Eliza (Sydney Penney) is a widow with two young children, a boy and a girl. Her husband's family owns a beautiful orange orchard in California, where gorgeous mountains can be seen over the horizon. Also, living with her is her grouchy father-in-law and an older relative named Aunt Batty (Shirley Jones). One day, the patriarch asks Eliza to make the children leave school, temporarily, and help with the farm, as there is much, much work to be done. Reluctantly, she agrees. But, soon after, the grandfather passes away from a heart attack and the future is suddenly very much in doubt. With a mortgage and taxes due and the money supply riding on the harvest, how will two women and two children bring in the heavy crop? Fortunately, a handsome drifter comes by, willing to work for food and board. Named Gabe (Jason Gedrick), he seems congenial and hard-working but refuses to say much about himself or his past. Soon, the ladies and the kids have taken him into their hearts and rely on his help and advice. But, even so, with cold temperatures threatening the crops and with bank representatives breathing over their necks, will they be able to save the orchard and sustain themselves? Could it be, too, that Eliza and Gabe may be falling in love? This lovely, lovely film should not be hidden from ANYONE! It has a beautiful story, fine acting, gorgeous scenery, valuable lessons, high standards and no objectionable material. It is truly a film for everyone in the family and for all those who believe the film industry has nothing to offer but filth. Penney is beautiful and touching, long after her child acting days (see Pale Rider). Gedrick, too, is handsome and talented while Jones is an absolute delight and joy. All other cast members, including Tom Bosley, are very fine indeed. Also, the setting is most beautiful, evoking comparisons with A Walk in the Clouds, among others. The night scenes of the flaming smoke pots trying to keep the crop warm are outstanding. Most importantly, the film has wonderful lessons in courage, faith, love, diligence and more. Do not hesitate, whoever you are or whatever your beliefs, to seek out this glorious bit of movie-making. There are few films that would earn the highest praise possible, as this one certainly, ringingly does.
Review of Hidden Places
Hidden Places
(2006 TV Movie)
No one should ever hide this film from anyone! It's the loveliest of the loveliest!
1 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers