If These Walls Could Talk (HBO)

About If These Walls Could Talk (HBO)

If These Walls Could Talk is a poignant anthology film that covers the topic of abortion through three separate stories set in different decades. The film, which premiered on HBO in 1996, is situated in the same house through fifty years (1952, 1974 and 1996), depicting the moral dilemma faced by three different women, each facing an unwanted pregnancy.

Making / Production

The movie was produced by HBO in association with Wall to Wall Television. It was directed by actors-turned-directors Cher and Nancy Savoca. Savoca directed the first and second stories (set in the 1952 and 1974) and Cher directed the third story (set in the 1996).

Actors

• Demmi Moore plays the character of "Claire Donnelly" in the 1952 story. Her character is a grieving widow facing an unwanted pregnancy, and Moore's portrayal is nuanced and emotionally evocative.
• Sissy Spacek stars as "Barbara Barrows" in the 1974 story, depicting a mother and housewife who discovers she is pregnant. Her performance is layered with both strength and vulnerability.
• Cher plays "Dr. Beth Thompson" in the 1996 story. She is an abortion provider who is determined to protect her patients' rights despite the risk to her own safety, and Cher brings dimension and gravitas to the role.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is the directorial debut of actress and musician Cher.
• The film takes place entirely within the same house, utilizing different sets and costuming to depict the passage of time and changing societal attitudes towards abortion.

Awards

If These Walls Could Talk was nominated for several awards including the Golden Globe for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TV, and Cher was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.

Quotes

• "This is not what a woman's body is for." - Claire Donnelly
• "Abortion is not a choice. It's a necessity." - Barbara Barrows
• "I believe it's a woman's right to decide what happens to her own body." - Dr. Beth Thompson

Music, Soundtrack

• The movie's evocative score was composed by Cliff Eidelman, who masterfully used music to underscore the emotional depth of each story.