One of the best films to come out of the 1970's was originally made for television.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.
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Isaac585519 February 2008
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gevaultski18 April 2001Granted, 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. -
capefear66628 August 2007I was roughly 11 when this movie hit the TV, it was a clean direct to the point first time view of what life was really like in regards to race from that time period. It was a classic eye opener, and yes what a heart warming story, I would love to see it again. I was not even sure who starred in it until I finally started punching in movie names with Charlie in it and found it on this site. Sadly I think only my generation could appreciate such a movie back then, this generation would turn it off. Seeing these comments on this movie reminds me that I grew up at the very best time anyone could, the 60's and 70's. Thank you
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hrd196320 November 2003Though Patty Duke is probably best known for her Oscar-winning work as Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker", this extraordinary made-for-TV movie contains what is easily her finest screen performance. She is never less than believable as the frightened, immature, uneducated Southern girl who, pregnant with her lover's child and abandoned by both him and her family, takes refuge in a deserted seaside house. There, her solitary wait for the birth of her child is broken by the unexpected arrival of Al Freeman Jr., a black militant on the run for killing a white man. Their relationship, at first defined by mutual contempt and hostility, slowly evolves into a touching love story. The ending is unforgettable. Duke and Freeman share a wonderful chemistry and both were deservedly Emmy-nominated (Duke won; Freeman, regrettably, did not). Patty Duke was as talented as any leading actess of her generation and her work here confirms that.
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Melodramatic and contrived though it may be, this acclaimed television drama about the budding friendship between a temporarily homeless, pregnant white girl and a black man running from the law attempts to do a real service in examining race relations in the late-'60s south. Richard Levinson and William Link adapted David Westheimer's novel (and failed Broadway play) with great care and sensitivity, and the dialogue between these two disparate, desperate characters is often raw and ultimately rewarding. The central situation, however--two luckless people in a resort town closed for the off-season, taking refuge in a lighthouse cottage--is pure hokum. Patty Duke won the Emmy for Outstanding Leading Actress, though her affectation in the early scenes shows her insecurity, not the character's; Al Freeman, Jr.'s angry black lawyer from the north is also tough to swallow, however both performers do improve as the tale unfolds, and the finale is quietly affecting.
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the_old_roman26 August 2001The 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.
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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!)
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carl1702 November 2005I remember this from my Childhood here in England. Its a film that makes you cry at the end. I don't mind admitting it. I have searching for this film for 30 years (* The title of it) And it was only yesterday that a a person who uses this website helped me find the film's title.
That person is - ladyboss1717 - (*That's her code name!!!). I wish to thank that person in helping me find a classic, classic movie that could easily be made into a blockbuster - (She helped me on the 1st Nov, 2005 - to find this film). Its got that "Green Mile, Captain Courageous and Shawshank Redemption" vibe about it. Its that good. Trust me!
Basicially its about - A pregnant white Southern girl and a black New York lawyer, both on the run in rural Texas, meet up in a boarded-up, abandoned house and realize they both need each other in order to survive. THey eventually would you believe it fall in Love.
You need to see the story to see what I mean about "Eventually fall in Love"...
Its another tear jerkier!! If anyone who works in Hollywood. Please, please serioulsy consider re-making this film. But do it properly!! Treat with care!! This is a classic....
Carl Brown - Ipswich, England -
gregor818 February 2004I first saw this movie 30 years ago, and it still remains as fresh and timely as when it was made. I have always been a Patty Duke fan, and even if you aren't you should check this out for the acting of both lead actors. A masterpiece!
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morphius_au@yahoo.com24 February 2005I remember this movie from my childhood going back 30 years ago and out of all the movies I have seen since then, this is one I have wished to see again for a very long time. Unfortunately they don't them like this anymore. A movie that has a lasting impression on a 9 year old and strong enough to last through the decades. Congratulations to IMDb for giving people like me a forum and avenue to look up these great old movies and rekindle some of the magic of destroyers and making it so easy to track these movie titles down from 30 years ago by simply typing in an actors name.
THREE CHEERS TO IMDb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
tommyhargrove772 January 2011Like the All in the family sitcom,and similar sitcoms of the early 70's,this movie was created, to viciously attack the racial bigotry,prejudice,and ignorance,that we all have inside us in certain degrees.Duke and Freeman Jr.,were both excellent in their roles - yet if I were the director of this movie, it would have been more intense,and the end different,instead of the painfully shocking,disappointing conclusion we all know of.There should have been a spin off TV series after this movie,like THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT.Sally Struthers,would have made a great replacement for Duke - and Denzel for Freeman.People just don't carry plots to maturity.This movie,left us with the rather embarrassing social thought in relating to people of other races back then," What now? Since we now see from how offensive and primitive these characters related to each other in this movie!"
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smswenson7 December 2001Naive, pregnant white teen and black lawyer hide in an abandoned house to escape racial and social prejudice in the 1960's South. Theatrical-quality main performances, solid supporting cast and still-relevant theme. Elements of "In the Heat of the Night" (1967) and "Badlands" (1973). (Rating: A)
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searchanddestroy-126 June 2016This 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.