Customer Reviews

The Prince of Central Park (1976 TV-movie)

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

 

 

I loved the book, and remember being excited to rush home and watch this ABC Afterschool Special. Although the story was tampered with (adding a younger sister), it followed the story fairly faithfully: JJ is a 'tween in the NYC foster care system, with a foster mother who cares more about the check she receives than the children in her care. He decides to escape, and finds a treehouse in ruins in the middle of Central Park (a relic of the Depression-era "Hooverville" of the homeless) as his "castle".

TJ Hargrave is charming and convincing as JJ; Ruth Gordon is a park regular he befriends. There's a fringe drug dealer who tries to pull JJ into his crew; adds peril to the plot, and a good chase scene. Overall, a sweet film that touches on the struggle for survival, the search for love & acceptance, and the ways we create the family ties we are not born with.

It's been years since I've seen this film running on cable, but every time I see the title I check to see if it's this version, and not the deplorable 2000 Kathleen Turner/Danny Aiello film that uses only an iota the original story. A sad note: the young star of the film, Timothy John "TJ" Hargrave, was killed on September 11, 2001 at age 38; he was a vice president at Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center.

Let's get this movie on DVD. I remember this one as a kid my self. As one who was fascinated with Tree Houses and Scooters, this was an inspiration to me. I'd love for my children to see this one.

what memories came when i popped in this movie i forgot alot of the stuff the bully , Mrs. miller , the Merry go around scene, no no i take that back about Mrs. miller who could forget her and the treehouse. this is just a delightful film i hope that someday it will get put on DVD. it's about two orphans that run away and hide in Central Park this movie is about love,trust and honor a very moving picture.

Highly Recommended Title For Kids.