A 1996 American Anthology Film directed by Nancy Savoca and Cher that follows different women in three different time periods dealing with abortion.
The movie stars Demi Moore, Sissy Spacek, Cher, Shirley Knight, Catherine Keener, Jason London, C.C.H. Pounder, Hedy Burress, Joanna Gleason, Ian Bohen, Xander Berkeley, among others.
It aired on HBO on October 13, 1996. It was followed by If These Walls Could Talk 2 in 2000.
Tropes for the film:
- The '50s: The first segment takes place in 1952.
- The '70s: The second segment takes place in 1974.
- The '90s: The third segment takes place in 1996.
- Alliterative Name:
- Barbara Barrows.
- Christine Cullen.
- Back-Alley Doctor: The illicit abortionist in the first act looks and acts like he walked out of an audition for a Torture Technician. His Equipment is pretty dirty, and he ignores Claire's concerned inquiry into whether they're sterile. Once he finishes the job, he turns and walks away without a word as the concerned Claire is still lying on her back. In the next scene, Claire apparently dies from internal bleeding due to his apathy and incompetence.
- Friendly Enemy: In the third act, Dr. Beth Thompson at the abortion clinic engages in daily friendly conversations with several of the protestors who picket her clinic, trying to dissuade women from getting abortions. However, one protestor doesn't share those feelings, and proves it in the most dramatic way possible.
- I Have This Friend: Used when the pregnant Claire asks a neighbor and a coworker where "a friend" could get a safe abortion.
- Tagline: "There's one question only a woman can answer".
