Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Blistering performances.

This story reminds me another TV feature - SUMMER OF MY German SOLDIER - that I watched a couple of weeks ago. The story of a young woman - or girl - who was in love - or involved - in a relationship with a German POW in America. This time, that's not a Nazi POW which it is about but an escaped negro convict and it takes place in the South Texas please...That's nearly the very same scheme, a very moving, poignant story, the struggle against racism and prejudices, préconceptions of all kinds. I am not surprised that so many people reminded this TV movie from their childhood, when it was released. And strangely, maybe you will laugh at me for what I am going to say, but this white female and black male scheme reminds me another film, a horror movie, where there was no classical and predictable love interest between the two of them, a strong story, where the two of those very different people had to fight against the out world. See what I am talking about?I speak of course of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. In this feature too, you had a white female and a black man, both closed in a house which did not belong to them, and both had to fight against zombies. Here, no zombies, but racism or full of prejudices people.So, with this movie which I am talking now, I perfectly understand the metaphor of the George Romero film, where the zombies could represent the racist prejudgment of this era. But maybe I am wrong after all. See for yourself.

I first saw this movie 30 years ago, and it still remains as fresh and timely as when it was made. I have always been a Patty Duke fan, and even if you aren't you should check this out for the acting of both lead actors. A masterpiece!

Though Patty Duke is probably best known for her Oscar-winning work as Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker", this extraordinary made-for-TV movie contains what is easily her finest screen performance. She is never less than believable as the frightened, immature, uneducated Southern girl who, pregnant with her lover's child and abandoned by both him and her family, takes refuge in a deserted seaside house. There, her solitary wait for the birth of her child is broken by the unexpected arrival of Al Freeman Jr., a black militant on the run for killing a white man. Their relationship, at first defined by mutual contempt and hostility, slowly evolves into a touching love story. The ending is unforgettable. Duke and Freeman share a wonderful chemistry and both were deservedly Emmy-nominated (Duke won; Freeman, regrettably, did not). Patty Duke was as talented as any leading actess of her generation and her work here confirms that.

The chemistry between Patty Duke and Al Freeman Jr. is merely fascinating. Freeman was primarily a stage actor who got all too few chances on film. He was given his best role here, and makes quite an unforgettable impact. Duke is totally believable in her naivete and her ability, to learn, albeit slowly, even in the face of bleak desperation. Ford Rainey is unforgettable in a small role.