Gold Diggers: The Secret of Bear Mountain

Plot synopsis:
In June 1980, Beth Easton (Christina Ricci) and her recently widowed mother, Kate (Polly Draper) move from Los Angeles to a small town in northern Washington, where they move into Kate's aunt's farmhouse. At first, Beth misses L.A. and resents their new life in the country. In town, she encounters Jody Salerno (Anna Chlumsky), a troubled but free-spirited teenager who has a bad reputation in the town. While riding her bike the next day, Beth is forced off the road by a semi-truck, and plummets down a steep ravine, crashing her bicycle into a river, where Jody is fishing.
Kate attempts to ingratiate Beth with two local girls, Tracy (Ashleigh Aston Moore) and Samantha (Jewel Staite), and while they are picking berries at the house, Beth encounters Jody, who has been hiding in a tree and throwing cherries at them. Tracy and Samantha warn Beth against associating with Jody, but Beth joins her on a walk through the woods. The next day when they are walking together, Jody tells Beth she has an adventure planned for the following day, and asks Beth to meet her outside the local high school. Jody fails to show, and a local cop, Matt (Brian Kerwin) offers her a ride to Jody's house. Jody's mother, Lynette (Diana Scarwid) answers the door, appearing shaken and inebriated, and tells Beth that Jody isn't home.
Matt brings Beth home, and realizes that he is an old acquaintance of her mother's. Beth receives a phone call from Jody, who directs her into the forest outside her house. She explains that she hid from Matt and Beth at the high school because she had broken in and stolen candy from the vending machines; she then tells Beth the story of Molly Morgan, a female miner who purportedly died in a mine collapse in Bear Mountain while searching for gold. The girls board a motorized boat which Jody has hidden along the river, and ride downstream and into the mountain, where she has set up a makeshift living space in the cavern entryway. Jody confesses to Beth that her mother and her mom's abusive boyfriend, Ray (David Keith), had gotten into a fight the night before, and that Jody may have fatally wounded him after he chased her into the woods.
Beth urges Jody to go to the police, and a rainstorm approaches. As the girls try to leave the cave, there is a collapse of boulders, which destroy the boat and pin Beth to the cave floor. Jody swims out of the cave and down the river, making it safely past a grizzly bear and to a road where she crosses paths with a sheriff. Beth is rescued just in time, as the water level has slowly risen inside the cave. At the hospital, Jody is confronted by Ray, who is still alive to the surprise of Jody and Beth.
Kate forbids Beth to spend time with Jody, but she appears at a Fourth of July picnic and divulges her plan to return to the mountain to get the gold. Kate eventually decides to let Beth see Jody, and they drive to Jody's house the next day. Inside, they find Lynette, beaten and incoherent, and no sign of Ray or Jody. Lynette is taken to the hospital and Beth insists to Matt that they go to the mountain, believing that Ray took Jody there. Beth assists Matt to the caves, but the two are separated inside. Beth finds Jody, who tells her that a drunken Ray beat her and forced her to take him to find the gold.
Beth goes back to find Matt, and Jody is grabbed from behind by whom she believes is Ray— when she turns around, she finds it is an elderly woman, who then recedes into the shadows. Ray appears and attempts to grab Jody, but is hit over the head with a shovel by the elderly woman, who is ostensibly Molly Morgan. Beth returns to find Jody and Ray, unconscious, but Molly has disappeared. Matt finally finds Beth and Jody and Ray is arrested. Lynette recovers in the hospital and Jody accepts her apologies.
In late August, Matt arrives at Beth's house, and brings her, Kate, Jody, and Lynette to the courthouse, where an attorney is representing an anonymous client who has bestowed a gift to the girls. They are given two bags, each containing gold, and are cheered and applauded by the town citizens including Tracy and Samantha.

Tags: good versus evil

Review:
Being a teenager this was a very good movie, and christina ricci is one of my absolute favorite actresses so it was a great movie for me and my friends to watch on a saturday night with a bowl of popcorn and a few sodas, go see it!!.
In fact, I don't know why I let this movie go for so long before getting it myself and watching it because it is very good -- a fantastic adventure and enough suspense to keep you watching it all the way through (at least the 1st time).When this movie aired on the Wonderful World of Disney this past Sunday night (June 11, 2000) I watched it for the first time to preview it.
