{ "id": "epmdc3r4x8", "slug": "the-journey-of-natty-gann", "title": "The Journey of Natty Gann", "updated": "2026-11-01", "topic_path": [ { "id": "culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture" }, { "id": "culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films", "label": "Films and standalone screen works", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works", "label": "Individual films by title and year", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure", "label": "Action and adventure films (individual works)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure.adventure-films", "label": "Adventure films", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure.adventure-films" }, { "id": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure.adventure-films.yr-1935-2004", "label": "Released 1935 to 2004", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure.adventure-films.yr-1935-2004" } ], "geo": [ { "id": "geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure", "label": "United States · 1946 to 2000: Action and adventure films (individual works)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure", "path": [ { "id": "geo.us", "label": "United States", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us" }, { "id": "geo.us.t1946", "label": "United States · 1946 to 2000", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t1946" }, { "id": "geo.us.t1946.culture", "label": "Arts and culture", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t1946.culture" }, { "id": "geo.us.t1946.culture.performance", "label": "Screen and stage", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t1946.culture.performance" }, { "id": "geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen", "label": "Film and television", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen" }, { "id": "geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films", "label": "Films and standalone screen works", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films" }, { "id": "geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works", "label": "Individual films by title and year", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works" }, { "id": "geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure", "label": "Action and adventure films (individual works)", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.us.t1946.culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure" } ] } ], "excerpt": "The Journey of Natty Gann (also Natty Gann) is a 1985 Walt Disney family adventure film directed by Jeremy Kagan, starring Meredith Salenger, John Cusack, and Ray Wise, about a Depression-era girl riding the rails from Chicago to Washington State; it earned an Academy Award costume design nomination.", "snippet": "The Journey of Natty Gann (also Natty Gann) is a 1985 Walt Disney family adventure film directed by Jeremy Kagan, starring Meredith Salenger, John Cusack, and Ray Wise, about a Depression-era girl riding the rails from Chicago to Washington State; it earned an Academy Award costume design nomination.", "node": "culture.performance.screen.films.films.individual-works.action-adventure.adventure-films.yr-1935-2004", "markdown": "# The Journey of Natty Gann\n\n**The Journey of Natty Gann** is a 1985 American family adventure film directed by Jeremy Kagan and written by Jeanne Rosenberg, in which a 14-year-old girl rides the rails from Chicago to Washington State during the [Great Depression](https://www.edgepedia.org/great-depression) to find her father, accompanied by a wolf and a teenage drifter[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/). It was produced by Mike Lobell for Walt Disney Pictures in association with Silver Screen Partners II and released on September 27, 1985[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/) • [2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-).\n\n| Key fact | Detail |\n|---|---|\n| Release | September 27, 1985 (United States); 101 minutes; rated PG[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/) • [3](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089385) |\n| Director / writer | Jeremy Kagan; original screenplay by Jeanne Rosenberg, her first[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/) • [2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-) |\n| Principal cast | Meredith Salenger (Natty Gann), John Cusack (Harry), Ray Wise (Sol Gann), Barry Miller (Parker), Scatman Crothers (Sherman), Lainie Kazan (Connie)[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/) |\n| Budget | Walt Disney initially agreed to a limited $7.5 million budget with half-fees for Lobell and Kagan; the AFI catalog describes it as an $8 million picture[2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-) |\n| Box office | Grossed $9,708,373 in the United States and Canada, with an opening weekend of $490,318[3](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089385) |\n| Awards | Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design (Albert Wolsky)[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/) |\n| Reception | 91% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer from 32 critics; Metascore of 66 on Metacritic[4](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/journey_of_natty_gann) • [5](https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-journey-of-natty-gann/critic-reviews/) |\n\n## Spoilers\n\n### Story and setting\n\nThe film is set in the mid-1930s, when families drifted apart as faraway jobs beckoned during the [Depression](https://www.edgepedia.org/depression)[6](https://d23.com/this-day/the-journey-of-natty-gann-is-released/). Natty Gann, a tomboy living with her widowed father Sol, a Chicago labor organizer, is left behind when Sol takes the only work he can find, a job at a lumber camp in Washington State[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/) • [7](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-10-11-ca-17302-story.html). He promises to send for her once he earns money, but her care passes to a landlady who plans to turn her over to social services, so Natty sets out alone to join him[8](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-journey-of-natty-gann).