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I Know My First Name Is Steven (TV 1989)

TV Movie  -   -  Crime | Drama  -  22 May 1989 (USA)
7.5
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7-year old Steven Stayner is kidnapped a few days before Christmas by Kenneth Parnell. Under the belief that Parnell has been given legal custody of him, and that his family has moved away,... See full summary »

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Title: I Know My First Name Is Steven (TV 1989)

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Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 6 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Kay Stayner
...
Del Stayner
...
Steven Gregory Stayner / Dennis Parnell (as Corin 'Corky' Nemec)
...
...
Irving Murphy
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Bob Augustine
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Officer Kean
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Officer Scott
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School Counselor
...
Stephanie Walski ...
Sumer Stamper ...
Cassy Friel ...
June C. Ellis ...
Miss Rebecca
...
Victor (Age 7)
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Storyline

7-year old Steven Stayner is kidnapped a few days before Christmas by Kenneth Parnell. Under the belief that Parnell has been given legal custody of him, and that his family has moved away, he stays with Parnell for seven years, enduring repetitive sexual abuse the entire time. Finally, at fourteen, he returns home to his family. Written by Liz Jordan <c9310494@alinga.newcastle.edu.au>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

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Release Date:

22 May 1989 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

The Missing Years  »

Filming Locations:

 »

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In the scene where Parnell escorts Steven into Highland Elementary School, a dubbed woman's voice says, "Mr. Teaney says you're failing his history class. I can help you!" Ken Teaney was the supervising sound editor for this film. See more »

Quotes

Kenneth Parnell: [after striking Steven across the face] Could have been a baseball bat.
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User Reviews

A truly harrowing story of a parent's worst nightmare!
15 October 2001 | by (woodlyn,pennsylvania) – See all my reviews

I know my first name is Steven tells the story of a 7-year-old boy named Steven Stayner.Little Steven is kidnapped by child-molester Ken Parnell and is kept with him for 7 years.During these 7 years Steven is renamed Dennis Parnell,attends school,plays sports,and functions as the son(and lover!) of his kidnapper.At age 14 "Dennis" finally escapes his kidnapper.This happens after Ken Parnell kidnaps another little boy-and the trusted "Dennis" helps him to go to the local police station.Detained by the police "Dennis" finally reveals his previous identity! And this is effectively the beginning of the movie!

"I know my first name is Steven" was originally shown in two parts!The first half dealt with Steven's life with his humble parents and 4 siblings.When little Steven is abducted by the sleazy Parnell he doesn't even realize what has occurred.His abductor uses no force or violence!Steven simply BELIEVES what he is told and simply OBEYS the man who is now his adult authority!The filmmakers have tactfully(and thankfully!) managed to spare the viewers any graphic details of Steven's life with his abductor.But still the disturbing question remains: How was this middle-aged man(with a history of child molestation!) able to keep a MISSING child in his home,send him to public schools,pass him off as his son with NOBODY in any position of authority suspicious??And remember in the SAME STATE!!!

The second half is really the beginning of the heart of the movie!Steven is returned to his family! He now has the father,mother,brothers,sisters,rules,curfews,church attendance,etc.And he DOSEN'T LIKE IT!! Fourteen year old Steven has already been sexually active,has smoked and drank since childhood! His new life with his family simply doesn't last! He has no basis for a relationship with them and the bonds of these relationships have long since been destroyed! He leaves his parent's home and moves in with his girlfriend! He and his family come to a peace(of sorts!) but we the viewers know that the damage has been done!!


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