Product Details

• Actors: James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Len Cariou, Julia McIlvaine, Kevin Isola
• Directors: Arthur Allan Seidelman
• Writers: Robert Inman
• Producers: Bill Pace, Brent Shields, Dan Witt, Jeffrey R. Coates, Richard P. Kughn
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Hallmark
• VHS Release Date: April 20, 1999
• Run Time: 110 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1574924281
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #225,276 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

There's a reason the Hallmark Hall of Fame series is so acclaimed. They're well-done, thoughtful productions, and The Summer of Ben Tyler is no exception. James Woods and Elizabeth McGovern are credible, likeable, and warm as Temple and Celia Rayburn, who live in a small Southern town at the beginning of World War II. The parents of young and precocious Nell (an utterly marvelous Julia McIlvaine), they've also taken into their home Ben Tyler (an understated and very handsome Charles Mattocks), the son of their deceased "colored" housekeeper. But this is the South in the 1940s, and what is obviously kind integrity is interpreted by the close-minded town as a challenge to its outdated--and immoral--mores. Nell allows Ben to take the blame for the fire she's accidentally set in a neighbor's field. When the son of the town's richest man is accused of manslaughter, Temple is brought in to defend him. As the trial unfolds, he's confronted with a moral dilemma. Despite the heavy subject matter, this film remains buoyant and hopeful. The acting is superb and the story expresses well its positive messages of friendship, family, trustworthiness, loyalty, morality, humanity, honesty, and strength. While Woods has been heralded for many roles in which he's played the bad guy (Ghosts of Mississippi), it's completely refreshing to see him play a profoundly good guy--and he does a darn good job, too. --N.F. Mendoza

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very human look at the time, May 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Summer of Ben Tyler [VHS] (VHS Tape)

In the tradition of To Kill A Mockingbird, the film takes a look at the realities of a time and the people who lived in it. It is less heavy than Mockingbird, but still takes a real, serious, and human look at the impact -- subtle and not -- of racism and the society where it was normal. It is also quite refreshing to see James Woods in a quality film and playing a normal, sane "good guy."

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You won't be disappointed!!!, January 15, 2008

By 

Donna (South Dakota) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Summer of Ben Tyler [VHS] (VHS Tape)

In a world where there seem to be fewer and fewer quality and wholesome movies available that appeal to both adults and children...this movie is like a breath of fresh air. I have watched it many many times and will watch it many more. This story shows how a lawyer and his supportive family stick together to do what is right despite sacrifices that will affect their future. The actors are incredible, and the story is extrememly heartwarming. A must see!