Product Details

• Actors: Timothy Bottoms, Rip Torn, Ed Begley, Allyn Ann McLerie, Mason Adams
• Directors: Stuart Margolin
• Format: Color, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: RCA Columbia Pictures Home Video
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000AA5DQG
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,079 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Timothy Bottoms stars as the real-life John Baker in the made-for-TV A Shining Season A champion University of New Mexico track athlete, the 25-year-old Baker is only momentarily halted when he is diagnosed with terminal cancer. His efforts to coach a losing girls' track team in his last months proves an inspiration for the sports world in general, and for a similarly doomed child in particular. Adapted by William Harrison from the book by William Buchanan, this film was first telecast the day after Christmas, 1979.cast Mason Adams Ed Begley, Jr. Benjamin Bottoms Timothy Bottoms Constance Forslund Ellen Geer Allyn Ann McLerie Rip Torn

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent movie with an inspiring message for all of us, August 20, 2005

By 

Sally Thurman (Columbia, Tennessee United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Shining Season (VHS Tape)

This movie was made around 1970. I saw it years ago on network tv & never could forget it. Years later I wanted to buy it, but I couldn't remember the title, but happened to be channelsurfing one day & realized this was it. It is about John Baker, track star, who no doubt would have gone to the Olympics, but was diagnosed with cancer. He died at the age of 26. That is only the surface of the movie. He was a phys. ed. teacher at an elementary school & worked with the most troubled & difficult children to make them feel self worth & make something of themselves. He was a teacher in the true sense of the word. I enjoyed the movie so much, I bought the book of the same name which is excellent also.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh come on put Timothy Bottoms' great performance on DVD!, September 25, 2011

By 

oldstuffdeservesdvdtoo - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Shining Season (VHS Tape)

Timothy Bottoms is one of our most underrated actors. He started out with a bang with Last Picture Show, Johnny Got His Gun, Paper Chase, and in recent years ended up playing George Bush in That's My Bush etc. It's a shame that he can't get the respect and roles his Last Picture show co-star Jeff Bridges gets. A Shining Season is an example of what a fine actor he is. And it is an important, inspirational movie that is excellent viewing for the - hate to talk like this - whole family. Please put it on DVD!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Story, June 20, 2006

By 

Steven J. Marrano (Atco, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Shining Season (VHS Tape)

This made for TV movie originally came out in 1978 or 1979. I was 13 when I read the book in my public library and I was inspired by it.

It deals with the story of an olympic miler (John Baker) who was a true champion not only as an athlate but also as a teacher, coach, and mentor.

The original idea idea for the book came out of a Reader's Digest article written in the mid-1970's called "John Baker's Last Race". The article was very popular and many people asked for reprints of it.

The nice thing about this book and the movie is that they capture the true spirit of generosity and quiet heroism of "ordinary" Americans like this man.

In a fitting tribute, the school where Baker taught was re-named in his honor.

Both the book and the movie inspired and motivated me through some tough times. I hope others will read it or watch the movie.