types.

A Long Look Back

We all long to return, even for a moment, to the places we grew up. Sometimes the memories are harsh and unpleasant and sometimes the memories are wonderful and heartwarming. Horton Foote's Trip to Bountiful takes us on a powerful journey to the past, of lost loves and nostalgic memories. Foote is able to place us in the position of his characters so gracefully you hardly know you are there but at the same time feel deep emotional ties. You can actually trade places with them. In all, a wonderful book and a beautifully acted motion picture.