The People (1972)

A young woman is assigned to teach school in a secluded valley whose inhabitants appear stern, secretive and anti-pleasure. Following two children who disappear to play in the woods, she ... See full summary »

Director:

John Korty

Writers:

Zenna Henderson (books), James M. Miller

Stars:

Kim Darby, William Shatner, Diane Varsi

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Kim Darby	...	Melodye Amerson
William Shatner	...	Dr. Curtis
Diane Varsi	...	Valancy Carmody
Dan O'Herlihy	...	Sol Diemus
Laurie Walters	...	Karen Diemus
Johanna Baer	...	Bethie
Chris Valentine	...	Clement Francher
Stephanie Valentine	...	Talitha
Jack Dahlgren	...	Kiah
Andrew Crichton	...	Thann
David Petch	...	Matt
Dorothy Drady	...	Dita
Mary Rose McMaster	...	Maras
Anne Walters	...	Obla
Tony Dario	...	Bram

Storyline

A young woman is assigned to teach school in a secluded valley whose inhabitants appear stern, secretive and anti-pleasure. Following two children who disappear to play in the woods, she finds that this is actually a community of extraterrestrials with mild paranormal powers who are attempting to repress and deny their heritage for fear of arousing prejudice and hatred in their human neighbors. Based on a series of novels by the late Zenna Henderson.

---

Plot Keywords:

school | children | isolated community | arizona | unsold tv series pilot | 

---

Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 January 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

Aquele Povo

Filming Locations:

Nicasio, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Zoetrope, Metromedia Producers Corporation (MPC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

74 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie marks the reunion between Kim Darby and William Shatner since they stared together in the Star Trek episode "Miri" in 1966.

---

Connections

Featured in The Best TV Shows That Never Were (2004)

User Reviews

A MOODY AND ATMOSPHERIC ACCOMPLISHMENT

This movie is nothing if not sincere. It takes you on a bit of an emotional journey. First you want the heroine to get out of there and give these goof balls up. Then as she understands them a little better-you do too. A totally unexpected response. One can see the slow transformation of these kids and you begin to like them and root for the teacher. I watched this movie for the first time yesterday and I liked this movie, though I had never even heard of it before. Miss Darby has that simple charm and shy beauty that is rare for any one in Hollywood.