Un sacré parcours

headed by Art Pearl and the University of Oregon, I think. The film is in part a celebration of the success of the program in demonstrating the academic capability of low-status, "at-risk" students. It was made during a time of conservative attacks on such programs, and in this regard it was an important film.

It's easy to see why a teacher would choose this film for a high school class, especially if she wants students to examine the mantras of (educational) hierarchy intoned endlessly by right-wing populists. Sadly, the film remains relevant in 2007. Students like Mary are clearly ill-served by the rigid, standardized testing regimes prescribed by legislation like Bush's No Child Left Behind.

Kristy McNichol plays real-life Mary Groda-Lewis, who spent four years as a troubled teenager in reform school in the 1960s, soon diagnosed with dyslexia, showing a flair for literature and being chosen to participate in the Upward Bound program, giving delinquent kids a taste of college life. TV-movie covers many years of Mary's life, following her on an arduous journey from drop-out to motherhood to stroke victim to wife to medical student. Unfortunately, Clifford Campion's teleplay is overstuffed with melodrama, which makes the film's first 30mns exhausting to wade through. Director Robert Day isn't able to capture the look of the era due to the financial constraints of the medium, and his overall handling of the material is gummy and warm (with a determined tug at the heartstrings). McNichol, however, gives her usual forthright performance.

I realize that the film is based on a book and a true story. This lady was always one tough cookie as portrayed by actress Kristy McNichol. Boy did she overcome the barriers. She was always independent and strong. She was always noble and fair with her kids. Her husband in the film was portrayed by actor David Paymer. I'm guessing that he and I both are xxy males. Thus, I'm guessing that the husband in the film was one as well. The husband in the film was perfect for this woman and really backed her up. I guess she figured he was someone she could handle. Still, to take this guy was noble on her part, I think. Given this, I am also curious about the history of the husband. David Paymer is a role model of mine. I like this lady doctor, her kids, and her husband. I like what they are about. I would like to contact them. I still have yet to read the book. Anyway, what an amazing story, what an amazing film. Way back in 1985 and still on my mind.

Dean

I was forced to watch this movie for my LifeStyles Theology class, and if nothing else, it amused me. I'm sure there was a good message behind it all but some parts were so unintentionally funny... There are too many random things happening in this movie. They go to commercial, come back and she has a baby! And then she's pregnant again, with no explanation as to who the father is. After being forced to use a walker after complications during childbirth, she miraculously just throws it down and walks away. Her father makes the comment, "Wow, you did that left handed." They never really explained why she got into so much trouble when she was younger. All that we learn is that she has dyslexia and her family was poor, which apparently led to stealing cars. She and David, her love interest, break up for no apparent reason, and then, what do you know? Next scene, it says "One Year Later", he's at the door and pours rice on her head. They get married. Had they been dating this whole time? Was that a single fight and then they made up? I don't know... Too many unanswered questions. If this was based on a real woman, kudos to her for surviving through the drama that was her life but the movie did her no justice.

Melissa

..... she was my doctor for years! I never saw this, but was just informed of this fact (by an MA who worked with her- I am now in the process of hunting this movie down!). She was (is) an amazing person who never used any problem or diagnosis for an excuse- this doctor would be triple-booked and sill manage to see all her patients in the time her counterparts took to see patients in a "normal" schedule! She retired and moved back 'home' this past summer (2007) and I can tell you, from myself and my husband, she is one of a kind and sorely missed! Dr. Mary, if you read this- Chris and Crystal send their love and miss you lots! :)