Come the Morning
MPAA Rating: G
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Entertainment: +2
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Content: +3 1/2
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[Ed. note: This film was not rated. It is reviewed as a video alternative to current films. Thematic elements would probably earn a G rating]
Constance Gibson (Susan Howard) moves her three children from Texas to Los Angeles to search for their father, Clyde. An alcoholic, he abandoned his family and lives on the streets. The family searches in vain in the dangerous Skid Row area of Los Angeles. The oldest son, Ben (Travis Knight), even recruits Nick (J.D. Hall), another homeless man, to help them. Eventually Constance and the children end up in a Salvation Army family shelter when they run out of money. COME THE MORNING is built around a Gospel message by Billy Graham and a conversion scene. Unfortunately, trite dialogue, a conversion experience without motivation and a contrived plot add up to a mediocre film.
Susan Howard is never believable as the mother. She seems naive and is never worried enough to match the situation. Instead, she is full of catchy Christian phrases such as "We need to have more faith," and "Let's pray." Ben is the only character willing to recognize his father's alcoholism. While the film touches on the issue of the church's response to homelessness, it shies away from drawing any conclusions. Commendably, however, the Salvation Army director gives realistic answers to Ben's difficult questions regarding his father's abandonment. Another bright spot is the heavenly, black Gospel singing performed by Janice Carr. Overall, the story lacks the very reality it seems so desperate to achieve. The film has no offensive elements except for one moderate crudity. Also, hard drinking and smoking among the street people are depicted negatively.
Preview Reviewer: Krista Kay Bontrager
Distributor: World Wide Pictures, Inc., 1201 Hennepin Ave., PO Box 59235, Minneapolis, MN 55459, Phone 800/745-43
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Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.
Crude Language: Once - Moderate
Obscene Language: None
Profanity: None
Violence: None
Sex: None
Nudity: None
Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None
Drugs: Cigarette smoking
Other:
Running Time:
Intended Audience: Teens and older
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