Blinded by the Light (TV 1980)

Director:

John A. Alonzo

Writers:

Robin F. Brancato (novel), Robin Vote (teleplay),

Stars:

Phillip R. Allen, Keith Andes, Ben Bottoms

Cast

Credited cast:
Phillip R. Allen	...	Dr. Brockton
Keith Andes	...	Father Adam
Ben Bottoms	...	Scott (as Benjamin Bottoms)
Steve Burns	...	Ralph
Gail Edwards	...	Zora
Anne Jackson	...	Frances Bowers
Michael LeClair
Danny McCoy Jr.	...	Chase Evrette
Michael McGuire	...	Ed Bowers
Jimmy McNichol	...	David Bowers (as James Vincent McNichol)
Kristy McNichol	...	Janet Bowers
Sandy McPeak	...	Max
Jenny O'Hara	...	Rose
David Price	...	Cult Member
Sean Roche	...	Michael

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

brainwashing | kidnapping | father son relationship | father daughter relationship | freedom | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 December 1980 (USA)

Also Known As:

Valon sokaisemat

Company Credits

Production Co:

Time-Life Television Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"The Times They Are a Changin'"
Composed by Bob Dylan
Published by Warner Bros.

User Reviews

Unusually bland vehicle for the McNichol siblings

Kristy McNichol (looking wan in a short, boyish 'do) strives to get brother James out from a religious sect (which is dramatized as something akin to a revival meeting). She reaches him, tries to talk sensibly with him, but the cult has made Jimmy vacant and sullen. He is so morose it's a wonder the culties don't just ask him to take his bossy sis and scram. By the end, the culties have won Kristy over as well and the film seems to be asking the question, "Will they take her too?" This TV-movie panders to the lowest common denominator: the viewer who knows nothing about the subject matter but who will swallow anything in a shiny package. There isn't a sinister moment (who was the writer afraid of offending?) and the direction is incredibly lazy. For an interesting comparison, see "Ticket To Heaven", which looks as though someone did some actual research. ** from ****