This is a family movie set in 1950's rural America about a boy whose Uncle presses sheep-killing charges against his dog Drum, starting not only a family legal feud but community discord as their town begins to take sides. This is formula film that attempts to be very touching and sweet. It's biggest weakness is that the only people who could really act were Scott Bakula, Ron Perlman and the dog. (John Shuck and Kathy Garver, "Sissy" from the original "Family Affair," as the Uncle and his wife, were okay.) The children were not that good (basically they looked like they were acting) and that's a problem when the film really revolves around them (Aaron Fors, who plays the bully Donny makes me think of what the actor Russell Crowe must have looked liked as a child, only with no talent but a lot of ham). Ron Perlman plays the widowed father of Drum's young master. It was nice to 1) actually see him and not him with a lot of make up on and 2) see him not kill anyone for a change. He plays a strong, loving Dad and has some nice tender moments with his love interest (Alexis O'Keefe). Favorite line (spoken by the Prosecutor after Scott Bakula's Defense closing trial speech): "We'll be lucky if they don't lynch us." Favorite line spoken by Ron Perlman (after his son punches the bully): "Now making him your friend, that will be the hard part." Availability: VHS, DVD, suggest: Amazon http://www.amazon.com, I have bought from them, new and used, for years and have had no problems. Please remember to make sure the VHS/DVD is compatible with your country/region. Cute enough to rent/buy used. The Region 1 DVD has deleted scenes that add to Ron Perlman's character as well as an audio commentary with director Sean McNamara, producer David Brookwell and director of photography Mark Doering-Powell and this is what they had to say about working with Ron Perlman: DB = "I remember watching Ron Perlman's dailies, and at first I guess I, it's not how I read the character, but he was playing such a muted, subtle Charles Burden. After a while, all of a sudden, it just works, it just definitely works for the character. He comes across as such a strong father figure." SM = "Strong father figure from the 50's." MDP = "He's really underplayed it, very smooth and natural." SM = "Fantastic performance, just amazing." ... SM = "Just trying to find some really nice lighting for everybody." DB = "Sean, quiet, I'm watching the movie. Ron Perlman is so great here." (sheriff almost takes Drum scene) SM = "Yeah, great acting." ... SM = "I like this scene. I think the actors did a good job." (Charles walking Ann to car scene) MDP = "I think we got some hoots and hollers when they actually..." SM/MDP = "go outside" MDP = "from the crew." ... MDP = "I love this scene right here. It's great. The look on Ron Perlman's face." (Charles talking to his son about Ann) (laughter when Charles reacts to Charlie saying "Of course, I wouldn't want her around all the time.") DB = "Great look." SM = "He becomes the Beast from 'Beauty and the Beast.'" (when Charles wrestles with Charlie on the couch). By Tressa Lee Breen.
VIDEO VHS - NTSC
- English subtitles VHS - NTSC
- Close-captioned
DVD
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