Reviews

A charming movie featuring two of the 20th-century's greatest actresses. At the age of 80, Julie Harris (Jo) is particularly fine in her first movie after her stroke several years ago. In fact, she skillfully uses some of the lingering effects to create her character, who is also a stroke victim. Most moving is her reading an Emily Dickinson poem aloud while she is in bed. Ruby Dee (Maude)is also persuasive as the maid who has become Jo's lifetime friend. Both Deezer D (LV) and Tessie Santiago (Sarah)--a talented actress in a welcome change from her superwoman and ditzy Latina roles--are very impressive for their ability to enter into their characters, as is the young boy playing Sarah's son (he should get more play in the promotion and credits). Michael King, who is the lead, the author, and the co-producer, merits considerable praise for his accomplishments with this movie.