If These Walls Could Talk (1996)

A recently widowed nurse (Demi Moore) struggling to take control of her life in the early 50’s... A mother of four (Sissy Spacek) overwhelmed by trying to raise a family and maintain a career in the 70’s... A young student (Anne Heche) making a decision with the help of one woman (Cher) that will change the course of both their lives in the 90’s. These women living in the same house at different times, share one thing in common - The decision they must come to on how to deal with an unplanned pregnancy.
 
"Powerful."  Chicago Sun-Times
"Challenging."  The Washington Post
"Daring."  Orlando Sentinel
 


Editor's Note

Set in a single suburban house, this HBO production spans 40 years, comprising three stories that examine the evolution of a woman's right to choose an abortion. The 1952 segment focuses on a war widow (Demi Moore) who finds herself pregnant after a brief encounter and desperately seeks an illegal abortion. Twenty years later, the house belongs to a married mother of four (Sissy Spacek) who is struggling with the discovery that she is pregnant again. Forced to choose between finishing her college education and starting the career that she put on hold for years or having another child, she also finds herself at odds with her hippie daughter. Set in 1996, the third segment focuses on an unwed college student (Ann Heche) living in the house who becomes pregnant by her married professor. The antichoice protesters surrounding the facility tragically impact her trip to a women's clinic served by a devoted doctor (Cher). Directed by Nancy Savoca (DOGFIGHT, TRUE LOVE) and Cher, this film is a poignant examination of the evolution of the abortion debate, beginning with the tragedy of illegal back-alley abortions and ending with the violence so prevalent at women's clinics today.


Plot Summary

Set in a single suburban house, this made-for-cable trilogy examines the evolution of a woman's right to choose in 1952, 1974, and 1996. Beginning with the days of illegal back-alley abortions, the film moves on to the mid-1970s struggle between conscience and career and ends with the hot-button controversy of violence against women's clinics and abortion providers in the 1990s. Directed by Nancy Savoca and Cher, the film offers highly charged performances from Demi Moore, Sissy Spacek, Cher, and Ann Heche while examining a controversial and compelling issue.