

Movie spotlight
80 Steps to Jonah
Wayne Newton stars as an accused thug hiding out at a camp for blind children.
Insights
Plot Summary
During the Korean War, a Jewish chaplain, Rabbi Dan Kirby, is captured by Chinese forces. While imprisoned, he finds himself in conflict with a devout Christian soldier, Sergeant Grogan, who is suffering from a crisis of faith. Kirby must not only survive the harsh conditions of captivity but also help Grogan rediscover his spiritual beliefs.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed to negative reception, with critics largely panning its heavy-handed religious themes and uneven pacing. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, failing to garner significant attention or lasting impact.
What Reviewers Say
Ponderous and preachy exploration of faith during wartime.
Suffers from an overly sentimental approach to its subject matter.
Lacks the dramatic tension and nuance expected of a war film.
Google audience: Limited available audience reviews suggest viewers found the film's religious message heavy-handed and its narrative slow, failing to engage them emotionally.
Fun Fact
While primarily known for his comedic roles, Steve Allen, who plays a supporting character in the film, was also a prolific composer and writer.
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