Thin Ice

This movie is about a teacher who has an affair with one of her students. The story, screenplay, direction, acting are all below par. A very dull movie

Nonexploitative TV-movie has Kate Jackson cast as an attractive widow and teacher in her mid-20s who has an affair with one of her students, a strapping, 18-year-old high school senior and sailing aficionado (they bond while at sea!). Once the scandal breaks (via some anonymous letters), she's ostracized in her small community and faces losing her job. Dramatic effort from writer David Epstein and director Paul Aaron is more substantial than it may first appear; Jackson is conflicted, hurt and confused--but also in love, which makes for some emotional moments. Playing Kate's love-interest, straw-haired Gerard Prendergast is a bit too dim, however, and too muscular when sized up opposite his leading lady (he doesn't seem like someone she'd have more than a passing interest in). There's one terrific moment wherein Jackson goes to the young man's house after the affair hits the fan to talk with his mother (Louise Latham) which is handled with great care and taste by both ladies and the director. Lillian Gish is also nice to have around as Kate's grandma. Not bad!

In my younger years I was always in relationships with older women, so this film was very personally meaningful to me. The frustration and isolation that this couple felt in dealing with their community and the joy of their relationship really hit home. I was immensely pleased with the ending (such endings in real life are too rare). This may not be a great piece of drama, but I feel it was sincerely acted and realistic.

This movie was true to life and very moving to me. I enjoyed it for the value of what the director and writer were trying to get across to the audience. I think they had lived it themselves. I like Kate Jackson as an actress...I think she is tops.