The Summer of Ben Tyler

– Set early during World War II, the film has a lot to say about love, honor, relationships, commitmen..

Type:
Movie
Rating:
6.70 / 10
Duration:
One Hour and 50 Minutes
Release Year:
1996
The Summer of Ben Tyler (1996)

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.

Story Timeline:
Producing Country:
Genre:

The Summer of Ben Tyler (1996) - Trailer

Release Date:

15 Dec 1996

Language:

English

MPAA Content-Rating:
PG – Parental Guidance Suggested

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.

Director:

Arthur Allan Seidelman

Writer:

Robert Inman

Main Actors:

James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Len Cariou, Julia McIlvaine

Plot:

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.

Awards:

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 6 nominations.

Production:

Hallmark Entertainment

Ratings:
Internet Movie Database:
6.7/10