I was also trying to do something else at the time, but it was so good that I could only continue what I was doing during commercial breaks.The next day, I just had to go out and find it on video to add it to my own video library and then I watched it again later that night and one more time the next night.
This is real good movie to watch over and over again, though, seeing it the 1st time is the best.To sum all this up in a few words, this movie has surely become one of my favorites and will most probably be a heavily played video, too!
I have seen this movie 20 times at least ,probably more..
I absolutely love this movie it made me cry the first 5 times I watched it.
I think this movie should get 20 stars out of 10, I have seen this movie so many times I have every single word of it memorized, this movie deals with so many issues we face today, and even though it was make in 1995 doesn't mean it's an old fogie movie that doesn't deserve the time of day, just trust me I have seen it enough times to know!
I think that if you are looking for a movie to sit down and watch and not want it to be over then you have found the right movie Gold Diggers can make you laugh, cry, and wonder what's going to happen next all at the same time!
So if you have yet to see this wonderful movie don't pass it up, go see it now!
I loved this movie but then I guess I love anything Christina Ricci is in.
But this is great for family time it is the mini- Indiana Jones and it was set in the pacific norhtwest that in itself gives it high marks..
I have seen this movie many times, watched it over and over and I never get sick of it.
A brilliant family movie that children will especially love for the adventure, fun, and triumph that it presents..
one of the best movies I've seen.
This is a movie that should be viewed by everyone because it is a true testament to what friends will do for one another without question.
Anna Chlumsky gives one of her best performances as Jody Salerno and Christina Ricci shines in her role as Beth Easton.
However, along the way they encounter problems that will test their friendship.I enjoyed and appreciate how the director took his time to focus the story more on the development of Jody and Beth's friendship instead of just searching for the gold.
One of the best examples was when Beth was trapped in the mountain and Jody went for help.
No matter who was in trouble or who was getting pucked on, they stuck together.I was thrilled to see a movie that is a change of pace from what has come out, which has come out recently.
I highly recommend this film because it shows the true meaning of friendship.
A Wonderful Family Movie.
Beth( Christina Ricci) and her mother Kate( Polly Draper) have just moved from L.A, to a small town where Kate's aunt used to live.
Beth becomes friends with this girl Jody( Anna Chlumsky).
Beth doesn't listen to those story's, she likes Jody no matter what people tell her.
One day, the two of them head out to this Bear Mountain that supposedly still carries gold.
But a accident happens to Beth and it is up to Jody to save her life.
This is a wonderful movie, I enjoyed it a lot.
Christina Ricci and Anna Chlumsky were great.
I would give Gold Diggers:The Secret Of Bear Mountain 8.5/10.
Okay I decided to sit down and watch this because I have seen both leading actresses in movies that have shown me they are pretty versatile actresses.
So even without giving a damn about the plot I decided to sit down and watch it because I was convinced the actresses would carry it.The plot is that a city girl named Beth (Christina Ricci) moves to a country town and her father is dead (If you've seen Casper, you'll find that a little surreal).
She eventually meets a tomboy named Jody (Anna Chlumsky) who I think is meant to be a kleptomaniac.
Over time they seem to develop a bond as friends and Jody tells Beth that she knows of a mountain that used to be mined that may still have gold in it and it all ties into a girl the same age as them living around that time called Molly Morgan.Okay so this is pretty much the same family/adventure movie that you may have seen at least once before.
What really ties this movie together though is the 2 leads.
They do have believable chemistry as friends and that really is the focus of the film - it's the friendship.With that said I just feel that this movie tries to fall into the climax that again, you would have bound to see in any movie at least once.
I mean did this movie really need a climax?
I don't even think it needed the whole "Gold at Bear Mountain" thing.
If you haven't seen these 2 in other movies nor care for them as actors then this could carry a risk of you not liking this movie.
So this movie is worth it, just for fans of Christina Ricci and Anna Chlumsky..
teases great adventure.
Recent widower Kate Easton (Polly Draper) moves her daughter Beth (Christina Ricci) from L.A. to Wheaton, Washington into the farm inherited from her aunt.
Beth struggles with small town life and befriends tomboy black sheep Jody Salerno (Anna Chlumsky).
Jody has a troubled home life with mother Lynette (Diana Scarwid) and her boyfriend Ray Karnisak (David Keith).
