Sincere and unglamourized look at the backwoods US has four children left parentless when their father dies. They refuse to let his death be known to the proper authorities for fear of being separated and placed in an orphanage. Gholson, though not the eldest of the brood, takes on the
parent-figure role, protecting the kids from the frightful world of adults, especially landlord Stanton. Pacing and plot development are very slow but effectively detail the changes the children undergo as they grow and learn to accept Stanton as a friend. The latter gives a strong performance as
a crusty gent who is really pretty cool.
Released:
1974
Rated:
G
Length:
96 mins