Scattered Dreams

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Scattered Dreams
Scattered dreams (TV movie).jpg
GenreDrama
Written byKaren Croner
Directed by Neema Barnette
Starring Gerald McRaney
Tyne Daly
Ed Grady
Rhoda Griffis
Macon McCalman
Music by Mark Snow
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producerRobert Greenwald
ProducerPhilip K. Kleinbart
CinematographyYuri Neyman
EditorDavid Beatty
Running time93 minutes
Production companies Nasser Group
Robert Greenwald Productions
Budget$3,700,000 (estimated)
Original release
Network CBS
ReleaseDecember 19, 1993 (1993-12-19)

Scattered Dreams: The Kathryn Messenger Story is a 1993 made for TV drama film based on a true story. It stars Gerald McRaney, Ed Grady, Rhoda Griffis, Tyne Daly and Macon McCalman. Actress Alicia Silverstone also stars. It was directed by Neema Barnette. [1]

Contents

Plot

A loving couple trying to make a living in 1951 Florida is arrested for a crime they didn't commit. The pair is given long jail terms and ripped from their children, so they begin a stunning fight for justice that has them facing the ruthless sheriff responsible for their incarceration.

Production

Scattered Dreams is based on a true story. The real life Kathryn Messenger and her husband were arrested in West Palm Beach in 1951. They were each sentenced to jail for 7 years for failing to pay a $258 grocery bill. The children were left behind as wards of the state when the Messengers went to New Orleans- though Kathryn Messenger claimed the children were being held hostage "as revenge." [2]

References

  1. Barnette, Neema (1993-12-19), Scattered Dreams (Drama), Tyne Daly, Gerald McRaney, Sonny Shroyer, Nasser Group, Robert Greenwald Productions, retrieved 2025-09-15
  2. "Kathryn Messenger". The Palm Beach Post. 1951-06-28. p. 2. Retrieved 2025-09-15.