Jody tells Beth about Bear Mountain and the legend of gold miner Molly Morgan.This starts great with two charismatic child actresses in an outdoors adventure that is often left for the boys.
They even get on a boat like all great adventures.
What starts as a great adventure turns into a melodrama.
The Best Movie about friendship!.
Don't expect to like this movie if you are over 18, of course you might still LOVE it like I did.
It also shows a great friendship between two young girls!.
Gold Diggers: Secret of Bear Mountain is a very good film.
A great big adventure!
Christina Ricci and Anna Chlumsky did a wonderful job!
This movie is very good!
This movie is very good!
I usually love all the movies Christina Ricci is in such as "Sleepy Hollow", "Casper", "That Darn Cat", etc.
I enjoyed all of those movies as well as this one!
The story outline was terrific, the acting was great, and the filming was fabulous!
You should definetly watch this movie!
I love this movie!
This movie drags and drags, and has well, about 0 good qualities.
The plot is lame and very forced, the acting is bad at best, and the story is quite predictable.
If you are looking for good "family" entertainment there are tons of other options.
However, if you are looking to torture yourself and/or others, then check this movie out...it's something that you'll never forget, though more than likely you'll wish you could..
If you have seen this movie, I am very sorry.
If you haven't seen this movie, don't go out of your way to see it.
Before Christina Ricci was truly established as the screen's indie queen, it seems that she mostly starred in what were viewed as family movies.
"Gold Diggers: The Secret of Bear Mountain" is a prime example.
I'll give the movie that.Also starring Polly Draper, Diana Scarwid (Christina in "Mommie Dearest") and David Keith (Drew Barrymore's father in "Firestarter")..
I absolutely love this movie, it's fun, heartwarming and it's a great movie for all the family, the first time i come across this film on video, when it was on sale at my local video store, the first time as saw it i through it was pure brilliance and fabulous acting from talented people.
it's adventurous and just the movie that every kid wants to watch.
There's not many movies like this come out today, it's a real joy to watch and in fact, I'm going to give my video of this to my younger cousin's as I'm sure they will enjoy this fantastic film.
overall i believe the people behind this movie did a wounderful job and i fell it's one of a kind..
This movie is rich in friendships!.
This movie is a true gem!
Two fine actresses who make a fine team: Christina Ricci(The Addams Family movies, Casper, and Now and Then) and Anna Chlumsky(Vada on "My Girl 1&2").
Beth(Ricci) is a city girl who meets Jody(Chlumsky) rough and tumble tomboy who seek "lost treasure".
The other girls don't trust Jody, but Beth pays no mind to them.
They ride on a rickety boat, which Beth is at the helm, while Jody gets down to The Bee Gees' "You Should Dancin'" which I think is the best scene I ever enjoyed.
Jody's stepfather is a bigger gold digger than the daughter, and Beth doesn't trust him at all.
The real fortune to me was the bond, and the trust Jody and Beth has formed.
This movie is a steal, but the rewards of watching it is worth a fortune!
Love this movie, just ordered the DVD..
Watched this the first time this morning on HBO and LOVED IT!!!
Just ordered the DVD to watch it again when I want to!!
The friendship between the girls is right on, reminds me of being young!
Will recommend it to family and friends, and even let them borrow the DVD I just ordered!
I know there are family members who will enjoy it, especially since the whole family can watch it together.
I have four Grandchildren now, so nice to have a good, clean movie for them to watch..
I have gold diggers the secret of bear mountain in WIDESCREEN!.
As you other fans of this great movie know, the movie is on VHS and in fullscreen and, of course the VHS is long out of print.
I know you,as well as I am waiting and waiting for Universal to finally release this beloved movie to DVD!
I am lucky enough to have the VERY rare laserdisc of this wonderful movie and it is in widescreen.
I just recently put it to DVD and you know, I cannot get enough of watching this wonderful movie!!
I have been truly enjoying the full beauty of the widescreen version as this version is just how the film makers wanted you to see this movie.Each day I find myself watching this movie.
Laserdiscs were at the time they were made the top home theater thing and were expensive too.So now, since I have transfered the laserdisc to DVD I can enjoy the DVD over and over and it is so wonderful!!!
The laserdisc of gold diggers the secret of bear mountain is a very rare laserdisc and, I am very happy I have it and, now have it on DVD-R.
