Ulee's Gold 1997
Made by
MGM Home Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Ulee's Gold (1997). 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.
Ulee Jackson, portrayed by Peter Fonda, is a widowed beekeeper residing in Florida, grappling with the challenges of life after his son Jimmy, played by Tom Wood, is imprisoned due to a failed bank robbery. The plot thickens as Jimmy’s wife Helen, played by Christine Dunford, has left their two daughters and is now somewhere in Orlando, leaving Ulee to take on the critical role of a surrogate father to his granddaughters Casey and Penny. Casey, a rebellious teenager represented by Jessica Biel, struggles with her emotions, while Penny, a 10-year-old girl played by Vanessa Zima, is caught in the turmoil of her family’s absence and the shifting dynamics at home.
As the story unfolds, Ulee visits Jimmy in prison, who reveals that Helen has reappeared, seeking refuge with two dubious men, Ferris and Eddie, who were Jimmy’s accomplices in the robbery. They claim that Helen is unwell, prompting a desperate plea from Jimmy for Ulee to bring her back. Upon arriving in Orlando, Ulee soon realizes that Ferris and Eddie have ulterior motives tied to the stolen bank money that Jimmy had hidden during the heist. Ulee reluctantly agrees to investigate the matter with Jimmy and then gets Helen home, only to discover that her “illness” is a severe drug addiction. While she appears almost unconscious during their return, she quickly becomes aggressive as they approach home.
In need of assistance, Ulee’s neighbor and tenant, a compassionate nurse named Connie Hope, portrayed by Patricia Richardson, comes to their aid at Penny’s insistence. Over the coming days, Connie helps guide Helen through the turbulent waters of withdrawal, as Ulee grapples with the looming threats posed by Ferris and Eddie.
As the confrontation escalates, Ulee learns that the hidden money is located in one of his beeyards. After telling the duo he would bring the money to them, they lose patience and take Helen and the girls hostage, forcing Ulee to lead them to the beeyard. In a moment of defiance, Ulee kicks the gun away during the retrieval process, igniting a passionate confrontation. Sadly, Ulee finds himself betrayed and stabbed in a parking lot after Ferris and Eddie’s greed consumes them. However, as they flee, they are promptly apprehended by the sheriff, likely thanks to Connie’s timely intervention.
The film culminates with a sense of renewed hope in Ulee’s home. Helen courageously steps back into her role as a mother, while Jimmy anticipates an upcoming parole. Ulee, although contemplative about his future and his responsibilities, begins to heal from his injuries and channels his energy into supporting his family. Although he feels like an obsolete drone, he is determined to expand his bee business and possibly embark on a budding romance with Connie. Through trials and tribulations, the Jackson household emerges stronger, with new beginnings on the horizon.
Timeline
Track the key events of Ulee's Gold (1997) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Ulee's Life as a Beekeeper
Ulee Jackson is introduced as a widowed beekeeper in Florida, struggling to navigate life after the incarceration of his son, Jimmy. His day-to-day life revolves around taking care of his bees, but the emotional burden of family turmoil weighs heavily on him.
Jimmy's Imprisonment
Ulee's son, Jimmy, finds himself in prison due to a failed bank robbery. This event sends shockwaves through the family, leading to Ulee stepping into a more active parenting role for his granddaughters, Casey and Penny.
Helen's Disappearance
After Jimmy's imprisonment, his wife, Helen, abandons their two daughters, leaving them in Ulee's care. This absence creates a void in the girls' lives, particularly affecting Casey, who struggles to cope with her emotions.
Ulee Visits Jimmy in Prison
During a visit, Jimmy tells Ulee that Helen has resurfaced, seeking help from Ferris and Eddie, two men involved in the robbery. He urges Ulee to bring Helen back, hinting at her deteriorating condition.
Ulee's Journey to Orlando
Ulee travels to Orlando to find Helen, where he quickly realizes that Ferris and Eddie have ulterior motives related to stolen bank money. Ulee must now navigate this dangerous terrain while looking out for his family's well-being.
Discovering Helen's Addiction
Upon locating Helen, Ulee discovers that her 'illness' is actually a severe drug addiction. This revelation adds a heavy burden to Ulee's responsibilities as he attempts to bring her back to a stable home environment.
