Performance & Direction: Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann Review
Last updated: February 7, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann (1991) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this TV Movie.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any TV Movie is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann features a noteworthy lineup led by David Morse . Supported by the likes of Megan Follows and Dion Anderson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann
Quick Plot Summary: Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is a TV Movie, Drama, Thriller film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann
Ending Breakdown: Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to tv movie resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the tv movie themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a tv movie, drama, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for TV Movies films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann
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Where to Watch Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann Online?
Streaming HubCry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann Parents Guide & Age Rating
1991 AdvisoryWondering about Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.1/10, and global performance metrics, Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1991 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann worth watching?
Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is definitely worth watching if you enjoy TV Movie movies. It has a verified rating of 5.1/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann?
The total duration of Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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Critic Reviews for Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann
_**What do you do when a psycho “mountain man” apprehends you at gunpoint?**_ On May 11, 1966, a 17 year-old school girl from Shade Gap, Pennsylvania (Megan Follows), is kidnapped by some recluse hillbilly (David Morse) and forced to live in the wilds while on the run from authorities. David Soul plays an FBI agent while Dion Anderson is on hand as a Sheriff. “Cry in the Wild: The Taking of Peggy Ann” (1991) is a TV flick that closely follows the true story with minor alterations. It was the most-watched primetime show of the week. There are elements of "Deliverance" (1972), "First Blood" (1982) and another well-done TV movie, "Nightmare at Bittercreek” (1988). Of course it doesn’t have the budget of the first two, but that doesn’t prevent it from being a first-rate television film, realistic and compelling. After watching, be sure to check out the 27-minute interview with Peggy Ann Bradnick on Youtube done on the 50th anniversary of the harrowing abduction in 2016. (The movie itself is also available on Youtube for free). The film runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Los Altos Hills, California, as well as nearby Cupertino & San Jose, at the south end of San Francisco Bay. While these locations are a far cry from south-central Pennsylvania, the producers did a good job of picking a lush, hilly area as a decent stand-in for the real locations. GRADE: B
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
