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Well, darn... another movie that got completely ruined for me simply because I unsuspectingly read a plot synopsis somewhere. "The People" is about a young teacher who moves to a remote and secluded community (more remote or more secluded than this really isn't possible), but rapidly discovers there's something peculiar about this community. They have strange but very strict rules, and even stranger powers.

See, that is where any plot description for the film should stop, but the one I read - and almost every description/review since - also blatantly reveals the explanation of why the people in this little town are so strange. And you are not supposed to know that! It's called a plot twist!! When will websites learn?

Anyways, even with the climax ruined, "The People" remains an enjoyable made-for-television drama/thriller from the glorious early 70s. It isn't nearly as good or memorable as several other TV-thrillers from that era, but it features the same uncanny atmosphere, gritty setting, and enigmatic performances (notably from Dan Herlihy). William Shatner seems a bit disorientated as the hunky and charismatic doctor in a town where nobody cares about appearances, and lead actress Kim Darby has trouble carrying the film.

This movie is nothing if not sincere. It takes you on a bit of an emotional journey. First you want the heroine to get out of there and give these goof balls up. Then as she understands them a little better-you do too. A totally unexpected response. One can see the slow transformation of these kids and you begin to like them and root for the teacher. I watched this movie for the first time yesterday and I liked this movie, though I had never even heard of it before. Miss Darby has that simple charm and shy beauty that is rare for any one in Hollywood.

"The People" is based entirely on one of Zenna Henderson's short stories, "Pottage", which appeared in the brilliant book "Pilgrimage: The Book of the People" back in the '60s. "Pottage" is the darkest of the stories, centering on a group of people living in fear and isolation in the tiny town of Bendo, and the teacher, Melodye, who learns the truth of their origins and the secrets they keep.

In the book you've already read about The People in two other stories so you have a good idea what's coming. In the movie this should have been a major bit of suspense... but it wasn't. The written story is far more compelling than what appears on screen. Kim Darby plays Melodye with warmth, but the frustration, determination, and courage in the story is somehow muted in her performance. William Shatner plays Dr. Curtis, who has a somewhat expanded role in the movie version. Dan O'Herlihy's performance as the stern Sol Deimus is the best translation of the character to the screen.

"The People" is entertaining if woodenly acted at times. If you find a copy and have an evening to kill it is probably worth your time, but by all means read the book.

I remember seeing this as a "Movie of the Week" the first time it came on... I haven't seen it since, so I recently ordered it just for the heck of it. I hope it gives me the same warm fuzzies as, "The Point" did... :-)

After spending more than a year tracking this movie down, I finally found one on ebay.

Yes, it's disappointing to anyone who's read the books and it is based more on the story Pottage and certainly not the entire book. Francher doesn't belong in Bendo and neither does Bethie. The film takes elements from a few of Zenna's stories and creates a tale from them to fit a typical 70's TV movie.

It's ok but not what any devotee of Zenna Hendersons work would expect but if, like me, you have taken the People to heart, then this is a nice movie to add to your collection.