The Summer of Ben Tyler (TV 1996)

Director:

Arthur Allan Seidelman

Writer:

Robert Inman

Stars:

James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Len Cariou

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 6 nominations.

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

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

political unrest | confrontation | african american | racism | 1940s | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements and brief language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 December 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hallmark Hall of Fame: The Summer of Ben Tyler (#46.2)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hallmark Entertainment, Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Edited into Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951)

User Reviews

A very satisfying drama; reminiscent of "To Kill a Mockingbird".

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.