Connie's Support
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Ulee's neighbor, Connie, steps in to help. With her background as a nurse, she assists Helen through the torturous withdrawal process, offering much-needed stability to Ulee's chaotic home.
Threats from Ferris and Eddie
As Ulee grapples with Helen's recovery, he becomes increasingly aware of the threats posed by Ferris and Eddie. They are relentless in their pursuit of the hidden stolen money, putting Ulee's family at great risk.
Kidnapping Incident
The situation escalates when Ferris and Eddie kidnap Helen and the girls, demanding that Ulee lead them to the beeyard where they believe the hidden money is located. This dramatic turn of events forces Ulee into a dangerous confrontation.
The Confrontation at the Beeyard
In a critical moment, Ulee manages to kick the gun away from Ferris during the retrieval of the money, leading to a passionate confrontation. This act of defiance marks a turning point in Ulee's character and determination to protect his family.
Betrayal and Attack
After an intense struggle, Ulee is betrayed and stabbed by Ferris and Eddie in a parking lot, illustrating the deepening menace surrounding his family. This brutal act showcases the grave situation he faces as he fights for their safety.
Connie's Timely Intervention
As Ulee lies injured, Connie intervenes, leading to the apprehension of Ferris and Eddie by the sheriff. Her timely assistance not only saves Ulee but also secures the safety of Helen and the girls.
Renewed Hope at Home
In the aftermath of the chaos, Ulee's home begins to find a sense of renewed hope. Helen starts reclaiming her role as a mother, while the family gradually works towards healing from the trauma they have faced.
Jimmy's Anticipated Parole
With the promise of a brighter future, Jimmy looks forward to his upcoming parole, further revitalizing the family's hopes for recovery and unity. This development signifies new beginnings for the Jackson family.
Ulee's New Beginning
As Ulee contemplates his future, he starts to heal from his physical injuries and emotional scars. With a burgeoning idea of expanding his bee business and the potential for a romance with Connie, Ulee looks forward to embracing life's new possibilities.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Ulee's Gold (1997) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Ulee Jackson (Peter Fonda)
Ulee Jackson is a widowed beekeeper who embodies resilience and determination in the face of adversity. He takes on the responsibilities of a surrogate father when his son is imprisoned, showcasing his nurturing side despite the turmoil surrounding him. Ulee's character evolves as he confronts the challenges posed by his family's hardships and the decisions he must make to protect them.
Helen (Christine Dunford)
Helen, Jimmy's wife, struggles with drug addiction and represents the challenges of recovery and the impact of substance abuse on family dynamics. Her erratic behavior and emotional turmoil disrupt the home environment as she seeks to reestablish her role as a mother. Helen’s journey highlights themes of redemption and the difficulties of overcoming personal demons.
Connie Hope (Patricia Richardson)
Connie is a compassionate nurse and Ulee's neighbor, providing essential support to the family during their crisis. Her nurturing nature and strong moral compass help guide Helen through withdrawal, showcasing her pivotal role in the family's healing process. Connie embodies hope and resilience, standing as a beacon of support during turbulent times.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Ulee's Gold (1997), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Location
Florida, Orlando
The movie is set in Florida, known for its warm climate and diverse landscapes. Orlando, a major city in Florida, is famous for its theme parks and vibrant cultural scene, but it also serves as a backdrop for personal struggles and family dynamics in this story.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Ulee's Gold (1997). 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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Redemption
The theme of redemption is central to Ulee's journey as he strives to mend his family's broken ties and confront his own past. Ulee navigates the turbulent waters of addiction and familial responsibility, aiming to bring his loved ones back from the brink. Through struggles and resilience, the characters find a way to reclaim their lives and relationships.
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Family
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the narrative, highlighting the bonds that can be both a source of strength and strife. Ulee takes on the mantle of caretaker for his granddaughters while facing the repercussions of his son's actions. The film emphasizes the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the importance of support in overcoming adversity.
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Conflict
Conflict drives the plot forward, as Ulee deals with external threats from Ferris and Eddie while grappling with familial tensions. The struggles between loyalty, betrayal, and survival create a tense atmosphere, urging Ulee to confront both the dangers surrounding him and the internal battles within his family.
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