18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best TV Film of 1970, April 17, 2001
This review is from: My Sweet Charlie [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Granted, I am biased in that I have been a long-time fan of Ms. Duke's, dating back to 1962. But I am objective enough in my observations as a student of film, and a video producer myself, to realize - and highly recommend - the excellence of this splendid television production, adapted from the novel by David Westheimer.
The writing, acting, direction and production values are quite above-norm. Filmed entirely on location in Texas, the film captures the realistic flavor of the novel, which focused on the conflict naturally evolving between an uneducated, white, pregnant teenager and a black Northern attorney, drawn fatefully together by circumstances and differing forms of social prejuidice. The characters, as portrayed by Ms. Duke and Mr. Freeman, emerge as possibly one of the finest two-character studies ever produced for television.
Ms. Duke won her first Emmy award (1970) for her exceptional work in this production. Producers Levinson & Link (who were then novices),also received an Emmy for their script, as did Ed Abroms for editing. Director Lamont Johnson was awarded the coveted DGA for Best TV Director. In total, the film receive 8 Emmy nominations.
This was not only a critically acclaimed production; CHARLIE received a 31.7 rating and 48 Nielsen share. It represents a "breakthrough" effort in the TV industry arena. Due to its unprecedented success, writers and producers were encouraged to develop other serious-subject, controversial projects for the networks, vs. Hollywood. CHARLIE laid the groundwork for other TV productions, like ROOTS, THE EXECUTION OF PRIVATE SLOVIK, and many more above-par TV productions, to occur.
Although now 30+ years old, the film stands as an important work that honestly reflected our society's (still-existent) racial tensions and misunderstandings. It remains a brilliant hallmark in the evolution of better television fare.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
My first understanding of what racism is, July 25, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: My Sweet Charlie [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is one of my favorite tv movies of the seventies which is about racism in the south. The performances of the two lead actors are excellent. Patty Duke won a richly deserved Emmy Award for her role showing that her Oscar for the 'Miracle Worker' was not just a fluke. Al Freeman Jr. should of have won as well but that's Hollywood. This film opened my eyes to the real world showing me how ignorant people can really be. Unfortunately, things have not changed much since its release, however, it's still a great film to watch and analyze!
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT movie, August 28, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: My Sweet Charlie [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Being a HUGE Patty Duke fan, this has always been my favorite movie of hers. It really showcases her enormous talent. Much like TV's Archie Bunker, Patty Duke plays a racist in the beginning, but the viewer soon learns that the character is not really mean, but just too ignorant to know the errors of her ways. It's a heartwarming experience, as well as a comment civil rights, that sadly, is still relevant today.
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