Talkie Zoo: THE PRIZE WINNER OF DEFIANCE, OHIO

What an inspiring film! I absolutely recommend you see The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (2005; PG-13) as soon as you can. You will then understand what kind of determination is needed to keep a family fed and sheltered. The story is that of Evelyn Ryan and is set in the 50s and 60s. She has 10 children and a husband who, though they are very much in love, isn't always the best provider and sometimes takes to fits of drunken rage. No, he never abuses anyone, but he is in a bad spot in his life and seems to think there is no way out.

Evelyn, played by Julianne Moore, keeps everything pulled together by writing advertising jingles to enter into contests. She is quite talented and wins everything from halloween accessories to cash prizes to new cars. Those contests fell by the wayside eventually, but they gave housewives a chance -- though slim -- to add to their income and possessions in small ways.

In this case, no matter what Kelly, played by Woody Harrellson, did, she kept her optimistic outlook and continued to raise her children to be just as determined as she was.