By setting his novel in 1969, Hedges is able to draw on the considerable turmoil of the times as the Vietnam war, the women's movement, and fundamental changes in the family changed the fabric of American life--even in the Midwest. Peter Hedges has undertaken a real challenge in writing a convincing and interesting story about a year in the life of a young child; with An Ocean in Iowa he has largely succeeded.

Including an original introduction and scene notes written especially for this edition, here is the complete shooting script of the poignant and funny film about a day in the life of a family trying to create new memories and make peace with the old. Set in New York City's Lower East Side on Thanksgiving Day, 21-year-old April Burns (Katie Holmes), who has never been on good terms with her mother (Patricia Clarkson), is convinced by her boyfriend (Derek Luke) to host the family dinner. While April discovers her oven is broken and seeks neighbors to help, the Burns family drives toward the city recounting April's failures. As his wife persists in undermining his plans, April's father (Oliver Platt) is determined to create an experience that will become a nice memory for the family, including April's perfect-daughter sister, younger brother, and forgetful grandmother. 20 b/w photos.