Dream House

For me, this film has one of those fuzzy, golden auras about it. A naive and beautiful man building something out of nothing for the sake of the woman he loves? Wow. How romantic it was, reassuring you that life is as wonderful as you know it can be.

OK, so I haven't seen this movie since it was first televised, and yeah, I was 9 years old at the time, and sure, I was pretty sure in those days John Schneider was the most perfect man on the planet and I was destined to live happily ever after with him (or at least win a date with his through that Teen Beat contest -- which was obviously rigged). But I maintain that it must have been one of the purest, simplest, sweetest movies ever made.

I'm sure the film (just like anything from childhood reexamined in the light of adult experience) would not stand up to a grownup's cynicism. The plot contrived? The acting less than stellar? Maybe. But who cares? I don't plan to see it again, because I prefer the sweet memory.

For those of you who haven't seen it, if you do, try to look at it through the eyes of who you were then, because the '80s were definitely a very different time. Take yourself back to that place where Friday night Dukes of Hazzard viewings were big social events, when Hot Wheels, some Garanimals and an Olivia Newton John record were all you needed to be happy. Grab yourself a cold Tab and some Jiffy Pop, plop yourself down in your beanbag chair and you're ready for a night of fine entertainment.

John Schnieder plays a carpenter who meets and romances this lady played by Marilu Henner. She is only in town to give conferences on construction for 4 days. They date for four days and she goes back to NY. John (Charlie) loads up his truck and goes to NY to find her and make her his wife. Although this city girl is not convinced, Charlie has a lot of patience. He buys a small strip of land in the ghetto that is wedged between two buildings: a spot where his love interest needs to build new condos. Charlie is against all odds trying to convince the girl that he loves to give him the shot that he needs and to build a house in the middle of the ghetto where the gangs go to great lengths to show him he's not welcome. Great movie. I liked this show. I just watched it today. I had my friend record it from HBO many, many years ago and the quality was not great, but it was nice to watch it again. It's a great show. If you liked this one, you will like the movie: The Last Fling staring John Ritter. I think you will have to settle for VHS. It's hard to find, but worth it. ~ Pat

Wow, this was a bad movie. I remember how bad it was when it aired the first time. John Schneider is a home builder who comes to the big city to an empty lot. Despite insurmountable problems and hardships he manages to build his "dream House" on an empty lot in the middle of the city. Imagine putting the Cleaver house on Wall Street. This was a bad idea that made a bad movie.

Country guy and contractor/builder John Schneider follows city planner Marilu Henner to the Big Apple, after he had a fling with her in his small town in Georgia. What follows is unbelievable, far-fetched, and beyond description, if the beginning wasn't enough for you. But that is why we love TV movies like this. This couldn't happen in today's world, could it? He pesters her with flowers and comes to her door, expecting to stay. She of course is flabbergasted by his pure and persistent pursuit of her and she wants nothing to do with him, wait, yes, no, well… Parking tickets lead him to buy a lot to park his huge camper in, and that leads to run-ins with thugs who want him out. But he is steadfast in his intentions to build a house on the property in a bad part of town. Sound incredible! This predictable and simple TV movie is a charming and enjoyable crowd-pleaser. Sit back and take in the world of the early 1980s, a time period best preserved by John Schneider TV movies like this.

This movie has remained one of my favorites over the years. John Schneider's performance was outstanding. This is a movie that gives you hope and tells you to "never give up"! As an architectural designer, I could watch this movie over and over again. Lob-lolly pine has been a material I have not forgotten in over 20 years. This movie leaves a lasting impression on you. A sweet love story with an heroic ending. Good things do happen to those who persevere. I wish we had more movies like this one today. Simple, pure, exciting, fun, creative, fresh and everlasting. I want to show this film to my children. I'd love to build this house for real. Thanks John!