Hidden Places is a nice film about a young mother of two whose husband has died, she moves her family back to her father in laws orchard in the 1930s. The father in law dies leaving the family with a mortgage payment and other hardships. A young handsome world war one veteran drifter comes to town and helps the family out, this is a quaint and heartwarming story about hard times and how the salt of the earth survived the depression. Good cinematography and scenery. The dialog struggled some in places, but the experienced cast did a wonderful job making the characters as believable as possible in a film whose era has few living members left. A good movie about overcoming tragedy and hardship for the entire family.
18 Reviews
Fantastic Move for Everyone of All Ages
julie_comer11 June 2006
I am a very huge follower of All My Children, which Sydney Penny is in playing the role of Julia Santos-Keefer. Being a fan of hers, I thought I would record this and watch it. Wasn't really sure if it would be very good but it was an incredibly fantastic movie! This movie is great for all ages, children and adults alike. It is not necessarily a chick flick either. It is a clean movie that reminds me of the old Disney movies that actually has a moral to the story. It does have references to having faith which is not a bad thing. I know some people don't believe in God but most people have faith of some sorts. Jason Gedrick was wonderful. I have never seen anything with him before but he is a very talented actor, along with the Sheriff, Barry (now I can't remember his last name, sorry). Of course, Shirley Jones was tremendous as well as Aunt Batty. Sydney Penny is great in anything, my opinion of course. This flick is a definite must-see for all ages! (and no swearing for a change!)
Excellent Romance story
peraas29 January 2006
Once again Hallmark brings us another good and wholesome movie into our living rooms.
This story is about faith, hard work and determination during their difficulties and trials times that seem to be impossible to turn it around for better, especially during the great depression with a family struggling to keep their farm and home from being foreclosed. Shirly Jones plays Aunt Betty who has strong faith in God to get them through this trial period.
This story reminds me of "Run the Wild Fields" but the ending is different. Great story!
This story is about faith, hard work and determination during their difficulties and trials times that seem to be impossible to turn it around for better, especially during the great depression with a family struggling to keep their farm and home from being foreclosed. Shirly Jones plays Aunt Betty who has strong faith in God to get them through this trial period.
This story reminds me of "Run the Wild Fields" but the ending is different. Great story!
poor quality shallow
jimsbox-guard48 September 2007
Having read the book first, several times as a matter of fact because it was so very good!!!, I was truly let down by the movie. The movie was no where close to the book. The book lets you get to know each character in such an intimate way, whereas the movie jumps into the plot to quickly with no "hidden places". Gee they didn't have her have the right amount of kids, or the right orchard (apples not oranges). They didn't speak about the hidden past of the Wyatt family(Batty, Lydia, Matthew, Frank etc) and Eliza's (circus family, how she hooked Sam etc) No suspense or anything. Just pure lameness. One should be ashamed to put out such a pathetic rendition of and absolutely wonderful book. The whole purpose of the book was to help one see how God can taken so many broken lives and work it all out despite so much pain and hurt and deception. I hope Lynn Austin did not watch the movie, what a let down.
My Aunt's movie
mlcaustin29 January 2006
I'm a little bias, because this was based on my Aunt Lynn Austin's novel. But aside from that, it was a great, clean, uplifting movie in which they are few and far between. The movie starred Sydney Penny, Jason Gidrick (Iron Eagle), Shirley Jones (Partridge Family), Tom Bosley ( Happy Days)and Barry Corbin (Northern Exposure). Good job to the Hallmark Channel which made and aired Hidden Places, Saturday night, January 28th, 2006. If you liked this movie, you'll love the book by the same name. She also has many other great titles in bookstores. She did a series on the Kings from the Bible in which she used facts and fiction to create a knowledge of just what the old Kings in the Bible had to do the keep their standings.
One of the most horrid adaptions of a book
pennysp429 June 2006
When I sat down to watch this film, I was expecting an engaging story, with fascinating characters. Instead, I knew within the first twenty minutes that all I would get is a sappy love story. How could Lynn Austin allow her incredible book to be horribly blasphemed by this movie? It was worse than Ella Enchanted. The whole story was changed. The setting was changed. The characters were changed or, like Eliza's other son, Jimmy, done away with altogether. In fact, the only things that stayed the same were the characters' names and the skeleton plot--a mother fights to save her farm for her children with the help of a hobo and an aunt. I knew that things from the book would have to go. But this--this...thing desecrated everything Lynn Austin wrote. In the book, Frank Wyatt is portrayed as an evil man, with only greed in his heart. He carries on a pretense of religion, but does not know God. Yet in the movie, he is seen as a man who simply does not know how to say "I love you." He is simply rough around the edges. And I could not stand the movie any longer when Luke says, "I miss him." I was like, "How could you miss him? You were starved for love and affection, and he gave you none! He refused to get help for your father Sam, leading to a horrible and painful death by tetanus! And now you say you miss him??!" (In the book, Frank Wyatt collapses and tells Luke to get help, but instead Luke runs away because of his anger toward him for not getting help for his father) Do not bother seeing this movie, I beg you! It will only ruin your mind. Read the book; it is a masterpiece. When you only see the movie, you miss so much that the book has. There is a back story that I sorely missed in the movie. (It involves Aunt Batty's and Frank Wyatt's younger years) You miss the everlasting themes, and the raw emotion that is poured into the book. The book is worth looking at. The movie is not.
