Barn Burning
Synopsis
Ab Snopes (Tommy Lee Jones) is a Southern tenant farmer whose unrelenting and violent nature proves to be his undoing in William Faulkner's Barn Burning. Snopes sets his employer's barn on fire when he thinks he's been treated unfairly. His son, Sarty, is horrified. Snopes escapes justice for lack of proof, but he and his family are told to move on. No sooner do they move than Snopes is offended by his new rich employer. Torn between trying to win his father's acceptance and his aversion to what his father will do, Sarty must make a decision and act quickly. Adapted by Academy Award winning screenwriter Horton Foote, Faulkner's complex world of class divisions and hostile family relationships comes to life through a boy's attempt to liberate himself from hatred and poverty.
Top Cast
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Tommy Lee Jones
Ab Snopes
Diane Kagan
Mother
Shawn Whittington
Sarty Snopes
Carolyn Coates
Aunt
Michael Riney
Brother
Jennie Hughes
Lena Snopes
Julie Kaye Fanton
Donna Mae Snopes
Al Scott
Judge
Tom Royals
Harris
Jimmy Faulkner
Major DeSpain
Jean Pettigrew
Mrs. DeSpain
Thomas Hal Phillips
Justice
James Franks
Blacksmith
Simpson Hemphill
Stranger
Henry Fonda
Self - Series Host (uncredited)
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Peter Werner
- Screenplay & Story
- William Faulkner, Horton Foote
- Original Score
- Elizabeth Swados
- Original Title
- Barn Burning
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 41m
- Production Studios
- Learning in Focus
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Peter Werner
William Faulkner, Horton Foote
Elizabeth Swados
Peter Sova
Jay Freund
Robert Geller, Calvin Skaggs
Department Leadership Roster
Calvin Skaggs
Producer
Peter Sova
Director of Photography
Jay Freund
Editor
Robert Pusilo
Costume Design
Peter Werner
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Barn Burning.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Barn Burning
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Barn Burning about?
Ab Snopes (Tommy Lee Jones) is a Southern tenant farmer whose unrelenting and violent nature proves to be his undoing in William Faulkner's Barn Burning. Snopes sets his employer's barn on fire when he thinks he's been treated unfairly. His son, Sarty, is horrified. Snopes escapes justice for lack of proof, but he and his family are told to move on. No sooner do they move than Snopes is offended by his new rich employer. Torn between trying to win his father's acceptance and his aversion to what his father will do, Sarty must make a decision and act quickly. Adapted by Academy Award winning screenwriter Horton Foote, Faulkner's complex world of class divisions and hostile family relationships comes to life through a boy's attempt to liberate himself from hatred and poverty.
Who directed Barn Burning?
Barn Burning was directed by Peter Werner.
Who stars in Barn Burning?
The principal cast of Barn Burning includes Tommy Lee Jones, Diane Kagan, Shawn Whittington, Carolyn Coates, Michael Riney.
When was Barn Burning released and how long is it?
Barn Burning was released in 1980 with a total runtime of 41m.
Who composed the musical score for Barn Burning?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Barn Burning was composed by Elizabeth Swados.