The Worst Film Ever

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Eliza (Sydney Penney) is a widow with two young children, a boy and a girl. Her husband's family owns a beautiful orange orchard in California, where gorgeous mountains can be seen over the horizon. Also, living with her is her grouchy father-in-law and an older relative named Aunt Batty (Shirley Jones). One day, the patriarch asks Eliza to make the children leave school, temporarily, and help with the farm, as there is much, much work to be done. Reluctantly, she agrees. But, soon after, the grandfather passes away from a heart attack and the future is suddenly very much in doubt. With a mortgage and taxes due and the money supply riding on the harvest, how will two women and two children bring in the heavy crop? Fortunately, a handsome drifter comes by, willing to work for food and board. Named Gabe (Jason Gedrick), he seems congenial and hard-working but refuses to say much about himself or his past. Soon, the ladies and the kids have taken him into their hearts and rely on his help and advice. But, even so, with cold temperatures threatening the crops and with bank representatives breathing over their necks, will they be able to save the orchard and sustain themselves? Could it be, too, that Eliza and Gabe may be falling in love? This lovely, lovely film should not be hidden from ANYONE! It has a beautiful story, fine acting, gorgeous scenery, valuable lessons, high standards and no objectionable material. It is truly a film for everyone in the family and for all those who believe the film industry has nothing to offer but filth. Penney is beautiful and touching, long after her child acting days (see Pale Rider). Gedrick, too, is handsome and talented while Jones is an absolute delight and joy. All other cast members, including Tom Bosley, are very fine indeed. Also, the setting is most beautiful, evoking comparisons with A Walk in the Clouds, among others. The night scenes of the flaming smoke pots trying to keep the crop warm are outstanding. Most importantly, the film has wonderful lessons in courage, faith, love, diligence and more. Do not hesitate, whoever you are or whatever your beliefs, to seek out this glorious bit of movie-making. There are few films that would earn the highest praise possible, as this one certainly, ringingly does.

I reside in Holland. I had this DVD shipped to me, because i heard about Lynn austen's book being made into a movie . . man how sorry i was for spending my money on this . .with all respect to the book which is outstanding.This movie to me had nothing to do with the book, it was just another feel good movie . .with a very uninspiring end. I think the casting of eliza was wrong . .sydney penney didn't feel like eliza to me throughout the entire movie. Jason kendrick (i hope that's how you write it) was better cast but didn't have a lot to work with in this movie. I love the woman who played aunt Batty, liked her a lot actually . But again she had little to do in this movie.My advice; i would skip this movie, it has nothing to do with the book story-wise.

I did a search on romance/drama movies and this was on the Hallmark channel. I've always liked Jason Gedrick (since Heavenly Kid :), so I figured I'd curl up Saturday night and watch (without much thought of getting enthralled in the story). I didn't realize I would enjoy it so much!!!! I remember Sydney Penny as the new Gidget and have always liked her, too. This is not a movie to critique writing styles, direction, etc. I usually enjoy movies that people criticize because movies are meant to be enjoyed - if you don't like it, deal with it and realize that just because you don't like it, doesn't mean everyone agrees with you. My suggestion about "Hidden Places" - Just watch the movie and get lost in the pain and joy that Eliza and her family go through and smile at the ending (you'll be able to even if you're crying tears of happiness :)

This movie has several great story lines going on at the same time. One shows the "favorite son" politics portrayed by by the school board, another of the lone black principle in a southern white school district, and the free thinking new teacher. I especially like the irony of the black principle who at first seems to have forgotten she is the same color as her students, but as the movie progresses we find she is only able to keep her position if she remains under the thumb of the Deputy Superintendent which in itself is a figurehead position with no authority. It was easy to dislike Frank Langella's role as the superintendent after seeing him in "Dave". All the story lines were tied together very well and contributed to a little suspense in trying to guess where the individuals were heading. The interaction of Conroy with the students and the portly of the island residents was excellent. The added touch of the Stones only deepened the sense of the residents being forgotten as the world passes them by. I can't remember a movie by Hallmark that I didn't like. This one ranks right up at the top.