The People

Snail's pace. Too mellow and drab - really needed some spice mixed in.

ABC's "Movie of the Week" truly captured my attention with this film, which had Kim Darby and William Shatner. The star-power was secondary to the story here, and I fell in love with the concepts of The People.

Based on pre-feminist science fiction writer Zenna Henderson's story Pottage, as well as some of her other pieces like Ararat, Gilead and Captivity, this movie stars two of the top stars of made for TV movies: William Shatner (The Horror at 37,000 Feet, Go Ask Alice) and Kim Darby (Don't Be Afraid of the Dark). This movie also draws on the love Trekkies had for Shatner and Darby together after "Miri," an episode of the original series.

I never heard of Zenna Henderson until I saw this film. I never would have been aware of her until I saw this movie.

Eager young schoolteacher, anxious for some peace and quiet in her life, accepts a teaching position in a mountain community with shuffling children who aren't allowed to sing, play music or have any fun; she seeks solace from the local doctor, who is the only resident with any personality. From Zenna Henderson's compilation of stories, this TV-movie, executive produced by Francis Ford Coppola, has an interesting main character (played well by Kim Darby) and scenario, but its explanation of the mystery is a little ritzy and complicated.

If you ignore the connection to the Zenna Henderson stories, than this movie is an interesting example of a late 60's/early 70's atmospheric mood movie. It's all lingering shots of pretty young women moving through forest glades.

This was a "Movie of The Week" from season 3 which aired on KABC (channel 7) in 1972. It aired on Saturday January 22, 1972 and was geared toward a younger demographic.

The People (1972)** (out of 4) Kim Darby plays Melodye Amerson, a teacher who takes a job in a very small community and not realizing what she's gotten herself into. One her first day of school she's rudely welcomed by the parents but the children constantly ignore her because of their beliefs.

I saw "The People" on TV when it first came out, 1) to see if it really was based on my favorite Zenna Henderson stories, and 2) because William Shatner played Dr. Curtis.