Reeling from her mother's recent death, Ruby Lee Gissing relocates to Florida to start anew. After finding a job at a souvenir store, Ruby becomes friends with the shop's owner, Mildred Chambers, and slowly acclimates to her new surroundings. Before long, she's juggling the affections of Mildred's Lothario son, Ricky, and the good-natured Mike. As she wavers between Ricky and Mike, Ruby also tries to come to terms with her past.
Acting
Judd's raw, searching performance launched her career for good reason.
Direction
Nuñez's unhurried eye lets Florida breathe and sweat.
Writing
Jane Austen parallels that actually illuminate, not just decorate.
Director
Victor Nuñez
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Ashley Judd's first leading role; she beat out hundreds of actresses after Nuñez saw her in a small TV part.
Victor Nuñez founded the Florida State University Film School and essentially created the 'Florida indie' aesthetic—damp, sun-bleached, working-class poetry that influenced everything from Moonlight to The Florida Project.
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