Fried Green Tomatoes is featured as part of our Granada Centennial film series, Santa Barbara Home Movies: Films by Artists and Performers Who Call Santa Barbara Home. After the film, enjoy a  special conversation with author and screenwriter, Flannie Flagg.

This movie is based on the NY Times Best Selling novel by Santa Barbara’s own Fannie Flagg: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. 

When an unhappy housewife (Kathy Bates) befriends a lady in a nursing home (Jessica Tandy), she hears a remarkable tale of laughter, devotion and friendship that defies all obstacles in this heartwarming film from acclaimed director Jon Avnet. Fried Green Tomatoes is a full course cinematic meal, remaining true to its literary origins.

It’s a well-told tale with compelling performances, retaining a nice edge that helps to dial down the potential for syrup. After all, it’s not every day that one encounters a sensitive tale of sisterhood that also contains an element of cannibalism. The movie has everything—love, friendship, mystery, laughs, and a lot of good food with good friends—as well as impeccable writing and a stellar, Oscar-winning cast.