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The Man in the Moon

The Man in the Moon is a 1991 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Robert Mulligan from a screenplay by Jenny Wingfield.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Man in the Moon is a 1991 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Robert Mulligan from a screenplay by Jenny Wingfield. Set in rural Louisiana in the 1950s, it follows 14-year-old Dani as she experiences first love, jealousy, and family tension. The film marked Reese Witherspoon’s screen debut and was Mulligan’s final film as director.

Plot

The film follows Dani Trant as she moves through adolescence and develops a crush on Court Foster, a boy who moves in nearby. Her feelings create conflict with her older sister Maureen, shaping the film’s central family and coming-of-age drama.

Production

The film was directed by Robert Mulligan and written by Jenny Wingfield. It was produced in the United States and is notable as Reese Witherspoon’s first film role and Mulligan’s last feature film.

Cast

The principal cast includes Reese Witherspoon as Dani, Sam Waterston and Tess Harper as her parents, Emily Warfield as Maureen, and Jason London as Court. The ensemble supports the film’s focus on family life and teenage emotions.

Reception

The film was well received by critics and was singled out by Roger Ebert as one of the top films of 1991. Later reference sources continue to describe it as a respected coming-of-age drama.

Key facts

  • The film is set in a small Louisiana community in the summer of 1957.
  • Its story centres on Dani, a 14-year-old tomboy navigating adolescence and first love.
  • Reese Witherspoon made her film debut in the role of Dani.
  • Robert Mulligan directed the film; it was his final directorial feature before his death in 2008.
  • The film received critical acclaim and was included on Roger Ebert’s list of the Top 10 Films of 1991.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Man in the Moon about?
It is a coming-of-age story about a 14-year-old girl in 1950s Louisiana who experiences first love, jealousy, and changing family relationships.
Who directed The Man in the Moon?
The film was directed by Robert Mulligan.
Is this the film with Reese Witherspoon’s debut?
Yes. Reese Witherspoon made her film debut in The Man in the Moon.
When was The Man in the Moon released?
It was released in 1991.
What genre is The Man in the Moon?
It is generally classified as a coming-of-age drama, with romance elements.
Was this Robert Mulligan’s last film?
Yes. It was the final film Robert Mulligan directed.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_in_the_Moon_(1991_film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, release year, director, cast, premise, and note that it was Mulligan’s final film.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1037780-man_in_the_moon
    Supports: Genre, runtime, release date, and synopsis.
  3. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-man-in-the-moon-1991
    Supports: Plot details and critical reception, including Ebert’s positive assessment.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102388/
    Supports: Cast, plot summary, and release information.