The laserdisc player I have is the type with all the bells and whistles and so, because of this, it assures that the picture quality coming from that laserdisc will make the best picture quality it can give when I put it to DVD-R.Anyways I just wanted to share all this with you because I am just on such a high about this movie and truly love this movie, and to me, its kinda like a cult movie and I know there are many others who adore this movie.I also love this movie because of Beth, she is so sweet and has an innocence about her and, no matter how many times I watch her, I cannot get enough of her.I hope when Universal finally does release this movie to DVD , that they make it a special edition and,even a director's cut because there was other scenes filmed but not used and, you see a few of these cut scenes in the trailer.So,all of us who truly love this movie, lets hope so much that Universal will release a super edition of this movie to DVD!!
The story started out okay: A teenager from the big city moves to a small town and begins a friendship with the girl no one likes, who is physically abused by her stepfather.
Then both of them decide to set out to find gold on Bear Mountain.However, early in the movie, it takes a turn for the worse: it starts looping in an endless chain of clichés, which I'd like to point out.(WARNING: the following might be a spoiler for whoever hasn't seen the movie.)When Beth can't use the breaks on her bicycle, she screams for Jody to get out of the way - however, she refuses to take this advice, and runs forward - and faster than the bike - and falls in the river.Later, Jody tells Beth that she found an old book with the story of Molly Morgan.
Yet, no one ever went searching before.Jody and Beth wait on the boat for the exact time when the sunlight will bounce off the gold and reveal the mine (for only ten minutes).
Coincidently, the beam lands EXACTLY where the girls have their boat - and the it looks amazingly like a spotlight.Jody moves in to the cave - which has naturally formed stone furniture - and reveals to Beth that she killed her stepfather the previous night - with a fishing pole - and says that she was sure he wasn't breathing.
It was her LEG that was stuck.Jody never tells the police that her stepfather abuses her - even though she has the bruises to prove it.In the scene where Beth tries to find Jody in the mountain, she finds a particular cave with awesome lights moving on the walls.
These lights are revealed to be reflected by the natural - and lapidated - crystals in that cave.Jody and Beth find the gold!
Golden, glowing larvae.And finally, Molly Morgan appears and saves them both from Jody's stepfather.
Then, later, Jody and Beth receive a pack of gold from a lawyer "whose client wishes to remain anonymous".
But it's never explained how Molly Morgan has a lawyer - and just why she gave that gold to the girls..
I have grown to love this film and who have seen this film a zillion times.
This movie is based on what friendship really means.The film takes place back in 1980 where Beth Easton(played by Christina Ricci) moves to a small town up north with her mother.
There she meets the towns "trouble maker" Jody Salerno(played by Anna Chlumsky) who is right at home in the woods surrounding her.
Eventually Beth finds out from the towns people that Jody is impossible to become friends and to not be trusted.
Beth somehow sees behind this and how she could be the link to finding adventure.
Together they discover a legendary women who possibly hid gold in a cave called Bear Mountain.
With there friendship growing more as they trace the steps in finding the gold there becomes a set back.Jody who is symbolized as the bad girl in town is revealed as the girl who is a victim of child abuse from her mom's alcoholic boyfriend.
And with an incident that leads Jody no choice to leave the town.
Beth pleads to Jody to just come out and tell the truth.
But with a plan that is set becomes to change again to where Jody has to save Beth from drowning who is stuck underneath a rock and a tide that's fast approaching.
It's a race between time for Jody to stop thinking of herself and to go the extra mile for her friend.
Jody does come through for Beth, but soon it is Beth who is to return the favor and show the towns people that Jody is not who they all think she is.
With a stash of gold waiting to be found it's a race of finding that true friend who will go through that extra mile.
It's not just about finding treasure, its about loyalty and caring for your best friend.
Some really good history flash back scenes of Molly Morgan.The connection with the characters were excellent,it really gets you involved in the film.
Its really good to see how Beth and Jody develop as they are together.
Jody becomes very caring when Beth is in trouble.
Also Beth becomes a lot more adventures like Jody.Anna Chlumpsky and Christina Riccy did very well for the parts of Beth and Jody.
The only two actresses that weren't brilliant were the two girls that Beth met after first meeting Jody, they were average but not amazing.The direction was excellent by Kevin James Dobson, some really good long shots of scenery.There are some cheesy moments in the film, for example the beam of light that shines from the mountain and goes straight to Beth and Jody on the boat.