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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1999 โ€บ The Straight Story

The Straight Story poster

The Straight Story (1999)

โ€œA true story that proves a little determination goes a very, very long way.โ€

7.7/10 ยท 1,887 votes 1h 52m g AdventureDramaHistory

#8 of 105 films from 1999 #137 of 1617 in adventure

Directed by David Lynch ยท Written by John Roach, Mary Sweeney

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Retired farmer and widower Alvin Straight learns one day that his estranged brother Lyle has suffered a severe stroke. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver's license. He then has the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey.

Cast

Richard Farnsworthas Alvin
Sissy Spacekas Rose
Harry Dean Stantonas Lyle
Jane Galloway Heitzas Dorothy
Joseph A. Carpenteras Bud
Donald Wiegertas Sig
Tracey Maloneyas Nurse
Dan Flanneryas Doctor Gibbons
Jennifer Edwardsas Brenda
Ed Grennanas Pete
Jack Walshas Apple
Gil Pearsonas Bus Driver
Barbara June Pattersonas Woman on Bus
Everett McGillas Tom the John Deere Dealer

Facts

Release dateOctober 15, 1999
Runtime112 min (1h 52m) โ€” about the same as the 1999 average of 110 min
GenresAdventure, Drama, History
LanguageEN
Budget$10,000,000
Box office$6,418,028 (0.6ร— budget)
IMDbtt0166896

More from David Lynch

Twin PeaksTwin Peaks1989 ยท โ˜… 8.5 ยท 1h 56m The Elephant ManThe Elephant Man1980 ยท โ˜… 8.1 ยท 2h 4m Mulholland DriveMulholland Drive2001 ยท โ˜… 7.8 ยท 2h 27m Blue VelvetBlue Velvet1986 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 2h 0m Lost HighwayLost Highway1997 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 2h 14m Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with MeTwin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me1992 ยท โ˜… 7.4 ยท 2h 15m EraserheadEraserhead1977 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 29m Wild at HeartWild at Heart1990 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 2h 5m

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Questions

How long is The Straight Story?
The Straight Story runs 112 minutes (1h 52m).
Is The Straight Story worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.7/10 across 1,887 votes, which places it #8 of 105 films released in 1999 in this index (top 93%) and #137 among 1617 adventure titles.
Who directed The Straight Story?
The Straight Story was directed by David Lynch. Other well-rated titles by the same director: Twin Peaks (1989), The Elephant Man (1980), Mulholland Drive (2001).
Who stars in The Straight Story?
Richard Farnsworth as Alvin; Sissy Spacek as Rose; Harry Dean Stanton as Lyle; Jane Galloway Heitz as Dorothy; Joseph A. Carpenter as Bud; Donald Wiegert as Sig.
What is The Straight Story rated?
It carries a g certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Straight Story?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/9545.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.