Except for a restrained Casey, the drama's temperature is near boiling. In fact, actor Ryder looks like he's having a wonderful time caricaturing his loathsome character Uncle Lester. Poor teenage Stella, she can't adjust to the two meanies she must live with now that her parents are dead. She's going nutzoid in the process and her erratic behavior has now come to the attention of authorities. Policewoman Casey soon sees what the problem is, but will the juvenile court judge order a frantic Stella to return to the abusive aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, what can a sympathetic Casey do.
As emotional teenager Stella, actress Whiteside is quite poignant. I wanted to rip through the screen and rescue her from her abusers. However, their meaness is quite one-dimensional, almost like one of those old stage melodramas where you cheer the hero and hiss the villain. Anyway, it's not one of my favorite entries, but at least you won't be bored.
(In passing--- young Whiteside has only two credits including this one {IMDB}. Too bad, she's quite an affecting little actress.)
As emotional teenager Stella, actress Whiteside is quite poignant. I wanted to rip through the screen and rescue her from her abusers. However, their meaness is quite one-dimensional, almost like one of those old stage melodramas where you cheer the hero and hiss the villain. Anyway, it's not one of my favorite entries, but at least you won't be bored.
(In passing--- young Whiteside has only two credits including this one {IMDB}. Too bad, she's quite an affecting little actress.)