Seeing this film made me go to the library to read Coffin's autobiography. It is sad that heroes like John Fairfield have been largely denied to history by narrow-minded gatekeepers who felt that some love ought not be allowed to speak its own name. Some of that is changing, albeit far too slowly. Even here, with Disney funding, some OGHP (offensive gratuitous heterosexist propaganda) had to be inserted. However, this is my favourite film. Larry B. Scott and Robert Caradine are perfectly cast. The dedication line in the end credits (with dates of birth and death) is quite telling. We look forward to a time when such flying under the radar need no longer be necessary.
3 Reviews
Help needed PLEASE. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS
timhoodsr30 October 2018
Even in war, humanity becomes the gift of life.
mark.waltz13 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Call this "Revenge of the Freedom Fighters" as two stars of the "Revenge of the Nerds" franchise (Robert Carradine and Larry B. Scott) re-team for this powerful historical drama about lifelong friends who move on past their backgrounds to help others, inevitably helping each other and their own souls. Scott, born into slavery, befriended southern born Carradine as a child, and devoted to each other decide to work together to help slaves make their way to the north.
The subject of racism is bluntly dealt with as a little white southern girl, not even five years old, is shown to believe herself above blacks, treating them with contempt, even when one saves her from a pig pen. As word of what Carradine and Scott are going gets around, they are asked for help, but some turn it down since they're happy working in the house where they feel they're treated kindly. Carradine develops feelings for house slave Renee Jones and desperately tries to help her after a shocking twist.
Carradine and Scott are sensational, with both showing nearly angelic characteristics in doing what's right even as they risk horrific repercussions. Carradine, as the son of slave owners, recalls gifting Scott a pet frog as a way of cementing their friendship, showing the wisdom of children over the prejudices of adults. A beautiful choral number, "Walking to Jerusalem", highlights a terrific montage. As a Disney episode, this has been overlooked in the history of TV movies, and is one of the very best of the 1980's.
The subject of racism is bluntly dealt with as a little white southern girl, not even five years old, is shown to believe herself above blacks, treating them with contempt, even when one saves her from a pig pen. As word of what Carradine and Scott are going gets around, they are asked for help, but some turn it down since they're happy working in the house where they feel they're treated kindly. Carradine develops feelings for house slave Renee Jones and desperately tries to help her after a shocking twist.
Carradine and Scott are sensational, with both showing nearly angelic characteristics in doing what's right even as they risk horrific repercussions. Carradine, as the son of slave owners, recalls gifting Scott a pet frog as a way of cementing their friendship, showing the wisdom of children over the prejudices of adults. A beautiful choral number, "Walking to Jerusalem", highlights a terrific montage. As a Disney episode, this has been overlooked in the history of TV movies, and is one of the very best of the 1980's.
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