The Summer of Ben Tyler
– Set early during World War II, the film has a lot to say about love, honor, relationships, commitmen..
Set early during World War II, the film has a lot to say about love, honor, relationships, commitment and power. Keeping their promise to their dying black housekeeper, a white family takes in her teenage mentally-slow son. The movie details the joys and conflicts the family faces as a result of their decision.
15 Dec 1996
English
Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents urged to give "parental guidance". May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.
A man who acts upon his conscience opens a Pandora's box of racism and intolerance. Temple Rayburn (James Woods) is an attorney who lives and works in a small Southern community in the 1940s. When Rayburn and his wife Celia (Elizabeth McGovern) encounter a young man named Ben Tyler (Charles Mattocks) -- an African-American youth who is retarded and has nowhere to go -- they take pity on him and allow him to stay in their home. However, at a time and place when black and white citizens were not allowed to use the same drinking fountains, Temple's decision raises more than a few eyebrows, and the Rayburn household soon becomes the center of a local political firestorm.
Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 6 nominations.
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