What the Deaf Man Heard
by John Kent Harrison
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Claire Bloom, James Earl Jones, Jerry O'Connell, Judith Ivey, Matthew ModineDirector: John Kent Harrison
Cinematographer: Eric Van Haren Noman
Editor: Jim Oliver
Producer: Brent Shields
Producer: Richard Welsh
Producer: Tom Luse
Writer: G.D. Gearino
Writer: Robert W. Lenski
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 98 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2000-10-17
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Hallmark
Movie Reviews of What the Deaf Man Heard
Movie Review: Little pitchers have big ears...
Summary: 5 Stars
Hallmark Hall of Fame's charming What the Deaf Man Heard, based upon the novel What the Deaf-Mute Heard by G.D.Gearino and teleplay by Robert Lenski, follows the misadventures of Sammy Ayers (young Sammy is played by Frankie Muniz, adult Sammy by Matthew Modine), who grows up deaf and orphaned in a small Southern town. Sammy was traveling with his mother (Bernadette Peters) when she suddenly disappeared, leaving him alone and frightened. Her last words to him were, "Not a word," and Sammy takes this as Gospel, refusing to utter a single syllable to the townsfolk who try to help him. Naturally, they think that he is a deaf-mute, and bachelor bus depot owner Norm Jenkins (Tom Skerritt) takes him in.
As Sammy grows into adulthood, he does simple odd jobs around the community. People are kind to him, yet treat him as invisible due to his "deafness" and speak openly about town gossip and family secrets. Sammy becomes caught up in the illegal dealings and "holier than thou" posturing of the oily Tolliver Tynan (Jake Weber), and at the same time is attracted to Tolliver's sister Tallassee (Anne Bobby). There is also a subplot involving Archibald Thacker (James Earl Jones) and his sons, who are producing moonshine, and Sammy feels that he has to step in before things get out of hand.
This is a charming film about family above all, and the many seasoned actors (Modine, Skerritt, Jones, Peters) turn in memorable performances. What the Deaf Man Heard really captures the period feel during flashbacks, and the small Southern community is practically a cast member. This is one of my favorite Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations since all of the elements come together so well, and is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
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