The 1999 film The Basket is a drama directed by Rich Cowan and starring Peter Coyote, Karen Allen, and Robert Karl Burke. It is set in the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900s and tells the story of a German immigrant family who are struggling to survive on their farm.
The family is led by Martin Conlon (Coyote), a hardworking and dedicated father. He is assisted by his wife, Bessie (Allen), and their two children, Brigitta and Helmut. The family is also close to their neighbor, Nicholas Emery (Jock MacDonald).
One day, Martin is injured in a farming accident and is unable to work. The family is plunged into financial hardship, and they are forced to rely on the help of their neighbors and friends.
In the midst of their struggles, the family receives a mysterious gift: a large basket filled with food and supplies. The basket is accompanied by a note that reads, "From a friend."
The family is initially hesitant to accept the gift, but they soon realize that they need the help. They are grateful for the kindness of their anonymous friend, and they vow to repay the favor someday.
The Basket is a heartwarming story about the power of community and the importance of helping others in need. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Plot summary:
- Martin Conlon, a German immigrant farmer, is injured in an accident and is unable to work.
- His family is plunged into financial hardship, but they receive a mysterious gift: a large basket filled with food and supplies.
- The basket is accompanied by a note that reads, "From a friend."
- The family is initially hesitant to accept the gift, but they soon realize that they need the help.
- They are grateful for the kindness of their anonymous friend, and they vow to repay the favor someday.
The Basket is a story about the power of community and the importance of helping others in need.
Cast
Main Cast:
- Peter Coyote as Martin Conlon
- Karen Allen as Bessie Emery
- Robert Karl Burke as Helmut Brink
- Amber Willenborg as Brigitta Brink
- Jock MacDonald as Nicholas Emery
- Eric Dane as Tom Emery
- Brian Skala as Nathan Emery
- Casey Cowan as Samuel Emery
- Tony Lincoln as Rev. Simms
- Patrick Treadway as Frederick Treadway
- Ellen Travolta as Agnes Barnes
- Jack Bannon as Marcus Danielson
- Elwon Bakley as Ben Emery
- Joey Travolta as Charlie Cohn
Supporting Cast:
- David Haylett as Reverend Smith
- David Wilmot as Sheriff Riley
- Don Caron as Mr. Brink
- David Bloom as Mayor Johnson
- Michael H. Anderson as Minister
- William Reynolds as Stagehand
- Gary Buckenmeyer as Farmer 1
- Michael D. Moore as Farmer 2
- David B. Taylor as Farmer 3
- Brian A. Johnson as Farmer 4
- Christopher S. Cowan as Farmhand
- Scott Johnson as Train Passenger
- Jim Gowan as Train Passenger
- David M. Anderson as Townsman
- John C. Cowan as Townsman
- Richard A. Cowan as Townsman
- Thomas Cowan as Townsman
- Richard C. Cowan as Townsman
- David L. Cowan as Townsman
- John Cowan as Townsman
- Thomas Cowan as Townsman
Director: Rich Cowan
Writers: Don Caron, Rich Cowan, Frank Swoboda, Tessa Swoboda |
Box Office Gross: $367,098
Distributor: North by Northwest Entertainment
Genre: Drama
Release Date: August 20, 1999