They find new direction to their individual lives and carry out their mother's wishes to scatter her ashes at Roseman Bridge.

In the present, Michael and Carolyn, struggling with their own marriages, are deeply moved by their mother's story. His ashes were scattered from Roseman Bridge. She later learned that Robert died about three years after her husband, and he left his belongings to her. Francesca's memories helped sustain her through the remaining years on the farm.Īfter her husband's death, Francesca attempted to contact Robert, but he had left National Geographic and his whereabouts were unknown. Robert, moved by their brief encounter, found renewed meaning in his life and true calling as an artist. Though she loved Robert, she questioned whether their spontaneous relationship could survive over time. Francesca, confined to a passionless marriage, was unable to abandon her teenage children and loyal husband. Francesca and Robert fell deeply in love and nearly ran away together. Their subsequent affair occurs over four days.įrancesca details the intense affair and its lasting influence on both her and Robert, hoping Michael and Carolyn will understand and honor her final request. Francesca rides along to show him the way. Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photojournalist on assignment to photograph the county's historic bridges, arrives at the Johnson farm, asking for directions to Roseman Bridge. Francesca, a WWII Italian war bride, stays home while her husband and teenaged son and daughter attend the state fair for the next four days. The magazine includes a photo of Kincaid, who photographed the bridges he is wearing Francesca's crucifix pendant.Īs Michael and Carolyn begin reading Francesca's notebooks, the film flashes back to 1965. There are also several National Geographic magazines, including one featuring Madison County's covered wooden bridges, old cameras, a book, and other mementos. The key is to Francesca's locked hope chest. The photos are of Francesca taken at the Holliwell Covered Bridge and the letters are from a man named Robert Kincaid. Michael initially refuses, but while he and Carolyn look through the safe deposit box, they discover an envelope containing photographs, letters, and a key. They are shocked upon learning that Francesca requested to be cremated and her ashes scattered from Roseman Covered Bridge, rather than be buried next to her late husband, Richard. In the present, adult siblings Michael and Carolyn Johnson arrive at the Iowa farmhouse of their recently deceased mother, Francesca, to settle her estate.

Streep was nominated in 1996 for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. The film earned $182 million worldwide and was well-received by critics. With Francesca's family away for a short trip, the couple have an intense, four-day love affair. That year she meets National Geographic photojournalist, Robert Kincaid (Eastwood), who comes to Madison County to photograph its historic covered bridges. The film is set in 1965, featuring Italian war bride, Francesca Johnson ( Meryl Streep), who lives with her husband and two children on their Iowa farm. It was produced by Amblin Entertainment and Malpaso Productions, and distributed by Warner Bros. The screenplay was adapted by Richard LaGravenese. It was produced and directed by Clint Eastwood, who also starred in it with Meryl Streep.

The Bridges of Madison County is a 1995 American romantic drama film based on the 1992 bestselling novel of the same name by Robert James Waller.

Madison county