The Pinballs (1977) by director Richard Bennett (from the book by Betsy Byars) is a short film that originally aired as part of the ABC's After School Specials series. It is an engaging tale of three young people and their desperate need to belong somewhere, anywhere.
The "pinballs" of the title refer to three characters, Carlie Higgins (Kristy McNichol), Harvey (Johnny Doran) and Thomas J. (Sparky Marcus); three foster children that are bounced around from one home to another; never feeling that they belong to anyone. The youngest of the three, Thomas J., is brought to the Mason's home when the two elderly aunts that raised him become hospitalized. Harvey is there because his mother has abandoned him and his drunken father ran him down with the family car. Carlie, used to being discarded, has seen many foster homes and is an old hand at it; she uses her flippant attitude to cover up her feelings of desertion and loneliness and also as an excuse not to get close to anyone. Together, maybe these three can be there for one another and in a way become the family that each needs; and in doing so take back some control in their young lives.
This is one of Kristy McNichol's better roles; she delivers a very skillful and inspiring performance. While all three young actors are excellent in their respective parts it is McNichol as Carlie that is the most pivotal character in the story. Her character, who is hardened by the abandonment that she feels is desperately trying to belong somewhere but at the same time doesn't want to allow anyone too close to her. Even though she had only been acting a few short years when she made this film she already is the consummate professional; having a total control and feeling for her character that reaches out and touches the viewing audience. Johnny Doran and Sparky Marcus also do a really good job and add to the authenticity of the story, making it much more than just another tv movie. Priscilla Morrill and Walter Brooke are excellent as the foster parents trying their best to help these injured children deal with the chaos in their young lives. It all adds up to a wonderful little film that really has the ability to stir the emotions of the viewers while also leaving us with the hope that these young people will be all right after all.
Buying note: The Pinballs is available on DVD as part of a special set of ABC After School Specials. This short film is on volume two (1976-1977) and can be bought separately or as a boxed set that includes many of the specials made from 1974 to 1989.
12-12-2005
