The Butcher's Wife

• Director: Terry Hughes
• AMG Rating:
• Genre: Fantasy
• Movie Type: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy Comedy
• Themes: Matchmakers, Psychic Abilities
• Main Cast: Demi Moore, Jeff Daniels, George Dzundza, Mary Steenburgen, Frances McDormand
• Release Year: 1991
• Country: US
• Run Time: 107 minutes
• MPAA Rating: PG13

Plot

As a clairvoyant, Demi Moore awaits signs from beyond that her true love, whomever he may be, is waiting for her, somewhere. When New York butcher George Dzundza shows up on the tiny North Carolina island where Demi lives, she is convinced that he is the man predestined to be her husband. After the wedding, Demi moves into George's blue-collar neighborhood, where she successfully commisserates with such eccentrics as withdrawn teenager Max Perlich, frustrated singer Mary Steenburgen, unlucky-in-love actress Margaret Colin, over-analytical psychiatrist Jeff Daniels, and lesbian Frances McDormand. As Demi helpfully tries to chart the destinies of her new friends, she fails to notice that Dzundza is falling in love with Steenburgen. Though there are many traumatic detours along the way, Demi's psychic talents have very positive effects on at least one of the characters. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Review

Director Terry Hughes ventured into the realm of romantic comedy with this 1991 release. The lighthearted tone throughout makes for a largely pleasant, unassuming film. Demi Moore plays the role of a clairvoyant with some flair, although her Southern accent leaves a lot to be desired. Jeff Daniels, on the other hand, brings his flailing comedy to his role as an uptight psychiatrist and pretty much steals the show. Although very sappy and predictable, the film hits on some universal senses in a heartwarming and humorous light. Furthermore, the mystic romanticism of the film works well with its feel-good agenda. It is further boosted by a solid cast that is rounded out by George Dzundza, Mary Steenburgen, and Frances McDormand. While not particularly earth shattering filmmaking, Hollywood ending and all, the film manages to entertain and served as a showcase for Jeff Daniels' burgeoning comedic talents.

~ Mike DiBella, All Movie Guide

Cast

• Demi Moore - Marina
• Jeff Daniels - Alex
• George Dzundza - Leo
• Mary Steenburgen - Stella
• Frances McDormand - Grace

Margaret Colin - Robyn; Max Perlich - Eugene; Miriam Margolyes - Gina; Christopher Durang - Mr. Liddle; Luis Avalos - Luis; Scott Baker - Fire Eater; Thomas Mikal Ford - Transvestite; Ken Fritz - Street Sweeper; Helen Hanft - Molly; Sara Noel Herring - Young Marina; Ed Kenney - Uncle Chauncy; Stephanie Lawrence - Choir Student; Elizabeth Lawrence - Grammy D'Arbo; Carol Lombard Kids - Church Choir; Sam Menning - Doorman; Cameron Milzer - Customer; Barry Neikrug - Bicyclist; Diane Salinger - Trendoid; Steve Love - Skater in the Park; Chuck Pierce - Beau; Frank Tidy; Gail Levin

Credit

Diane Yates - Art Director, Gail Levin - Casting, Theadora Van Runkle - Costume Designer, Terry Hughes - Director, Donn Cambern - Editor, Arne Schmidt - Executive Producer, Michael Gore - Composer (Music Score), Steven Jae Johnson - Composer (Music Score), Cecelia Hall - Musical Direction/Supervision, Rick Sharp - Makeup, Robert Ryan - Makeup, Charles Rosen - Production Designer, Stephen J. Lim - Production Designer, Frank Tidy - Cinematographer, Lauren Lloyd - Producer, Wallis Nicita - Producer, James Bayliss - Set Designer, Martha Johnston - Set Designer, Donald J. Remacle - Set Designer, Dianne I. Wager - Set Designer, Steve Maslow - Sound/Sound Designer, Gregory J. Barnett - Stunts, Ezra Litwak - Screenwriter, Marjorie Schwartz - Screenwriter

Similar Movies

A Pyromaniac's Love Story; Everybody Says I'm Fine!; Besotted; Wilder Napalm; Mr. North; Tierra; Wind from Wyoming; No Reservations; Jesus, Mary and Joey

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