Kit Kittredge: An American Girl 2008
Directed by
Patricia Rozema
Made by
New Line Cinema
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In June 1934, ten-year-old Kit Kittredge is living in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a burning ambition to become a reporter. Amidst her literary pursuits in the attic, she observes the turmoil unfolding downstairs as her family’s house faces potential foreclosure—their mortgage is at risk following her father’s car dealership’s closure, compelling him to seek work in Chicago. To help make ends meet, her mother accepts an eclectic group of boarders, which includes the captivating magician Mr. Berk, the graceful dance instructor Miss Dooley, and the charming mobile library driver Miss Bond.
As the community grapples with troubling reports of muggings and robberies allegedly perpetrated by hobos, Kit immerses herself in investigative journalism. During her explorations, she befriends the resourceful young boy Will and the spirited Countee, who reside in a nearby hobo jungle by the Ohio River and Erie Lackawanna Railway. Filled with passion, Kit pens an article about the hobo camp and attempts to pitch it to the stern editor of the Cincinnati newspaper, Mr. Gibson. However, he dismisses her work, showing no interest in the topic.
In the midst of her challenges, Kit adopts a dog, while her mother buys chickens for their farm, enabling Kit to sell fresh eggs as another source of income. The plot thickens when a locked box containing her mother’s prized possessions is stolen, leading to a footprint discovery that matches Will’s boot, making him the primary suspect in the eyes of the sheriff, who soon sets off to apprehend him and Countee, unaware they have already vacated the hobo jungle.
Determined, Kit enlists the help of her friends Stirling and Ruthie to uncover the truth and exonerate Will. Their investigation reveals a shocking twist: Mr. Berk and his accomplices masterminded the robberies, framing Will and the homeless community in the process. This revelation transforms Kit into a local heroine.
Later on, Kit discovers that Countee has been masquerading as a boy. The story takes a heartwarming turn during Thanksgiving when the homeless community rallies to bring food for Kit’s family, and her father returns home, expressing a desire to find work locally. In a gratifying finale, Mr. Gibson presents Kit with the exciting news that her article has been published in Cincinnati’s leading daily newspaper, affirming her dream of being a journalist.
Timeline
Track the key events of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Kit's Ambition to be a Reporter
In June 1934, ten-year-old Kit Kittredge is filled with aspirations of becoming a reporter while living in Cincinnati, Ohio. She often spends her time in the attic working on her writing, envisioning a future where she can share the stories of her community.
Family's Financial Trouble
Kit's family faces a dire situation as their house is on the verge of foreclosure due to their mortgage being at risk. This predicament arises after Kit's father's car dealership shuts down, forcing him to look for work in Chicago.
Boarders Move In
To help support the family, Kit's mother decides to take in a diverse group of boarders. This includes the mysterious magician Mr. Berk, the elegant dance instructor Miss Dooley, and the resourceful mobile library driver Miss Bond.
Community Turmoil
As Cincinnati grapples with rising crime rates, reports of muggings and thefts, supposedly by hobos, create tension in the community. Kit, intrigued by these events, immerses herself in the world of investigative journalism to uncover the truth.
Meeting Will and Countee
During her investigations, Kit befriends a clever boy named Will and an energetic girl named Countee, who live in a nearby hobo jungle by the river. This connection expands her understanding of the struggles faced by the homeless community.
The Article Pitch
Excited to share her findings, Kit writes an article about the hobo camp and approaches Mr. Gibson, the stern editor of the local newspaper. Unfortunately, he dismisses her work, indicating that he has no interest in the subject matter she is passionate about.
Adopting a Dog
In a bid to boost her morale during challenging times, Kit adopts a dog. Meanwhile, her mother makes a strategic move to buy chickens for their property, allowing Kit to sell fresh eggs to further support their dwindling finances.
The Stolen Box
Tragedy strikes when a locked box containing Kit's mother's treasured possessions is stolen. A footprint found at the scene matches Will's boot, prompting the sheriff to view him as the main suspect, unaware that he has already left the hobo jungle.
The Investigation Begins
Determined to clear Will's name, Kit teams up with her friends Stirling and Ruthie to investigate the theft. Their journey leads them deeper into the mystery, instilling in Kit a sense of bravery and purpose as she strives for justice.
Revelation of the True Thieves
Through their tireless work, Kit and her friends uncover that Mr. Berk and his accomplices are behind the thefts. The friends realize that Will was wrongly accused, and this revelation propels Kit into the role of a local heroine in the community.
Countee's Secret
As the investigation progresses, Kit makes a surprising discovery that Countee has been disguising herself as a boy. This revelation deepens their friendship and adds complexity to their shared adventure.
Thanksgiving Generosity
During a heartwarming Thanksgiving celebration, the homeless community unites to bring food to Kit's family, showcasing the bonds formed despite their hardships. Kit's father also returns home, expressing a newfound desire to find local work.
Kit's Article Gets Published
In a triumphant turn of events, Mr. Gibson informs Kit that her article has been published in the leading daily newspaper of Cincinnati. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her journey to become a journalist and fulfills her dream.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kit Kittredge
Kit Kittredge is an ambitious and resourceful ten-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a reporter. She is determined to document her world, showcasing her investigative spirit when faced with the economic pressures of her family. Kit's bravery and loyalty shine through as she seeks to uncover the truth and protect her friends.
Mr. Berk (Stanley Tucci)
Mr. Berk is a mysterious magician who becomes embroiled in the unfolding drama surrounding the robberies that plague the community. Initially charming, he reveals a more sinister side as he masterminds the crimes, making him an antagonist in Kit's journey. His character explores themes of deception and morality.
Miss Dooley (Joan Cusack)
Miss Dooley is a graceful dance instructor and one of the boarders in Kit's home. She represents the eclectic mix of people trying to find their footing during hard times. Her character adds depth to the household dynamics and reflects the community's resilience.
Will
Will is a resourceful young boy living in the hobo jungle who befriends Kit. His character embodies resilience and the struggle for survival, but he faces adversity when he becomes wrongly accused of theft. Will's friendship with Kit provides emotional depth to their shared experiences.
Countee
Countee is a spirited character who becomes Kit's ally in their adventures. His journey includes the challenges of poverty and misrepresentation, especially when he masquerades as a boy. Countee's experiences add a layer of depth to the story’s themes of identity and friendship.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
June 1934
The movie is set during the Great Depression, a time marked by economic despair and social challenges in the United States. Families struggled to make ends meet while societal fears, such as crime and poverty, influenced daily life. This era also saw a surge in creative expression as individuals like Kit sought ways to document and escape their realities.
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural landmarks. During the 1930s, it experienced economic challenges due to the Great Depression, which impacted many families, such as Kit's. The city serves as the backdrop for Kit's adventures and her determination to pursue her dreams despite the hardships.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Courage
The theme of courage is central to Kit's journey as she faces societal challenges and personal obstacles. With her determination to become a reporter, Kit embodies the spirit of perseverance, showing how young individuals can take a stand and make a difference. Her bravery in confronting injustice ultimately transforms her into a community hero.
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Friendship
Friendship plays a crucial role in Kit's life as she forges bonds with her friends Will, Countee, and Ruthie. Together, they navigate the complexities of their surroundings and support each other through trials. This theme highlights the importance of camaraderie and support in overcoming adversity.
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Compassion
Kit shows great compassion throughout her journey, particularly towards those less fortunate, such as the homeless community. Her efforts to understand and help her friends emphasize the importance of empathy and kindness, highlighting how relationships can enrich one's life.
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