\n\nOn her roughly 2,000-mile journey Natty hops freight trains, survives a derailment, an orphanage, and a man who attempts to assault her, and gathers two companions: a wolf she frees from a dogfighting ring, and Harry ([John Cusack](https://www.edgepedia.org/john-cusack)), an experienced young drifter who teaches her how to ride the rails[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/) • [8](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-journey-of-natty-gann) • [9](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1986/01/18/movies/d5262bc3-07a9-4224-a0fc-36d570030eb1/). The film ends with her reunion with her father[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/).\n\nThe setting is treated with more grit than the studio's earlier family pictures. The Los Angeles Times noted that the film unfolds not in a well-lit studio world but against an accurately re-created backdrop of hard times, evictions, bread lines, and Hoovervilles, one of which vigilantes torch on screen[10](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-10-19-ca-15132-story.html). Common Sense Media's review flags considerable violence, including a bloody dog fight and the attempted assault, while noting the scarier moments are not portrayed as graphically as they could be[8](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-journey-of-natty-gann).\n\n## Production\n\nThe project began as *Natty Gann*, scheduled to film in western Canada in August 1984[2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-). Casting director Janet Hirsenson saw over 300 teenagers for the title role, though production notes in the AMPAS library files claimed 2,000 hopefuls were seen before fourteen-year-old newcomer [Meredith Salenger](https://www.edgepedia.org/meredith-salenger) was chosen[2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-). Producer Mike Lobell hired several Academy Award-winning crew members, including production designer Paul Sylbert, costume designer Albert Wolsky, and cinematographer Dick Bush[2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-). Rosenberg's script was her first original screenplay; she had previously co-written *The Black Stallion* (1979)[2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-).\n\n**Shooting and design.** [Principal photography](https://www.edgepedia.org/principal-photography) began on August 25, 1984, at the Yaletown-Vancouver Studio Center complex, with twelve weeks scheduled in [British Columbia](https://www.edgepedia.org/british-columbia)[2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-); IMDb also lists Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, as a filming location[3](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089385). Sylbert built a vintage Chicago street scene with pushcart vendors, a [Hooverville](https://www.edgepedia.org/hooverville) of 60 shacks, and a period logging camp[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/). Wolsky relied heavily on photographic research and produced nearly 2,000 costumes, with hats frequently used to disguise the actors' 1980s hairstyles; some scenes involved more than 250 extras[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/).\n\nThe production pushed for authenticity in the logging sequences. [Ray Wise](https://www.edgepedia.org/ray-wise) learned to top trees with a big ax as it was done 50 years earlier and climbed 40-foot-high trees for some scenes; local experts awarded him a handmade throwing ax and target when shooting ended[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/). Salenger performed most of her own stunts and took boxing lessons before the shoot, saying she had to learn how to be tough and throw a punch[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/) • [6](https://d23.com/this-day/the-journey-of-natty-gann-is-released/).\n\nThe \"wolf\" was a wolf/malamute mix named Jed, made to look the part with water-based makeup[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/). The same animal hybrid had played the sled dog in [John Carpenter](https://www.edgepedia.org/john-carpenter)'s *The Thing* (1982), a performance later described by a filmmaker interviewed by GamesRadar as the gold standard for what dog acting can be[11](https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/horror-movies/john-carpenters-the-thing-inspired-director-of-upcoming-dog-led-horror-movie-good-boy-jed-in-the-thing-is-the-gold-standard-for-what-dog-acting-can-be/).\n\n**Studio backing.** Producer Lobell had a difficult time getting the small picture made with its unknown cast and original story[2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-). While the film was being finished, Disney's leadership changed hands with [Michael Eisner](https://www.edgepedia.org/michael-eisner) and [Jeffrey Katzenberg](https://www.edgepedia.org/jeffrey-katzenberg) at the helm; the incoming executives liked the rough cut and approved a large promotional push, support the Los Angeles Times described as pleasantly astonishing given Hollywood's habit of discarding the projects of earlier regimes.