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IMDb > The Summer of Ben Tyler (1996) (TV)

The Summer of Ben Tyler (1996) (TV) More at IMDbPro »

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Overview

User Rating:
6.3/10   82 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 9% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Writer (WGA):
Robert Inman (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Summer of Ben Tyler on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
15 December 1996 (USA) more
Genre:
Awards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 6 nominations more
User Comments:
A very satisfying drama; reminiscent of "To Kill a Mockingbird". more (1 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

James Woods ... Temple Rayburn

Elizabeth McGovern ... Celia Rayburn

Len Cariou ... Spencer Maitland

Julia McIlvaine ... Nell Rayburn
Kevin Isola ... Junius Maitland
Clifton James ... Chief Sam Thompkins
Anita Gillette ... Suellen
Charles Mattocks ... Ben Tyler
Millie Perkins ... Doris
Jack Gilpin ... Carter Glenn
Novella Nelson ... Rosetta Tyler
Mary Lucy Bivins
Sharlene Thomas

Ed Grady ... Dr. Ringgold
Ronn Carroll ... Judge Kragen
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Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated PG for thematic elements and brief language.
Runtime:
110 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:

FAQ

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4 out of 4 people found the following comment useful.
A very satisfying drama; reminiscent of "To Kill a Mockingbird"., 22 April 1999
Author: Steve Guernsey from Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Atticus Finch, move over! There's another morally strong Southern lawyer, with a pretty wife and a rambunctious young daughter, and he's ready to take some of your case load!

"The Summer of Ben Tyler", set early during World War II, has a lot to say about love, honor, relationships, commitment and power. Keeping their promise to their dying black housekeeper, a white family takes in her teenage mentally-slow son. The movie details the joys and conflicts the family faces as a result of their decision.

Similarities to Atticus aside, I found this movie to be very emotionally satisfying. Everything in life may not turn out the way you expect, or the way you choose, but the difficult lessons you learn en route are "character building".

If you're seeking a strong drama that the whole family can watch, discuss and learn from, I heartily recommend this wonderful movie.

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Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
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