Keeping the Promise (1997)

Harsh elements, disease and dilemmas mark a Massachusetts family's move to uncharted Maine and a better life in 1768.

Director:

Sheldon Larry

Writers:

Gerald Di Pego (teleplay by) (as Gerald DiPego), Elizabeth George Speare (based on a book by)

Stars:

Keith Carradine, Annette O'Toole, Brendan Fletcher

Cast

Credited cast:
Keith Carradine	...	William (Will) Hallowell
Annette O'Toole	...	Anne Hallowell
Brendan Fletcher	...	Matthew (Matt) Hallowell
Gordon Tootoosis	...	Sakniss
William Lightning	...	Attean
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Benedict Campbell	...	Smithy
Maury Chaykin	...	Hunter Ben Loomis
David Cubitt	...	Boat Agent
Darrell Dennis	...	Jimnodo
Allegra Denton	...	Sarah Hallowell
Nell Geisslinger
Ruby Gillett	...	Katy (as Ruby Jean Gillett)
Duke Redbird	...	Medicine Man
Ashley Saulnier	...	Older Child
Ben Saulnier	...	Young Man Walking

Storyline

Immigrated carpenter William 'Will' Hallowell hopes to make his family wealthy, after a fire ruined them in Springfield, Massachusettes, by moving to a claim in Maine territory. In order not to loose it, his son and apprentice Matt (13), a greenhorn city boy, must stay there while Will fetches spoiled wife and daughters, but an epidemic wrecks that plan. Matt is robbed by white neighbor Ben Loomis, but saved by old Penobscott Indian Sakniss, who demands in exchange mat teaches his his grandson Attean to read. From suspicion bordering on blind hatred, loyal friendship springs, yet the winter is unforgiving.

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Plot Keywords:

indians | fire | boy | theft | ritual | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

[All trivia items for this title are spoilers.]

User Reviews

Great scenery, on the edge of my seat, solid story

I watched the Sign of the Beaver with the same actors and may be an identical movie. This is an accurate period film from historical period/challenges, to costuming, set and seasonal changes...quite impressive. There are at least a few conflicts and antagonists within the story so the writing is very good and not predictable. The scenery is beautiful. The acting is solid and the characters are well developed characters, which is great for value teachings after. Honestly, I was drawn in enough to forget I was watching a movie and had so much hope for the boy. The story contains excellent challenges for young boys in skill, intelligence, judgment and courage...though it mentions Christian faith a few times...it falls a little short on exercising faith in it's main characters. This was a descent compliment to our children's' history and literature analysis classes this year. Unfortunately, there was one use of foul language. Would love to buy and add to our collection.

Details

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 January 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Sign of the Beaver

Filming Locations:

Kleinburg, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rabbit Ears Productions, The Clorox Company, Marian Rees Associates

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1