- published: 22 Nov 2009
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Ragtime is a 1981 American film, directed by Miloš Forman, based on the 1975 historical novel Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow. The action takes place in and around New York City, New Rochelle, and Atlantic City in the first decade of the 1900s, and includes fictionalized references to actual people and events of the time. The film is notable for featuring the final film appearances of James Cagney and Pat O'Brien; as well as early appearances, in small parts, by Samuel L. Jackson, Jeff Daniels, Fran Drescher and John Ratzenberger. Also, the music was the first full feature score composed by Randy Newman. The film was nominated for eight Oscars.
In early 20th Century New York, Father, Mother and Younger Brother reside in a house in New Rochelle. Younger Brother becomes smitten with coquettish showgirl Evelyn Nesbit, whose wealthy husband Harry Kendall Thaw murders architect Stanford White in a jealous rage.
An abandoned baby is found by Mother in her garden. She takes it into her home, and eventually the baby's mother Sarah to work for the family as well. A ragtime musician, Coalhouse Walker Jr., has become prosperous with his expertise at the piano. He is the baby's father and drives in his new Model T to the New Rochelle home, presenting himself to Father with a desire to marry Sarah.
Actors: Robert Pine (actor), Perry King (actor), Shelley Long (actress), Nancy O'Dell (actress), Cam Clarke (actor), Kay Lenz (actress), George Murdock (actor), Pete Antico (actor), Mike Starr (actor), Jay Thomas (actor), Michael Haddad (actor), Richard Brooks (actor), Karen Eachus (miscellaneous crew), William Byron Hillman (producer), William Byron Hillman (actor),
Plot: Ragtime is a miniature pet horse and the kids love him. But villains Sam and Lester think Ragtime can be their meal ticket. They kidnap the horse for ransom. The family is worried but before you can say "Home Alone", Ragtime out-smarts the bad guys who are then happy to be hauled off to prison.
Keywords: character-name-in-title, family-relationships, horse, horse-actor, independent-film