User Reviews

I found this a very nice look at what some kids have to live through. Kristy McNichol was very good for the part. Again I'll emphasize it being a '77' era movie, which I think makes it better. Enjoy, don't miss it.

Some of the child acting isn't top notch but they are children and the budget for these movies wasn't very high. The point of what occurs with different kids shines through and makes this movie. I recommend it.

I found this a very nice look at what some kids have to live through. Kristy McNichol was very good for the part. Again I'll emphasize it being a '77' era movie, which I think makes it better. Enjoy, don't miss it.

Some of the child acting isn't top notch but they are children and the budget for these movies wasn't very high. The point of what occurs with different kids shines through and makes this movie. I recommend it.

TV-made adaptation of Betsy Byars' young adult novel stars Kristy McNichol, Johnny Doran and Sparky Marcus as three outcasts--troubled, interesting kids--who cross paths when they come to stay with an elderly foster couple. They learn truths about themselves and about friendship: how to find it, how to keep it. Kristy McNichol is the surly, mercurial Carlie, and her tough, tomboyish attitude never seems put on; the role isn't a big departure from McNichol's 'Buddy' on TV's "Family", though Carlie isn't a daddy's girl: she's a wiseacre, an alienated kid who can't see that she pushes people away. Why writer Jim Inman and director Richard Bennett felt the need to pat the characters on their collective heads like puppies at the end may be one reason this afterschool drama wasn't more successful. The courage to tackle the subject of foster kids is definitely here, but the follow-through is plastic-coated.

We had to watch this in the 5th grade after reading the book. Not to be that guy - but the book was better. I'm not saying that either are very good, but the book is better than the two. The acting is pretty bad here. I wouldn't recommend it.