Customer Reviews

I Know My First Name Is Steven [VHS]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After waiting years for this movie to be released on dvd I was a little skeptical about buying a dvd-r (manufactored on demand)for $30.00 plus. However, the dvd quality is superb. There are no extras on the dvd- a disappointment since the movie is so well made. However, the strength of the film stands on its own. Performances by ALL actors are top notch. The 2 actors portraying Steve (Luke Edwards and Corin Nemec) are unsurpassd. Watching Luke Edward's character transformation from "Stevie" (innocent and naive), to "Steve" mentally abused, sexually molested, a cigarette smoking 7 year old with dark circles under his eyes is a haunting experience. A superb Made For TV movie.

During 1972 when Steven Stayner was seven, a pedophile (Kenneth Parnell) in cahoots with another (Robert Murphy) who only helps in kidnapping Steven Stayner. It is a shocking true story of the notorious case of the kidnapping of Steven Stayner where Steven had been kidnapped for seven years and during that time his abductor (Parnell) had forced the young Steven Stayner into submission as well as brainwashing him. Everything changed when Kenneth Parnell, Steven Stayner's abductor, seven years later abducts another boy Timmy White and fourteen year-old Steve Stayner rescues Timmy white from Kenneth Parnell. Then Parnell is later arrested after Steve Stayner identifies himself to authorities and then later Murphy was subsequently arrested as well. Afterward, Steven Stayner struggles with realization of the confrontation Kenneth Parrell in and outside of court and the public exposure of sexual molestation. A great and alarming true story about the kidnapping and exploitation of children.

A brillant movie, but when are they going to release this on DVD, I have had it with people selling this title on ebay for ridiculous prices and the majority of people don't know they are buying fake copies from a video. One way to put a stop to these rip off merchants RELEASE IT NOW !!! One would of thought the with the release of the book on the Yosemite killer ( the brother of steven stayner) this would of been re-released but obviously not.....that would just make good marketing sense.

I saw this movie when it aired on television and then later rented it to show it to my own kids after I heard Steven had died in a motorcycle accident. I rented it again when Carey Stayner was revealed as the Yosemite serial killer. There is actually a passage in the movie where Steven upon his return asks where his older brother is and his mom replies he's at Yosemite; "he loves it there." Now I just found out that the LA County Deputy Sheriff Timothy White, who died this past week was the 5-year-old boy kidnapped by Ken Parnell and saved by Steven Stayner. How tragic. He was only 35.

I became interested in this case from the beginning, as relatives of mine lived

across the street from the Stayner family in Merced at that time. I have a cable VHS copy of

this fine film, and am glad to see it is now on DVD. It is a riveting account of

one of the most horrendous kidnappings of our time. Even though the film ends on

a hopeful note, unfortunately it ultimately ended tragically for almost everyone

involved, while the perpetrator, Mr. Parnell received far too lenient treatment.

I wonder if the DVD adds any footnotes as to the sad fates of both victims, which

occurred well after the TV movie aired.

A movie as never affected me so deeply and made me feel in a way that I can't put into words.

Watching this movie as affected my life in a positive way and changed my outlook on life.

I feel that this movie is deeply emotional, if you had a difficult childhood yourself, it might even help you emotionally, like it did me.

At the end of this film tears were running down my eyes...

Toby Whaymand

reisebok.com

I believe this story was great; I saw it MANY many years ago on tv and wanted it on disc, but it was only available on tv whenever it would show. I realize it's an old movie, but I think it should always be shown and parents should discuss it. While it's not an After School Special, it's still very important to show.

I believe the actors did a great job in the portrayal of Steven's story. I admire Steven for his courage; I hope to name my future son after him, no foolin'.

Are they Ever going to rerelease this on DVD. they need to bring it out again. i know its a good movie. I seen it back in 1989 when it first appeared on TV, John AShton stars as Del Stayner, the father. i beleive it starts out with him home that day in 77, when he wrote his name on the garage, and then he goes to school that another day , and then he never makes it home being kidnapped by Parnell and Murphy. the guy who plays Parnell is a good actor. Steven is with Parnell for a long 7 years. he finally escapes when Parnell tries to kidnap another boy 7 to be his brother. and then Steven finally makes it home. They really need to re release this. If any one hears anything, please let me know.

GREAT movie small child that trusts a complete stranger a movie all parents need to watch that even though we teach our children stranger danger the innocent child still trusts even though we try to protect our kids the world is a dangerous place for those we love

I watched this movie when I was younger and I remembered it ever since. It's a movie that's stays in your thoughts knowing that it is a true story and these events really occured, very sad but a good finale. Great movie for awareness with your childrens safety.