There have been many stories based on the lives of farming migrants who were greatly abused by the people who put them to work, often fighting themselves in debt rather than being recipients of the salary. For this family, led by Cloris Leachman and Ed Lauter, making ends meet is a difficult task, but with hard and perseverance and the ability to rise above their tragedies, they will indeed do it. Sissy Spacek is the oldest daughter, pregnant antibiotic to go into labor any day, and Ron Howard, the oldest son, is definitely the Tom Joad of the family. Indeed, he is a Henry Fonda of the 70's, determined to help his family as much as possible in spite of the fact that he has to deal with crooked land owners who take advantage of the workers.
A 1981 TV movie, "Amber Wavea", also dealt with the issues of migrant working families and their dealings with the crooked men who took advantage of their vulnerabilities. They seem to be living life without any hope, but with Leachman leading the way, they will persevere even though a tragic event occurs that not only threatens to destroy the family but put them further into debt to a point where they would not be able to get out of it. The cast is excellent, particularly Leachman and Howard, and he is reunited with Cindy Williams from "American Graffiti". I was disturbed by a scene where she threatens to yell rape simply because he won't listen to her because of all the things on his mind, but that's just one minor complaint. She means well and is determined to help him, and the film does redeem her from that threat. This was based on a Tennessee Williams story I had never heard of, although it seems more like something that Horton Foote or William Inge would write. It is a little depressing, but then again it's important to show the abuse these struggling families face.
A 1981 TV movie, "Amber Wavea", also dealt with the issues of migrant working families and their dealings with the crooked men who took advantage of their vulnerabilities. They seem to be living life without any hope, but with Leachman leading the way, they will persevere even though a tragic event occurs that not only threatens to destroy the family but put them further into debt to a point where they would not be able to get out of it. The cast is excellent, particularly Leachman and Howard, and he is reunited with Cindy Williams from "American Graffiti". I was disturbed by a scene where she threatens to yell rape simply because he won't listen to her because of all the things on his mind, but that's just one minor complaint. She means well and is determined to help him, and the film does redeem her from that threat. This was based on a Tennessee Williams story I had never heard of, although it seems more like something that Horton Foote or William Inge would write. It is a little depressing, but then again it's important to show the abuse these struggling families face.