Places in the Heart 1984

Vincent Canby, New York Times: Out of the memories of his boyhood in Waxahachie, Tex., during the Great Depression, and within the unlikely tradition of the old-fashioned ''mortgage'' melodrama, Robert Benton has made one of the best films in years about growing up American. Read more

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader: Robert Benton spends most of this film signaling his intentions to make a noble, stirring piece of dust-bowl Americana on the model of a Ford or Vidor, yet the goods he delivers are wholly synthetic. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: [Benton's] memories provide the material for a wonderful movie, and he has made it, but unfortunately he hasn't stopped at that. He has gone on to include too much. Read more

Chris Peachment, Time Out: Much is unemphatic, but all of it carries the moving weight of conviction. And it ends on a healing grace-note which passeth all understanding. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Places in the Heart is a loving, reflective homage to his hometown by writer-director Robert Benton. Read more