Scattered Dreams

Scattered Dreams: The Kathryn Messenger Story is a 1993 made for TV drama film based on a true story. It stars Gerald McRaney, Ed Grady, Rhoda Griffis, Tyne Daly and Macon McCalman. Actress Alicia Silverstone also stars. It was directed by Neema Barnette.

Plot

A loving couple trying to make a living in 1951 Florida is arrested for a crime they didn't commit. The pair is given long jail terms and ripped from their children, so they begin a stunning fight for justice that has them facing the ruthless sheriff responsible for their incarceration.

Production

Scattered Dreams is based on a true story. The real life Kathryn Messenger and her husband were arrested in West [Palm Beach, Florida|West Palm Beach] in 1951. They were each sentenced to jail for 7 years for failing to pay a $258 grocery bill. The children were left behind as wards of the state when the Messengers went to New Orleans- though Kathryn Messenger claimed the children were being held hostage "as revenge."