[2](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-) • [10](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-10-19-ca-15132-story.html)\n\n## Reception\n\nThe film earned $9,708,373 in the United States and Canada against an estimated $8 million budget, opening to $490,318[3](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089385). Critics were broadly favorable: Rotten Tomatoes records 91% positive reviews from 32 critics, and Metacritic assigns a Metascore of 66, with seven positive and three mixed reviews and none negative[4](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/journey_of_natty_gann) • [5](https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-journey-of-natty-gann/critic-reviews/).\n\nReviewers singled out the period craft and Salenger's performance. The Washington Post's Paul Attanasio wrote that skillful filmmaking takes an almost unendurably hokey premise and makes it charming, praising the photography, design, and [James Horner](https://www.edgepedia.org/james-horner)'s Coplandesque score[9](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1986/01/18/movies/d5262bc3-07a9-4224-a0fc-36d570030eb1/). [Gene Siskel](https://www.edgepedia.org/gene-siskel) gave three of four stars, crediting the landscape and the freshness of Salenger[4](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/journey_of_natty_gann). [The Christian Science Monitor](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-christian-science-monitor) placed the film in the trend toward strong female characters in major roles[12](https://www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/amphtml/1985/1113/lnat.html). Dissent came from the Los Angeles Times's Sheila Benson, who found the film harsh and improbable while handsomely scenic, and argued the missing element was heart[7](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-10-11-ca-17302-story.html).\n\nThe film was nominated for an [Academy Award for Best Costume Design](https://www.edgepedia.org/academy-award-for-best-costume-design) and released on video in 1986[1](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/). It was later edited into a two-part *The Magical World of Disney* broadcast in 1987[3](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089385), and it streams on Disney+ as of recent listings[13](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-journey-of-natty-gann).\n\n## References\n\n1. [Journey of Natty Gann, The (film), D23](https://d23.com/a-to-z/journey-of-natty-gann-the-film/)\n2. [The Journey of Natty Gann (1985), AFI Catalog of Feature Films](https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57737-)\n3. [The Journey of Natty Gann (1985), IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089385)\n4. [The Journey of Natty Gann, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/journey_of_natty_gann)\n5. [The Journey of Natty Gann critic reviews, Metacritic](https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-journey-of-natty-gann/critic-reviews/)\n6. [The Journey of Natty Gann is Released, D23](https://d23.com/this-day/the-journey-of-natty-gann-is-released/)\n7. [Movie Review: Grimness of Heart in 'Natty Gann' Saga, Los Angeles Times (Sheila Benson, Oct. 11, 1985)](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-10-11-ca-17302-story.html)\n8. [The Journey of Natty Gann, Common Sense Media](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-journey-of-natty-gann)\n9. [Sentimental 'Journey', The Washington Post (Paul Attanasio, Jan. 17, 1986)](https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1986/01/18/movies/d5262bc3-07a9-4224-a0fc-36d570030eb1/)\n10. [A Test Case for the Family Film, Los Angeles Times (Charles Champlin, Oct. 19, 1985)](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-10-19-ca-15132-story.html)\n11. [John Carpenter's The Thing inspired director of upcoming dog-led horror movie Good Boy, GamesRadar+](https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/horror-movies/john-carpenters-the-thing-inspired-director-of-upcoming-dog-led-horror-movie-good-boy-jed-in-the-thing-is-the-gold-standard-for-what-dog-acting-can-be/)\n12. [Disney's 'Natty Gann': adventures of a 1930s tomboy, The Christian Science Monitor (Nov. 13, 1985)](https://www.csmonitor.com/layout/set/amphtml/1985/1113/lnat.html)\n13. [The Journey of Natty Gann streaming: watch online, JustWatch](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-journey-of-natty-gann)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Films and standalone screen works › Individual films by title and year › Action and adventure films (individual works) › Adventure films › Released 1935 to 2004*\n\n*Initially written Oct 3, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026; Nov 1, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/the-journey-of-natty-gann", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/the-journey-of-natty-gann.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"The Journey of Natty Gann\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/the-journey-of-natty-gann. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[The Journey of Natty Gann](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-journey-of-natty-gann)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/the-journey-of-natty-gann](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-journey-of-natty-gann). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"The Journey of Natty Gann\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/the-journey-of-natty-gann. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "The Journey of Natty Gann is a 1985 Walt Disney family adventure film directed by Jeremy Kagan, starring Meredith Salenger, John Cusack, and Ray Wise, about a Depression-era girl riding the rails from Chicago to Washington State; it earned an Academy Award costume design nomination." }