James at 15
James at 15

Movie spotlight

James at 15

1977
Movie
100 min
English

A 15-year-old whose family moves from Oregon to Boston misses the girlfriend he left behind, so he runs away to see her. On the way he hooks up with a female art student in her 20s who is also hitchhiking across the country, from whom he learns some valuable lessons about life. This was the pilot film for the two-season series.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: James FrawleyGenres: Drama, Coming-of-age

Plot Summary

This made-for-television film explores the adolescent struggles of James, a sensitive 15-year-old boy navigating the complexities of growing up in the 1970s. He grapples with issues of identity, sexuality, and burgeoning relationships as he tries to find his place in the world.

Critical Reception

James at 15 was generally well-received upon its release, lauded for its sensitive portrayal of teenage angst and authentic depiction of adolescent experiences. It resonated with audiences for its honest exploration of themes often considered taboo for television at the time, leading to critical praise for its maturity and performances.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its honest and realistic depiction of teenage life.

  • Commended for its sensitive handling of sexuality and identity issues.

  • Lance Kerwin's performance was frequently highlighted as a standout.

Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available through Google user reviews for this specific television film.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Special (Lance Kerwin).

Fun Fact

The film was notable for its frank exploration of a teenage boy's exploration of his own sexuality, including his attraction to other boys, which was groundbreaking for network television in the 1970s.

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