---
title: "Words by Heart"
year: 1985
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/words-by-heart-1985"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 131813
imdb_id: "tt0189215"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 107
community_rating: 7.0
vote_count: 1
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Words by Heart (1985) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/words-by-heart-1985

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Words by Heart is a drama television movie released in the United States on January 1, 1985. The film has a runtime of one hour and forty-seven minutes. Directed by Robert C. Thompson, the production features a cast that includes Robert Hooks, Charlotte Rae, Alfre Woodard, and Fran Robinson. The narrative centers on the only Black family living in a small midwestern town at the turn of the century as they confront prejudice. These events are experienced and presented through the eyes of the family's young daughter. The movie falls under the drama genre and is categorized as a television movie. Additional information regarding the plot, viewership, awards, or box office performance is not provided in the official records.

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Hoopla, Fawesome | Amazon Video, Fandango At Home |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Hoopla | None |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | Hoopla | Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Robert Thompson

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Ed Call** as *Henry Haney*
- **Leo Geter** as *Tater Haney*
- **Robert Hooks** as *Ben Sills*
- **Charlotte Rae** as *Mary Tom Chism*
- **Fran Robinson** as *Lena Sills*
- **Mary Ellen Thomas** as *Mrs. Starnes*
- **Alfre Woodard** as *Claudie Sills*
- **Michael Byers**

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch Words by Heart online?
Words by Heart is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Amazon Video, Fandango At Home. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is Words by Heart worth watching?
Words by Heart holds a community rating of 7.0/10 based on 1 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama, TV Movie for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie Words by Heart and when was it released?
Words by Heart is a feature film with a runtime of 107 minutes. It was released in 1985. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed Words by Heart?
Words by Heart was directed by Robert Thompson.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Words by Heart — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/131813)
- [Words by Heart (TV Movie 1985) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0189215)
- [Words by Heart (1985) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/131813-words-by-heart/cast)

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