Based on Robert James Waller's hugely successful novel, this 1965-set drama chronicles the touching romance between a middle-aged, Italian-American housewife and a photographer from "National Geographic." Academy Award nominations: Best Actress--Meryl Streep.

The film adaptation of Robert James Waller's wildly popular, bestselling novel. The story takes place in 1965, in the farmlands of Iowa, where bored, middle-aged Italian housewife Francesca has just sent her two kids and husband away to the state fair. Shortly thereafter she encounters Robert Kincaid, a mysterious, rugged, "National Geographic" photographer, on assignment taking pictures of Iowa's covered bridges. The two are immediately attracted to each other, and when Francesca invites Robert back to her home, they begin a romantic, sensual, illicit affair that lasts over the next few days. For Francesca, this is the first time in years that she's experienced passion in her life, and she realizes that maybe she's found her true love. Robert feels the same way, and shortly before her family returns home, asks Francesca to run off with him. Francesca now must make an important decision -- one that will affect the rest of her life and could leave her with many regrets...

Released theatrically in the USA on June 2, 1995, and had an opening weekend box office gross of $10.5 million. The film was a big hit, grossing more than $70 million domestically and $115 million overseas.

Color by Technicolor.

Shot on location in Winterset, Iowa (population: 4,200).

There was a fierce competition for the role of Francesca. Considered or mentioned for the part were: Jessica Lange, Isabella Rossellini (whom author Waller favored), Susan Sarandon, Catherine Deneuve, Lena Olin, Sonia Braga, Cher, Anjelica Huston, Emma Thompson, Geena Davis, and Mary McDonnell. And Barbara Hershey won a poll conducted by the "Chicago Sun-Times".

Clint Eastwood, who shot the film in a brisk 42 days, replaced Bruce Beresford as director. Beresford left because he objected to Steven Spielberg's script changes (Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment produced the movie). Prior to Beresford, Sydney Pollack and then Spielberg himself were slated to direct the film, but each dropped out. Eastwood also replaced Robert Redford in the lead role.

Meryl Streep was a runner-up for best actress of 1995 in voting by the National Society of Film Critics.

Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification.

DVD Features:

Keep Case
Widescreen 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital
Additional Release Material:
Commentary - 1. Editor - Joel Cox
2. Director of Photography - Jack N. Green
Featurette - An Old Fashion Love Story - The Making of Madison County
Theatrical Release
Music Video

Meryl Streep: American Actress
Clint Eastwood: American actor/director, THE GOOD, THE BAD.../UNFORGIVEN

Clint Eastwood: American actor/director, THE GOOD, THE BAD.../UNFORGIVEN

Clint Eastwood: American actor/director, THE GOOD, THE BAD.../UNFORGIVEN
Kathleen Kennedy: Producer

Richard La Gravenese: High-end scripter

Joel Cox: Editor, MILLION DOLLAR BABY (2004)

"...This is the most passionate unguarded acting of Eastwood's career..."
"...A subliminally emotional triumph of rural photography and production design..." -- 3 1/2 out of 4 stars
"...Touching in a delicate, almost lyrical way. It's a wonderful surprise -- an honest weeper for adults..." -- Rating: A
"...A handsomely crafted, beautifully acted adult love story....[Streep] has never been so warm, earthy and spontaneous..."
"...Deeply moving....Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep have made it into a wonderful movie love story..."