The Shopping Bag Lady

TV Movie
1976
25m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Set In Manhattan's Central Park, this film is the poignant story of a teenage girl's encounter with a homeless old woman (movingly portrayed by distinguished actress Mildred Dunnock) who car... Read allSet In Manhattan's Central Park, this film is the poignant story of a teenage girl's encounter with a homeless old woman (movingly portrayed by distinguished actress Mildred Dunnock) who carries all her belongings around in shopping bags. This encounter eventually leads to the gi... Read allSet In Manhattan's Central Park, this film is the poignant story of a teenage girl's encounter with a homeless old woman (movingly portrayed by distinguished actress Mildred Dunnock) who carries all her belongings around in shopping bags. This encounter eventually leads to the girl's understanding of the problems of aging and the dignity of all individuals, regardless... Read all

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.5/10

YOUR RATING

4User reviews

See production info at IMDbPro

Photos1

Top cast10

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Mildred Dunnock

Shopping Bag Lady - Annie

Julie Wakefield

Emily

Holly Scott

Lucy

Eleanor Phelps

Grandmother

Justine Miceli

Helen

William Bressant

Cop
(as Bill Bressant)

Debbie Howard

Girl in school

Laura Whyte

Nurse
(as Laura Wilcox Whyte)

Chip Carroll

Martin

Alice Beardsley

Woman in park

Director
- Bert Salzman
Writer
- Bert Salzman
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

User reviews4

8.553

Featured reviews

Ripshin

Wonderful short film

As a child in the late 60s and early 70s, I watched the "CBS Children's Film Festival" with Kukla, Fran & Ollie. This short film was shown as an episode of the series, and I'll never forget its effect on me. Although I have not seen it since, I can remember several distinct scenes, and my emotional response to the storyline.

Although the project may not have been made for the Saturday series, most of my friends recall seeing it on that venue.

It's a shame this short is no longer available to the public. One can only hope it resurfaces sometime in the future. Perhaps the advent of old shows on DVD will eventually result in its rediscovery.

10agfine-1

Quality Television for Both Adults and Children

I've not only seen The Shopping Bag Lady, but actually have an old faded video tape of the show that I just recently re-watched. Even through the jittery video and glitches, it still resonates and has power. There is realistic and well constructed dialogue that shows kids and reminds adults that people are complex and that there is more to what we see than what is apparent. My five year old niece and I watched this show originally, and we both still remember it. That's an indication of the power of a half an hour piece of television watched nearly thirty years ago. There isn't a soppy or mishandled line or characterization in the entire show. The Shopping Bag Lady is well worth seeking out.

10jlapre

Excellent for teaching empathy

This film is timeless in its attempt to help young people as well as people of all ages to empathize with people who are at the senior citizen stage. Through the eyes of a young girl, the viewer sees the shopping bag lady as a real person, someone who was young once and had a real life. Its simplicity and delicate handling of the subject make it a superior film for teachers to show. (If they complain about b&w, just tell them, "no film"...it worked for me! Jr. High Teacher

9jjyoung

I love this movie!

I saw this movie as a kid and it was one of the most moving pieces of filmmaking I have ever seen. Mildred Dunnock gives an amazing performance as the homeless woman and it always sends me to tears. I wish this movie were available on DVD or video.