The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn

Noah is a carpenter who lives on 35 acres that a big real estate giant wants to build one of their cheesy malls on. This man effects people in one of two ways, either their lives are changed forever or they just don't get it. You feel sorry for the ones that don't get it but not very sorry. Sidney Poitier is as hauntingly charismatic in this film as he was in "Lilies of the field" the first time I saw him in films. This is a good film to relax and enjoy and ponder how beautiful the earth is and how wise Noah is.

Refreshing movie with a great message. I would recommend this to anyone. Direct, simple, and filled with clear truths about the importance of the honest basics of life. Stands out nicely amongst the usual made for TV fare. Make be uncomfortable to watch for anyone who has a difficult time explaining truthfully, what they do to make a living to their children.

Noah Dearborn, Sidney Poitier (Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, To Sir with Love) is a carpenter who is very good at his craft. He lives on a farm by himself. He loves being left alone, and loves his work. That has kept him young. He lives in a small town and Sarah McClellan, Dianne Wiest (The Horse Whisperer, Practical Magic) is his best friend. She also bakes very good pies, which the entire town likes, especially Noah. The developer Christian Nelson, George Newbern (From the Earth to the Moon) wants to purchase Noah's land. Noah does not want to sell it. The developer dates a psychiatrist, Valerie Crane, Mary-Louise Parker (The Client, Fried Green Tomatoes). Developer, Christian Nelson, wants his girl friend to declare Noah incompetent in order to get the land. In the process, the psychiatrist decides that people should have a life style as simple as Noah. She defends Noah and in the process they become friends. Valerie Crane goes to the farm where she was born and raised to get the feeling for the simple life, and dumps her boyfriend. I watched the movie and enjoyed it very much, perhaps because I have made the decision to live a simple life and do what I love to do. Sidney Poitier portrays a simple man but charming and elegant man.

I thought this film was great... I'm not one who needs constant action or special effects, but this one had an interesting story, it seemed well put together, and the language etc. is suitable for most family members. On the whole, one of the best films I have seen in a while.

I totally enjoyed this movie. The story line was interesting and the acting was good. Poitier and Parker did an excellent job. The supporting actors were good too. I thought it was very good for a TV movie. The flashbacks were great filling in the background information, with smooth transitions and was easy to follow. It had variety with some humor and a lot of drama. The ending was satisfactory which is a big thing to me. You leave the movie feeling good. I loved it and bought my own copy. Highly recommended. Appropriate for children - another big plus for me. There was no offensive language, sex or violence. My teenage children watch it with me and like it too.