Arthur Barron Movies
- 1978
From the "American Short Story" series, this is a story of a man who fled American during the Civil War and came back to a highly commercialized country 35 years later. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1977
- R
Based loosely on the real-life relationship between political activist Angela Davis and convict-turned-author George Jackson, Brothers stars Bernie Casey as David Thomas, who begins corresponding with college professor and outspoken black activist Paula Jones (Vonetta McGee) after he's convicted of a crime he didn't commit. David's relationship with Paula gives him strength and insight as he tries to survive in the brutally violent and racist environment of prison. A great deal more serious and politically minded than most of the other "blaxploitation" films of its era, Brothers was directed by Arthur Barron, in a severe departure from his previous film, the sweet teenage love story Jeremy. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bernie Casey, Vonetta McGee, (more)
- 1975
Season four of the ABC Afterschool Special series gets under way with this sensitive, and sometimes hilarious, story of puppy love. Alfred Lutter stars as Eric, a moony-eyed 13-year-old who develops a crush on Lisa (Vicki Dawson), a popular and somewhat stuck-up cheerleader. Eric spends most of the story trying all manner of methods (from spray-painting to dancing the "bump") in hopes of impressing the girl -- or, at least, to get her to notice him. Alas, our hero fails to utilize the most effective strategy of all: simply to be himself. And, of course, he also fails to notice that there's another girl in school who has been the "right one" all along! ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Alfred Lutter, Vicki Dawson, (more)
- 1974
Produced for public television, Parker Adderson, Philosopher was based on a short story by Ambrose Bierce. Harris Yulin plays Parker Addison, a Yankee spy who falls into the hands of the Rebel troops. Doomed to die at sunrise, the silver-tongued Adderson puts up a brave front for his raggedy captors. This being an Ambrose Bierce story, however, don't expect the expected--and don't expect human nature to be displayed in a sympathetic light. Taped in Canada in 1974, Parker Addison, Philosopher is introduced in the videocassette version by Henry Fonda. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Robby Benson went from journeyman juvenile player to full-fledged star in 1973's Jeremy. Benson plays the titular 15-year-old musician who falls in love with fellow high schooler Susan (Glynnis O'Connor), an aspiring dancer; he is supported throughout the relationship by two loving, understanding parents. Director Arthur Barron's stylistic flourishes (such as shifting-focus close-ups, zoom-ins, and "groovy" atmosphere shots) firmly place this picture in the '70s. This marked the first of a handful of Benson/O'Connor teamings; the stars reportedly dated each other for a time in real life. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robby Benson, Glynnis O'Connor, (more)
Each episode of Six American Families documents the lives and travails of the members of an American family. Instead of focusing on the rich and powerful, the filmmakers chose to present lower middle class families in an effort to portray American life as it truly is. Made in the '70s, these films are done in the cinéma vérité style. In other words, the directors let the cameras run and then edit for content later. This episode profiles the Stephens of Iowa, a third-generation farming family struggling to make ends meet. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
Each episode of Six American Families documents the lives and travails of the members of an American family. Instead of focusing on the rich and powerful, the filmmakers chose to present lower middle class families in an effort to portray American life as it truly is. Made in the '70s, these films are done in the cinéma vérité style. In other words, the directors let the cameras run and then edit for content later. This episode features the Georges of New York City. The father of the household was a black policeman in a time of marked civil and racial unrest. The effect this has on the lives of his family is investigated. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
