The Hired Heart

The Hired Heart is a romantic drama film released in 1997, directed by Jerry London and starring Penelope Ann Miller, Brett Cullen, and Barry Corbin. The movie is set in the late 1800s, in a small town in the Wild West.

The story revolves around a young woman named Lila Reed (Penelope Ann Miller), who has been left alone in the world after losing her father and husband to a fire. She is struggling to make ends meet running her family ranch and taking care of her young son. One day, she crosses paths with an enigmatic stranger named Frank Everly (Brett Cullen), who offers to help her with the ranch in exchange for room and board. Lila accepts the offer, and Frank becomes a valuable asset to her farm.

As time passes, Lila starts to develop feelings for Frank, who seems to reciprocate them. However, she soon discovers that Frank is not who he appears to be. He has been hired by a group of greedy businessmen to destroy Lila's farm, as it lies on the route of a proposed railway line. Frank's feelings for Lila are genuine, but he is torn between his loyalty to his employers and his growing love for her.

Meanwhile, the townsfolk are divided on whether to support Lila or the railway project. The local banker, Jeb McKinley (Barry Corbin), who has a longstanding feud with Lila, sides with the businessmen and does everything in his power to ruin her. To complicate matters further, Lila's estranged mother, Belle (Claudette Nevins), returns to town, hoping to reconcile with her daughter after many years of absence.

The Hired Heart is a classic tale of love and betrayal set against the rugged backdrop of the American West. It explores themes of greed, family ties, and the resilience of the human spirit. Penelope Ann Miller delivers a compelling performance as Lila, a strong-willed woman who refuses to back down in the face of adversity. Brett Cullen is equally impressive as Frank, torn between his duty and his heart. Together, they have great chemistry on screen and make for a believable and engaging couple.

The supporting cast is also strong, with Barry Corbin bringing his trademark gruffness to the role of the conniving banker, and Claudette Nevins imbuing Belle with a sense of regret and longing. The film's cinematography captures the sweeping beauty of the West, with its vast landscapes and golden sunsets. The score by Joel P. West adds to the movie's emotional resonance, underlining the characters' struggles and triumphs.

Overall, The Hired Heart is a solid romantic drama with a strong cast, a well-crafted script, and beautiful visuals. It may not break new ground in terms of its plot or themes, but it delivers a satisfying story that will leave viewers rooting for Lila and Frank. Fans of classic Westerns and romantic movies will find much to enjoy in this gem from the late '90s.