The Pinballs (26 Oct. 1977)

Three orphans from very different backgrounds find themselves living with the same foster couple while waiting to be adopted.

Director:

Richard C. Bennett

Writers:

Betsy Byars (novel), Jim Inman (teleplay)

Stars:

Kristy McNichol, Johnny Doran, Sparky Marcus

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Kristy McNichol	...	Carlie Higgins
Johnny Doran	...	Harvey
Sparky Marcus	...	Thomas J.
Priscilla Morrill	...	Mrs. Ramona Mason
Walter Brooke	...	Mr. Mason
Barry Coe	...	Harvey's Father
Beverly Hope Atkinson	...	Nurse
Jacque Lynn Colton	...	Mrs. Harris
James Chandler	...	Policeman

Storyline

Three orphans from very different backgrounds find themselves living with the same foster couple while waiting to be adopted.

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Plot Keywords:

after school special | foster home | friendship | based on novel

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Drama | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 October 1977 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Martin Tahse Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Rewarding story of friendship

Three pre-teen outcasts cross paths when they come to stay with an elderly foster couple. It takes a little while, but these troubled, interesting kids learn about true friendship: how to find it, how to keep it. Kristy McNichol is the surly, mercurial Carlie, and her tough, tomboyish attitude never seems put on; McNichol is a most natural actress who is very at home in front of the camera. One may say she's just playing herself, but the character is a bit of a departure from her 'Buddy' on the hit television drama "Family". She's a wiseacre, an alienated kid who can't see that she pushes people away--and yet wonders why she can't find love. It's an assured performance, as are the ones by Sparky Marcus and Johnny Doran. Is the film just another pat example of TV's infamous Afterschool Special? Yes, it wraps things up a little quickly, but the affects it leaves behind are deeply felt.