MovieChat Forums > The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2007) Discussion > Little girl on front of DVD container

Little girl on front of DVD container

posted 19 years ago by Piscean33
9 replies | jump to latest

I've been meaning to read this book for a few years now and haven't had the chance. I didn't even know it was made into a movie, and I'm planning to see it as soon as possible - but I'd like to know something first. On the front of the DVD container, there's a little girl with an eye patch on. For some reason this makes me uncomfortable and I'd like to know what the story is with that. I'm not asking about the entire movie, just for the reason that little girl has an eye patch on. Thanks, if anyone responds!

[–] brittbevis 19 years ago

The little girl is Betsy Ryan. Here is a bit about it from the book:

'Betsy had one strong eye and one weak eye that tended to cross. She didn't use the weak one becuase she couldn't see very much through it. The patch was meant to block the good eye so that she would use the weak eye and make it stronger. But whenever she thought no one was looking, Betsy switched the patch from the good eye to the bad eye so she could see better. You had to pay attention'.

[–] Piscean33 19 years ago

Thanks - that's helpful. I really have a hard time watching movies where little kids get hurt so I was curious. It seems harmless and I should be A-okay to watch this movie. Thanks again!

[–] brittbevis 19 years ago

Oooh - no child gets hurt - Evelyn would NEVER have allowed that!
Other than one or two swear words from Dad, it's a lovely family film. It makes you realise what really matters in life! Enjoy (but have a pack of Kleenex at the ready!)

[–] Piscean33 19 years ago

I'm sure I'll like the movie. I saw the book a few years ago at my job and I read bits of it here and there before I had to send it on and have been meaning to read the whole thing ever since. I love real life stories like that!

If you like that style, another good book is "A Girl Named Zippy : Growing Up Small in Mooreland, Indiana" by Haven Kimmel. It's just a feel good book that left a smile on my face when I finished reading it. Haven Kimmel is a fiction author, and this is an autobiography which focuses on her smalltown childhood. She has a fantastic writing style, in my opinion.

[–] brittbevis 19 years ago

Thanks Elaine.
Will try and read that.

[–] Piscean33 19 years ago

I got to see the movie last night. It was so good. It made me cry no less than five times! I did think the ending was a little hokey, including the real family members, but other than that, I really liked it. I just think the bit with the real family members should have been included as a bonus feature option, not attached to the end of the movie... Just my opinion!

[–] brittbevis 19 years ago

Having met the wonderful author in the flesh, and knowing how she's bravely fighting brain cancer, with a spirit so like her amazing mother's - I personally felt that the ending couldn't have been any better. To see Terry (Tuff) and her siblings, actually on the movie's set, was the highlight of the film for me!

[–] brittbevis 19 years ago

I forgot to add that Ellary Porterfield's portrayal of the coltish and feisty teenage Tuff Ryan was superb. In real life, she looks very different. But she caught the spirit of the tomboy Tuff so well....
I'm sure we'll be seeing more of her soon!

[–] grills 19 years ago

hi folks,
great movie, but sure wish there had been an extra section, like bloobers, deleted scenes, etc. Often you can find some real treasures in the extras.

Cathy from Canada :O)