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The Summer of Ben Tyler

  • TV Movie
  • 1996
  • PG
  • 1h 50m
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
263
YOUR RATING
The Summer of Ben Tyler (1996)
ComedyDrama

A man who acts upon his conscience opens a Pandora's box of racism and intolerance. Temple Rayburn (James Woods) is an attorney who lives and works in a small Southern community in the 1940s... Read allA man who acts upon his conscience opens a Pandora's box of racism and intolerance. Temple Rayburn (James Woods) is an attorney who lives and works in a small Southern community in the 1940s. When Rayburn and his wife Celia (Elizabeth McGovern) encounter a young man named Ben Tyl... Read allA man who acts upon his conscience opens a Pandora's box of racism and intolerance. Temple Rayburn (James Woods) is an attorney who lives and works in a small Southern community in the 1940s. When Rayburn and his wife Celia (Elizabeth McGovern) encounter a young man named Ben Tyler (Charles Mattocks)--a mentally-challenged African-American youth with nowhere to go--th... Read all

  • Director
    • Arthur Allan Seidelman
  • Writer
    • Robert Inman
  • Stars
    • James Woods
    • Elizabeth McGovern
    • Len Cariou
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.7/10
    263
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Arthur Allan Seidelman
    • Writer
      • Robert Inman
    • Stars
      • James Woods
      • Elizabeth McGovern
      • Len Cariou
    • 2User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 8 nominations total

    Photos56

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    Top cast18

    Edit
    James Woods
    James Woods
    • Temple Rayburn
    Elizabeth McGovern
    Elizabeth McGovern
    • Celia Rayburn
    Len Cariou
    Len Cariou
    • Spencer Maitland
    Julia McIlvaine
    Julia McIlvaine
    • Nell Rayburn
    Kevin Isola
    Kevin Isola
    • Junius Maitland
    Clifton James
    Clifton James
    • Chief Sam Thompkins
    Anita Gillette
    Anita Gillette
    • Suellen
    Charles Mattocks
    • Ben Tyler
    Millie Perkins
    Millie Perkins
    • Doris
    Jack Gilpin
    Jack Gilpin
    • Carter Glenn
    Novella Nelson
    Novella Nelson
    • Rosetta Tyler
    Mary Lucy Bivins
    Sharlene Thomas
    Ed Grady
    Ed Grady
    • Dr. Ringgold
    Ronn Carroll
    Ronn Carroll
    • Judge Kragen
    Gregory Perrelli
    • Scooter Maitland
    • (as Gregg Perrelli)
    Judith Ivey
    Judith Ivey
    • Narrator
    Jeff Johnston
    • Assistant District Attorney
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Arthur Allan Seidelman
    • Writer
      • Robert Inman
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews2

    6.7263
    1
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    10

    Featured reviews

    9jewelch

    Loved it.

    In a world where there seem to be fewer and fewer quality and wholesome movies available that appeal to both adults and children...this movie is like a breath of fresh air. I have watched it many many times and will watch it many more. This story shows how a lawyer and his supportive family stick together to do what is right despite sacrifices that will affect their future. The actors are incredible, and the story is extrememly heartwarming. A must see! Loved it James Welch Henderson Arkansas 5/17/21.
    guernsey

    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.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      James Woods and Elizabeth McGovern previously appeared in Once Upon a Time in America (1984).
    • Connections
      Edited into Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951)

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 15, 1996 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Hallmark Hall of Fame: The Summer of Ben Tyler (#46.2)
    • Filming locations
      • 101 N. Cowan St., Burgaw, North Carolina, USA(Filmed inside and out as Rayburn home. Ben's cabin set constructed in side yard.)
    • Production companies
      • Hallmark Entertainment
      • Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 50 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Ultra Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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