Desert Hearts | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Donna Deitch |
Screenplay by | Natalie Cooper |
Based on | Desert of the Heart by Jane Rule |
Produced by |
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Starring | |
Cinematography | Robert Elswit |
Edited by | Robert Estrin |
Production company | Desert Hearts Productions[1] |
Distributed by | The Samuel Goldwyn Company[1] |
Release dates |
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Running time | 96 minutes[2] |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $1.5 million[3] |
Box office | $2.5 million[4] |
Desert Hearts is a 1985 American romantic drama film directed by Donna Deitch.[5] The screenplay, written by Natalie Cooper, is an adaptation of the 1964 lesbian novel Desert of the Heart by Jane Rule. Set in Reno, Nevada in 1959, it tells the story of a university professor awaiting a divorce who finds her true self through a relationship with another, more self-confident woman. The film stars Helen Shaver and Patricia Charbonneau with a supporting performance by Audra Lindley.
Desert Hearts was released theatrically in the United States on March 7, 1986[4] and in the United Kingdom on June 6, 1986.[6] It is regarded as the first feature film to "de-sensationalize lesbianism" by presenting a positive portrayal of a lesbian romance.[7][8]
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