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Family (1976–1980)
One of the finest TV dramas.
21 April 2006
"Family" was consistently entertaining and insightful television, in the wasteland that was late 70's television programming.

It dealt with sensitive issues in a thoughtful manner without proselytizing or being maudlin.

I had the good fortune of beginning my television career by being a fan of "Family." A new resident of the neighborhood, I hung-out during the filming of exterior shots at the location of the "Lawrence" home in South Pasadena, during "Family's" final season. That same summer, in 1979, I went to work for the production company, Spelling-Goldberg Productions. Watching "Family" shoot was magic.

The series hearkened-back to an era even earlier than the late 70's...it kind of had a sixties feel to it, an earlier, simpler, and kinder period among American families. However, unlike the family dramas that filmed during the sixties, "Family" was far more realistic and believable.

Clearly, the break-out star of "Family" was young Kristy McNichol who stole nearly every scene she was in.

"Family" is long overdue to be offered in a DVD collection, and I hope all four seasons will soon be available in a video collection.

Thanks for the memories.

Gary L. Myers
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10/10
"The Dust Factory" an excellent, inspiring, family film!
25 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"The Dust Factory" was for me one of the finest allegorical films about life, death, and loss, that I have ever seen.

It presents this theme in a story that is entirely suitable for both children and adults. "The Dust Factory" is charmingly sentimental without being sappy, maudlin, or too scary for a younger audience. I applaud Eric Small's fine writing and direction.

I appreciated and enjoyed this film more than I did "Finding Neverland," yet it only shows what a difference that a good distribution deal can make to insure a successful movie. While I read a consumer review of the film that said they saw it in a theater, I have also read that it went "direct to video." If the former is true, I don't understand why "The Dust Factory" didn't open and play to a larger audience? I recommend this film to any and all, and can only hope that Eric Small has a long career to continue following his dream and inner vision.

Gary Myers BOCA PRODUCTIONS
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