P.S. Eliza's real last maiden name is Gerard. In the movie it's Montclair. Come on, it's just a name. Could they not even get that part right? Well, they didn't, and I sorely advise you to avoid this movie like the plague.
P.S. Eliza's real last maiden name is Gerard. In the movie it's Montclair. Come on, it's just a name. Could they not even get that part right? Well, they didn't, and I sorely advise you to avoid this movie like the plague.
A tender story of overcoming all odds when you are at your wits' end
aviator60228 February 2006
I watched this movie because Sydney Penny was in it....she never lets us down! How beautifully she portrayed the character, Eliza....Sydney always brings part of herself to her characters (it's underlying, and adds color). Having lived through similar circumstances, I felt a real bonding with all of the characters. Shirley Jones is a real professional...and was totally believable as the aunt. Tom Bosley never fails to please us. He is always "into" his part, and we can feel his emotions. Barry Corbin is one of my favorites, since I first really enjoyed him in The Thorn Birds (he co-starred with Sydney Penny), and various other projects. And last, but not least - Jason Gedrick - he has matured so much in the past few years, and was believable in his role. I feel that this will become a real classic.
Very good book made into a bad movie!
zendeling8419 February 2009
I reside in Holland. I had this DVD shipped to me, because i heard about Lynn austen's book being made into a movie . . man how sorry i was for spending my money on this . .with all respect to the book which is outstanding.
This movie to me had nothing to do with the book, it was just another feel good movie . .with a very uninspiring end. I think the casting of eliza was wrong . .sydney penney didn't feel like eliza to me throughout the entire movie. Jason kendrick (i hope that's how you write it) was better cast but didn't have a lot to work with in this movie. I love the woman who played aunt Batty, liked her a lot actually . But again she had little to do in this movie.
My advice; i would skip this movie, it has nothing to do with the book story-wise.
This movie to me had nothing to do with the book, it was just another feel good movie . .with a very uninspiring end. I think the casting of eliza was wrong . .sydney penney didn't feel like eliza to me throughout the entire movie. Jason kendrick (i hope that's how you write it) was better cast but didn't have a lot to work with in this movie. I love the woman who played aunt Batty, liked her a lot actually . But again she had little to do in this movie.
My advice; i would skip this movie, it has nothing to do with the book story-wise.
Wonderful Film on the Hallmark Channel
MagicStarfire6 February 2007
I really liked this film about decent people being kind to each other and trying to do the best they could. Kindness and decency are rare things to find in a film these days.
I was very pleased with the cast of this film--Jason Gedrick is one of my favorite actors, who unfortunately doesn't get the roles and recognition he should. He reminds me quite a lot of another actor I really like Anthony Zerbe. Other members of the cast were Sydney Penny--a very pretty young actress, whom I had not seen before, and the wonderful Shirley Jones.
The story revolves around a young widow, with two young children, who is trying to hold things together following the death of her father-in-law.
I quite liked the setting which was a farm (an orange grove to be specific), during the early 1930s. The big old house they lived in was an absolute delight to see-- there are so few houses like that left anymore.
A young man named Gabe Harper (Jason Gedrick), a drifter, arrives in the area and is stopped by the sheriff in questioned. As it turns out, the sheriff is a really good guy and he gets Gabe on at Eliza's farm.
To say too much more would be to give the plot away.
9 stars
I was very pleased with the cast of this film--Jason Gedrick is one of my favorite actors, who unfortunately doesn't get the roles and recognition he should. He reminds me quite a lot of another actor I really like Anthony Zerbe. Other members of the cast were Sydney Penny--a very pretty young actress, whom I had not seen before, and the wonderful Shirley Jones.
The story revolves around a young widow, with two young children, who is trying to hold things together following the death of her father-in-law.
