This made-for-television film, based on Nathaniel Benchley's book "Welcome to Xanadu", is a gem among the recently released films from the Warner Brother's archives.

The Setup

Stranded when her truck breaks down, 17-year-old Doris Mae (Linda Blair) accepts a ride from Leonard Hatch (Martin Sheen), unaware he’s an escaped mental patient. Held against her will, Doris Mae is taken to Leonard’s ramshackle hideout, a cabin nestled deep within the woods. Frightened at first, she soon finds her captor to be a kind and caring soul.

Director: Lee Philips

Writer: Edward Hume

Stars: Linda Blair, Martin Sheen and Jeanne Cooper

I was initially skeptical of 'Sweet Hostage' after having recently seen 'Badlands' and wondering how close the two films would actually be to one another -- but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself captivated by this character driven, simple story.

Leonard (Sheen) escapes from a Boston asylum