---
title: "Gardens of Stone"
year: 1987
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/gardens-of-stone-1987"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 28368
imdb_id: "tt0093073"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 111
community_rating: 6.2
vote_count: 131
content_rating: "R"
---

# Gardens of Stone (1987) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/gardens-of-stone-1987

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Gardens of Stone is a 1987 American drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on a 1983 novel by Nicholas Proffitt. Set during the Vietnam era at Arlington National Cemetery, the story follows a veteran sergeant who trains young soldiers and mentors the idealistic son of a fallen comrade while mourning those lost in combat.

The film stars James Caan, Anjelica Huston, James Earl Jones, D. B. Sweeney, Dean Stockwell, and Mary Stuart Masterson. It explores the war at home and the people who lived through it, carrying a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes and a user score rating on TMDB.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A veteran sergeant at Arlington National Cemetery mentors an idealistic young soldier during the Vietnam era."

### Why Watch
- Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on the 1983 novel by Nicholas Proffitt.
- Features a notable cast including James Caan, Anjelica Huston, James Earl Jones, D. B. Sweeney, Dean Stockwell, and Mary Stuart Masterson.
- Explores the Vietnam era through the focus on soldiers stationed at Arlington National Cemetery and the war at home.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The provided sources do not detail specific flaws or reasons to skip the film beyond viewer preference.
- Tone & Suitability: It is a war and drama film with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes, rated R.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #vietnam-era, #military-drama, #arlington-national-cemetery, #mentorship, #war-at-home, #1987-film

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Howdy Amazon Channel | YouTube Free | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, YouTube, Amazon Video |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, YouTube |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Francis Ford Coppola
- **Networks / Studios**: TriStar Pictures, Michael I. Levy Productions, American Zoetrope

## Key Cast Continuity

- **James Caan** as *Sgt. Clell Hazard*
- **Anjelica Huston** as *Samantha Davis*
- **James Earl Jones** as *Sgt. Maj.'Goody' Nelson*
- **D. B. Sweeney** as *Jackie Willow*
- **Dean Stockwell** as *Capt. Homer Thomas*
- **Mary Stuart Masterson** as *Rachel Feld*
- **Dick Anthony Williams** as *Slasher Williams*
- **Lonette McKee** as *Betty Rae*
- **Sam Bottoms** as *Lt. Webber*
- **Elias Koteas** as *Pete Deveber*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream Gardens of Stone?
Streaming availability is listed as currently streaming on TMDB, though specific platforms are not detailed in the text.

### Q: Whether it is worth watching?
It is a 1987 drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola with an ensemble cast including James Caan and Anjelica Huston.

### Q: What is the binge duration?
The film has a total runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes.

### Q: What are the essential episodes?
Gardens of Stone is a feature-length film rather than a television series with episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Gardens of Stone — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/28368)
- [Gardens of Stone (1987) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093073/fullcredits/)
- [Gardens of Stone - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardens_of_Stone)
- [Gardens of Stone (1987) - Cast & Crew - The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/28368-gardens-of-stone/cast)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*