I quite liked the setting which was a farm (an orange grove to be specific), during the early 1930s. The big old house they lived in was an absolute delight to see-- there are so few houses like that left anymore.
A young man named Gabe Harper (Jason Gedrick), a drifter, arrives in the area and is stopped by the sheriff in questioned. As it turns out, the sheriff is a really good guy and he gets Gabe on at Eliza's farm.
To say too much more would be to give the plot away.
9 stars
Not At All Like The Book
rjensen-1523129 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A few of my friends and I read Lynn Austin's amazing book, Hidden Places. Afterwards, we were excited to watch the movie based off of the book. However, we learned that almost nothing was similar to the book. It would have been a fine movie if they changed the title and the characters and make it seem like they were basing the movie off of the book. Almost nothing is similar. I was really disappointed to see that they didn't include any backstories which included my favorite part, the circus. They made Frank Wyatt's death seem like a tragedy when in the book, Frank Wyatt was cruel and no one really loved him. Another thing, Aunt Batty was totally wrong. She was humorous and crazy when in the movie, she was totally different. The movie deleted Jimmy's character and made Becky the oldest which made it seem totally wrong. Eliza's character was also wrong. The book said that she and her children had red hair. How hard is it to find a red headed actress? I hope that if film makers decide to make another one of Lynn Austin's masterpieces, they'll actually do it right. (Please do not watch this movie if you have read the book)
Excellent for chick flick night
hlpops17 May 2008
I did a search on romance/drama movies and this was on the Hallmark channel. I've always liked Jason Gedrick (since Heavenly Kid :), so I figured I'd curl up Saturday night and watch (without much thought of getting enthralled in the story). I didn't realize I would enjoy it so much!!!! I remember Sydney Penny as the new Gidget and have always liked her, too. This is not a movie to critique writing styles, direction, etc. I usually enjoy movies that people criticize because movies are meant to be enjoyed - if you don't like it, deal with it and realize that just because you don't like it, doesn't mean everyone agrees with you. My suggestion about "Hidden Places" - Just watch the movie and get lost in the pain and joy that Eliza and her family go through and smile at the ending (you'll be able to even if you're crying tears of happiness :)
No one should ever hide this film from anyone! It's the loveliest of the loveliest!
inkblot111 March 2010
Warning: Spoilers
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.
Strong Women & Hard Times
JenExxifer7 February 2021
It is refreshing to watch a movie that shows women working with men, rather than women proving to men that they can do everything by themselves.
It takes strength to ask for help or receive help when life gets hard; it also takes strength to have faith that life will get better when living through hard times.
This movie is a comforting reminder that life has ups and downs, and that life can get better with faith, hard work, and working together.
It takes strength to ask for help or receive help when life gets hard; it also takes strength to have faith that life will get better when living through hard times.
This movie is a comforting reminder that life has ups and downs, and that life can get better with faith, hard work, and working together.
Review
mitchellrharl16 July 2021
question about the end
praying5323 June 2006
I saw this movie and fell asleep at the very end of it. How did it end? And now I have deleted it and can't get it back from my DVR!! It was such a great movie and I don't like missing the end of movies. I hope that it comes on again since it was this years movie. Maybe this is why Sydney Penny wasn't on All my Children for so long??? I like her character in AMC now. I have been looking for it on Hallmark Channel and can't seem to find that it is being repeated anytime soon. I doubt that it's on DVD since I believe Hallmark told me that they don't release their movies to DVD. I will also write to them and see if they are going to play it again and then e-mail me to remind me of when it will be on again.
Another great Hallmark Movie
nabor730 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has several great story lines going on at the same time. One shows the "favorite son" politics portrayed by by the school board, another of the lone black principle in a southern white school district, and the free thinking new teacher. I especially like the irony of the black principle who at first seems to have forgotten she is the same color as her students, but as the movie progresses we find she is only able to keep her position if she remains under the thumb of the Deputy Superintendent which in itself is a figurehead position with no authority. It was easy to dislike Frank Langella's role as the superintendent after seeing him in "Dave". All the story lines were tied together very well and contributed to a little suspense in trying to guess where the individuals were heading. The interaction of Conroy with the students and the portly of the island residents was excellent. The added touch of the Stones only deepened the sense of the residents being forgotten as the world passes them by. I can't remember a movie by Hallmark that I didn't like. This one ranks right up at the top.
A simpler time
tpolz1236 December 2020
Enjoyable family film
sateigdraleah8 February 2019
I really enjoyed watching this. Yes, some parts were predictable but it had a great message of having faith even in the face of hardship. I think it's an all around good film you can watch with the family and that's not easy to find these days.
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