The Summer of Ben Tyler
| The Summer of Ben Tyler | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Written by | Robert Inman |
| Directed by | Arthur Allan Seidelman |
| Starring |
|
| Composer | Van Dyke Parks |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | Dan Witt |
| Cinematography | Neil Roach |
| Editor | Toni Morgan |
| Running time | 134 minutes |
| Production company | Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | CBS |
| Release | December 15, 1996 |
The Summer of Ben Tyler is an American drama television film that premiered on CBS on December 15, 1996, as part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame anthology series. The film is directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman and written by Robert Inman. It stars James Woods as an up-and-coming lawyer, alongside Elizabeth McGovern, Len Cariou, Julia McIlvaine, Charles Mattocks, Kevin Isola, Clifton James, and Anita Gillette. Woods received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his performance.[1]
Cast
- James Woods as Temple Rayburn
- Elizabeth McGovern as Celia Rayburn
- Len Cariou as Spencer Maitland
- Julia McIlvaine as Nell Rayburn
- Charles Mattocks as Ben Tyler
- Kevin Isola as Junius Maitland
- Clifton James as Sam Thompkins
- Anita Gillette as Suellen
- Millie Perkins as Doris
- Jack Gilpin as Carter Glenn
- Novella Nelson as Rosetta Tyler
- Ed Grady as Dr. Ringgold
- Ronn Carroll as Judge Kragen
- Gregory Perrelli as Scooter Maitland
- Judith Ivey as Narrator
Reception
Critical response
Ray Richmond of Variety gave the film a positive review, writing that "a sumptuously produced gem of a film with a refreshing message of moral heroism, The Summer of Ben Tyler is as poignant, heartwarming and superbly acted as any of the 189 previous Hallmark Hall of Fame productions."[2] John J. O'Connor of The New York Times concluded his review by stating that the film "gets the familiar treatment: a fine cast and top-notch direction. If only the underlying story weren't so insufferably patronizing."[3]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 1st Golden Satellite Awards | Best Miniseries or TV Film | The Summer of Ben Tyler | Nominated |
| Best Actor – Miniseries or TV Film | James Woods | Nominated | ||
| 54th Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film | Nominated | ||
| 1st Art Directors Guild Awards | Excellence in Production Design Award – Television | Jan Scott Tim Eckel |
Nominated | |
| 18th Youth in Film Awards | Best Performance in a TV Movie or Mini Series: Young Actress | Julia McIlvaine | Nominated | |
| Best Family TV Movie or Mini Series: Network | The Summer of Ben Tyler | Nominated | ||
| 1998 | 23rd Humanitas Awards | 90 Minute or Longer Network or Syndicated Television | Nominated | |
| 50th Writers Guild of America Awards | Best Long Form – Original | Robert Inman | Won |
References
- ^ "The Summer of Ben Tyler". Golden Globes. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ Richmond, Ray (December 10, 1996). "The Summer of Ben Tyler". Variety. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
- ^ O'Connor, John J. (December 13, 1996). "Black Youth's Summer to Remember". The New York Times. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
