Kelly McGillis was a screen icon in the 1980s with her perhaps being best known for her role in the Amish-centric movie Witness starring alongside Harrison Ford. The movie is a classic and has held up very well over time. Harrison Ford, of course, continued to churn out blockbusters and still does to this day.
Caption: Kelly McGillis then and now.
Kelly McGillis largely faded from the spotlight. But she returns to the screen – the TV screen – this Sunday (UP channel, 7 p.m.) reprising her role of an Amish woman. This time she plays an aged aunt named Bertha (far cry from the much more glamorous role of Rachel in Witness). I am linking to an article that has a good interview with McGillis and how her Amish roles have shaped her real life. A few corrections…the article cites “Sugar Creek”, Ohio, it is, in fact, Sugarcreek and I have to think that the main character’s last name in the book is Troyer, not Troyler. Anyway, click here to read this good interview with Kelly McGillis. This movie is based on a book of the same name. I have not read the book, has anyone here read it?
Truly I would have absolutely no interest in this TV movie if it weren't for McGillis. She played the role of Rachel in Witness with such depth, texture authenticity and vulnerability, I'm looking forward to seeing her try the same thing in a different Amish role.
Christine McMahon-Chase
I've actually recently read the book. It is a decent read; the Amish aunts are not the main characters in the book.
Kevin
Christine, good to know. Maybe I'll ask my wife if she wants to read it!-)
Missy
I checked and wonder of wonders we do get UP channel. So I think I'll give it a try and see if it's decent or cringeworthy. I'm afraid that I've been very disappointed with the Amish dramas that I've seen. One of the worse was one produced by Michael Landon Jr. So many inaccuracies. As a result I find them hard to watch. But I'll give this one a try.
Missy
I'm watching it now. So far so good after 1/2 hour. It is an original UP production but in conjunction with Guideposts magazine, so that's a good sign. I'll reply again when it's over.
Kevin
Thanks for the update, Rachel and I are recording it, although not sure when I'll get around to watching
Missy
The name in the movie WAS Troyler. The only real inconsistency I saw was that they had one of the Amish lady's covering held on with bobby pins when it should have been straight pins.
All in all it was very good. Respectful of the Amish with nothing that I can think of that seemed "off".
Joyce Dingman
I did reply last night so don't know what happened to it. It was pretty good. No glaring mistakes except they had one woman's covering secured with bobby pins instead of straight pins. But other than that it was pretty consistent. Love the aunts! Nice little story, don't think too hard about it or you can find some plot holes 🙂 but a pleasant show.
Kevin
Thanks for sharing, Joyce,Rachel and I recorded it and hope to watch it soon! (Why they would choose the name Troyler over Troyer is a bit confusing in my mind)