The Summer Of Ben Tyler

Brimming over with the milk of human kindness, THE SUMMER OF BEN TYLER is a plea for tolerance stamped with the Hallmark Hall of Fame seal of pristine earnestness. The issues are clearly stated; the dramatic conflicts are tidily drawn; the end result is gratifying but lacking in urgency.

During WWII, in the sleepy Southern town of Maitland Mills, lawyer Temple Rayburn (James Woods) has a promising practice, an adoring wife, Celia (Elizabeth McGovern), and a precocious daughter, Nell (Julia McIlvaine). Not comprehending the quid pro quo nature of politics, Temple agrees to run for public office under the sponsorship of town pillar Spencer Maitland (Len Cariou). W...