The year is 1969; the place Haight-Ashbury San Francisco. Ralph Arlyck, a film student from San Francisco State, interviews Sean Farrell, a remarkably articulate four and a half year old. Their conversation, as well as the scenes of Sean's life, are both delightful and disturbing.
The film student and the pre-schooler discuss such wide ranging topics as drug use, police brutality, gender roles, theology, Native Americans and travel. Sean may have another six months before he turns five but he's already a committed atheist, distrusts the police and claims to be a drug user. He explains how to recognize "Speed Freaks." They're skinny and creepy. Safe to say this little dude knows a thing or two about life.
Sean is a sweet and very lovable child. He's a boy with a quick wit and a good heart. But is he innocent? Not quite. He knows too much to be considered guileless and that's the fascination of this short film. How much knowledge is too much for a child?
The 1960's occupied only ten brief years; one decade. But the chasm it represents between the 1950's and the 70's is huge. Anyone with an interest in 20th Century America history should watch this film.