An illiterate cook at a company cafeteria tries for the attention of a newly widowed woman. As they get to know one another, she discovers his inability to read. When he is fired, she takes on trying to teach him to read in her kitchen each night.
Acting
De Niro's restrained shame; Fonda's tough tenderness.
Production
Working-class authenticity — real factory, real kitchens.
Director
Martin Ritt
Jane Fonda
Iris King
Robert De Niro
Stanley Cox
Swoosie Kurtz
Sharon
Martha Plimpton
Kelly King
Jamey Sheridan
Joe
Feodor Chaliapin Jr.
Leonides Cox
Zohra Lampert
Elaine
Loretta Devine
Bertha
Kathy Kinney
Bernice
Harley Cross
Richard King
Julie Garfield
Belinda
Karen Ludwig
Melissa
Dortha Duckworth
Librarian
Stephen Root
Mr. Hentley
Eddie Jones
Mr. Hagen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Martin Ritt's final film — the director of Norma Rae and Hud went out on another working-class love story.
Based on Pat Barker's 1982 novel Union Street; the film softens the book's grittier Northern England setting and adds Hollywood warmth.
US
