Claim: Brittany Murphy worked alongside an actor.

Riding in Cars with Boys is a 2001 American biographical film based on the autobiography of the same name by Beverly Donofrio about a woman who overcame difficulties , including being a teen mother , and who later earned a master 's degree . The movie 's narrative spans the years 1961 to 1986 . It stars Drew Barrymore , Steve Zahn , Brittany Murphy , and James Woods . It was directed by Penny Marshall . Although the film is co-produced by Beverly Donofrio , many of its details differ from the book .