My Sweet Charlie

One of the best films to come out of the 1970's was originally made for television. MY SWEET CHARLIE was a sensitive and intense film originally broadcast on NBC directed by Lamont Johnson with a solid screenplay by famed television writing team Richard Levinson and William Link. The film stars Patty Duke as Marlene, a 17-year old, Southern, bigoted, uneducated girl, who, upon learning she's pregnant, runs away from home and finds refuge in one of those boarded up summer houses on the Carolina coast. Her solitude is broken when Charlie (Al Freeman Jr.) also arrives at the house. Charlie is a well-spoken, intelligent, African American attorney who is also seeking refuge because we learn he is on the run and it is the relationship that develops between these two polar opposites brought together by circumstance that forms the basis of this involving story as we watch instant mistrust and resentment between these two people trapped for very different reasons learn to trust and respect each other. Patty Duke won an Emmy for her superb performance and Al Freeman Jr.'s equally memorable performance earned him a nomination as well. Detailed direction by Johnson and a meticulously crafted script are just icing on the cake. A groundbreaking film from the 70's that earned so much acclaim that it was actually released theatrically overseas. A classic, pure and simple.

This story reminds me another TV feature - SUMMER OF MY German SOLDIER - that I watched a couple of weeks ago. The story of a young woman - or girl - who was in love - or involved - in a relationship with a German POW in America. This time, that's not a Nazi POW which it is about but an escaped negro convict and it takes place in the South Texas please...That's nearly the very same scheme, a very moving, poignant story, the struggle against racism and prejudices, préconceptions of all kinds. I am not surprised that so many people reminded this TV movie from their childhood, when it was released. And strangely, maybe you will laugh at me for what I am going to say, but this white female and black male scheme reminds me another film, a horror movie, where there was no classical and predictable love interest between the two of them, a strong story, where the two of those very different people had to fight against the out world.

See what I am talking about?

I speak of course of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. In this feature too, you had a white female and a black man, both closed in a house which did not belong to them, and both had to fight against zombies. Here, no zombies, but racism or full of prejudices people.

So, with this movie which I am talking now, I perfectly understand the metaphor of the George Romero film, where the zombies could represent the racist prejudgment of this era.

But maybe I am wrong after all. See for yourself.

The chemistry between Patty Duke and Al Freeman Jr. is merely fascinating. Freeman was primarily a stage actor who got all too few chances on film. He was given his best role here, and makes quite an unforgettable impact. Duke is totally believable in her naivete and her ability, to learn, albeit slowly, even in the face of bleak desperation. Ford Rainey is unforgettable in a small role.

Very touching. This makes a nice point about prejudice without being preachy. I'd like to show this one to my daughter -- and to kids growing up around racial prejudice... I saw this film over 30 years ago and I still remember the story, acting, etc., as being wonderful. (Watch the trailer!)

Granted, I am biased in that I have been a long-time fan of Ms. Duke's, dating back to 1962. But I am objective enough in my observations as a student of film, and a video producer myself, to realize - and highly recommend - the excellence of this splendid television production, adapted from the novel by David Westheimer.

The writing, acting, direction and production values are quite above-norm. Filmed entirely on location in Texas, the film captures the realistic flavor of the novel, which focused on the conflict naturally evolving between an uneducated, white, pregnant teenager and a black Northern attorney, drawn fatefully together by circumstances and differing forms of social prejuidice.

The characters, as portrayed by Ms. Duke and Mr. Freeman, emerge as possibly one of the finest two-character studies ever produced for television.

Ms. Duke won her first Emmy award (1970) for her exceptional work in this production. Producers Levinson & Link (who were then novices), also received an Emmy for their script, as did Ed Abroms for editing. Director Lamont Johnson was awarded the coveted DGA for Best TV Director. In total, the film received 8 Emmy nominations.

This was not only a critically acclaimed production; CHARLIE received a 31.7 rating and 48 Nielsen share. It represents a "breakthrough" effort in the TV industry arena. Due to its unprecedented success, writers and producers were encouraged to develop other serious-subject, controversial projects for the networks, vs. Hollywood. CHARLIE laid the groundwork for other TV productions, like ROOTS, THE EXECUTION OF PRIVATE SLOVIK, and many more above-par TV productions, to occur.

Although now 30+ years old, the film stands as an important work that honestly reflected our society's (still-existent) racial tensions and misunderstandings. It remains a brilliant hallmark in the evolution of better television fare.