The Grass Harp (1996)

Based on the much loved novel by Truman Capote (who also wrote Breakfast at Tiffany's)Seen through the eyes of Colin Fenwick (Edward Furlong), an orphan adopted by his spinster aunts Verena (Spacek) and Dolly (Laurie), The Grass Harp tells of his love for the latter, the very definition of a free spirit, and the emotional redemption of the former, an emotionless, business-led old maid. Verena's attempt to usurp her sister's dropsy cure-all, leads to Dolly, Colin and their maid taking refuge in a tree, causing conservative sister Verena and therefore the rest of the town to start raising some serious objections. The Grass Harp is directed by Charles Matthau and produced by Matthau, Jerry Tokofsky and John Davis from a screenplay by Stirling Silliphant and Kirk Ellis, based on the novel of the same name by Truman Capote. The behind-the-scenes team includes the work of director of photography John A. Alonzo, production designer Paul Sylbert, editors Sidney Levin and Tim O'Meara, costume designer Albert Wolsky and composer Patrick Williams

Based on the novel by Truman Capote and produced and directed by Charles Matthau, The Grass Harp is set in the 1940s in a small southern town and tells the story of how people learn to love and to change. After his mother dies, Collin Fenwick (child - Grayson Fricke; teen - Edward Furlong) comes to live with his father's maiden cousins, Verena and Dolly Talbo. Verena (Sissy Spacek) is a rigid and proper businesswoman who owns half the stores in their small town. Collin prefers the company of Verena's sister Dolly (Piper Laurie), who has a delicate and romantic soul, but her lack of practicality is a constant vexation to her sister. Catherine (Nell Carter) is the Talbos' outspoken housemaid and Dolly's closest friend. Collin also learns about life and love from the local retired Judge Charlie Cool (Walter Matthau) who himself discovers, when he meets Dolly Talbo, that his heart, once dry as an empty husk at the twilight of his life, can again be filled with love. It is clear to the townspeople that Collin, raised by this household of eccentric women, will have anything but a normal childhood. When Dolly, Collin and Catherine leave the Talbo home for a tree house to escape Verena and to dream and talk, they set in motion a chain of comic events that will change their world and the lives of several townspeople. The trio's friendship gives Dolly the courage to take control of her life and find love, self-respect and independence. Collin's life opens up as he learns from Dolly of the "grass harp," the unforgettable sound of wind rushing through the Indian grass whispering life's secrets.