The promo reads "Around Every Corner in America There's a Story Waiting To Be Told." The story here is about native Americans. One family in particular.
Mollie moves her two teenage daughters, and her young son, to a new neighborhood when they are expelled from their Indian Reservation after the death of her husband.
With no where else to go she goes to her cousin Anna, who lives on Grand Avenue.
Mollie has a drinking problem, can't hold down a job and has demons from her past.
The oldest daughter, Justine (portrayed perfectly by the beautiful and talented Deeny Dakota,) is an angry and rebellious girl. However, she has redeeming qualities. She is vulnerable and right from the start it is apparent she is hiding this behind her toughness, sexuality and her edge.
Her sister, Alice, is more reserved and responsible. She's the one that looks after little brother, Sheldon.
It's about a rough neighborhood, and the different races there, Blacks and Latinos, too. The Black gang thinks the native Americans are Latino. The black girl gang want to cut Justine, because she was messin with one of their men. This is the new "West Side Story."
It's also a soap opera in many ways. Past secrets etc.
This story is excellent. Superbly written, if you can get past the F-word (but hey folks, that's the way they really talk.)
Originally this was a two part mini-series on HBO. It can be bought or rented in a two video set.
Filmed on location in Santa Rosa, CA and Produced by Robert Redford. Yes, the Robert Redford. It co-stars A. Martinez, most recently of "General Hospital," and Alexis Cruz of "Touched By An Angel."
But the real star of the show is Deeny Dakota. This is her character's story. And Miss Dakota is as fine an actress as there has ever been.