At first, the only question that seems to be asked in the plot is : "Is she or not Caroline?" Of course the answer you will only have near the end. But central to the movie are also other more universal questions like : "What do you do with a handicapped child?" and then again, more importantly : "What do you do with the (rich) parents of a handicapped child?" This flick kept my interest from the beginning to the end. The psychology of the characters, especially the mother and the young boy, whose lives are organized exclusively around the little girl's handicapped condition, are complex and most interesting.
20 Reviews
Eris?
rmax30482316 March 2002
Did the author of the book on which this movie is based actually win a Newbery? I can understand why, without ever having read it. The movie is like an above average after-school special. There are two equally important themes dealt with. (1) Is Stephanie Zimbalist really the Caroline who disappeared fourteen years earlier, or an imposter come to claim the matriarch's fortune? In the end, it becomes a matter of little importance (and in fact has been done better elsewhere) except that the lingering questions trigger fits of jealousy and rivalry on the part of Pamela Reed as Caroline's stepmother. (2) Is little Hillary (whom her parents call Heidi) as retarded as she seems or is she educable? Before "Caroline"'s arrival, a family therapist would immediately recognize Heidi as the "identified patient," the glue that holds the rest of the family together because of her disability. In giving all their attention to Heidi, the other family members can avoid dealing with deeper and potentially more disturbing issues, like "Who's giving the orders around here"? To deprive the other members of Heidi's affliction is like suddenly restoring the use of his legs to a man who has been a paraplegic for years and has managed to adjust to his condition, however precarious that adjustment may be. Yet this is precisely what Caroline threatens to do, when she discovers that Heidi has remained a "baby", as she calls herself, through the simple process of having always been treated as one. Her parents and brother have convinced themselves that Heidi will never be able to read or even perform simple tasks like removing her own coat. Under Caroline's compassionate tutelage, however, she begins to do exactly that, which threatens the dynamic underpinning of the family. Caroline brings discord to a barely functioning family, but it is the sort of pain that is necessary for one to undergo in order to remove an abcessing tooth. The story is interesting and, for the perceptive, those looking for more than just another mystery, kind of educational as well. Of course, all ends happily, with Heidi (a name for a little Swiss girl) evolving into Hillary (a name that now has acquired Senatorial resonance). The performances are all quite good. Pamela Reed, the putative villain of the piece, is not without sympathy. George Grizzard is likeable, as always, even when his character is dubious. Stephanie Zimbalist often seems to bring, willy nilly, a certain devious sensuality to her roles. That quality must be noted in anyone who can inspire incestuous urges in somebody like Charlton Heston. Here, it's muted, and most of the time she seems like just a nice young woman trying to do something good. I have no idea if Jenny Jacobs, playing Heidi, suffered from a neurological deficit, but whether she did or not makes no difference; her enactment of the character would be hard to improve upon. Sometimes the dialogue is a bit new-agey, especially towards the end -- "You can be whoever you want to be" or something. What on earth does that mean? (I'd like to be King Farouk.) But it's a minor weakness in an otherwise superior TV movie.
Stunningly original tv-drama is bold and brilliant
kreeper9 February 2000
Discovering "Caroline?" in a flea market video stall bin for a buck and being less than curious by its uninspired packaging, this video seemed doomed for re-recording. Having missed its original airing on NBC in 1990 I was completely unprepared for the luminous screenplay of this partial thriller/part human-interest tale of a young girl who claims to be the daughter of a wealthy Atlanta businessman who had allegedly been killed in a plane crash 15 year prior. What unfolds is an exciting, tautly directed (emmy winner Joseph Sargent) and uniformly brilliant performances by a beautifully cast emsemble. Pamela Reed, as the businessman's second wife (consistently great and underappreciated George Grizzard) delivers a masterpiece of character- a complex woman of cruelty, compassion and fear. Reed is stunning! Ditto Stephanie Zimbalist, heretofore taken for granted as a flavor-of-the-month is astoundingly smart and a real revelation in her only decent non-tv series role of her career. What a shame. The children are a joy, especially 15-year old Shawn Phelan playing a spoiled but delightfully dutiful son . What a horrific tragedy to discover his godawful death in 1997 in an auto accident. It puts a damper on this thrilling achievement. "Caroline?" is a sleeper and a gem and has the guts to abandon its mystery plot pretense to reveal a wonderful tale of philanthropy. Ms. McGuire and Ms. Neal add another dose of class in critical cameos. Easily Hallmark's best and bravest production of the '90's. Jake
A haunting, genuinely captivating film
BaileySEA30 December 2004
Caroline? a made-for-TV movie based on the E.L. Konigsburg novel (teleplay by Michael DeGuzman) is a superior movie of the highest order. Being part mystery, part topical storytelling, it takes the viewer into the lives of a well to do family with a few skeletons. Seemingly Caroline Carmichael dies in a plane accident 15 years ago, or did she? Her father believes the girl claiming to be her, or does he? Now you won't guess why she's come back, or will you? Deftly played by Stephanie Zimbalist, Caroline is much richer in spirit than the old Caroline seemed to be. Caroline returns just before the deadline to claim her Grandmother Adkins inheritance. This is a matter of consternation for her father's younger wife. Caroline returns to find she has a half brother and sister and a suspicious stepmother. George Grizzard, Pamela Reed, the late Shawn Phelan and Jenny Jacobs play her present family. As Caroline becomes involved in the lives of the Carmichaels she learns family secrets galore. Rounding out the wonderful cast are the great Patricia Neal, the phenomenal Dorothy McGuire and Mary Nell Santacroce. To tell more would be scandalous. This was originally shown on CBS television in 1990 as a Hallmark Hall of Fame Presentation. By the way, this won an Emmy for Best Television Movie or Special. When you need an inspirational movie to get you through the day, put this in your VCR, you won't be disappointed. Still not on DVD, but is on Prime Video.
beautiful story, excellently crafted
blanche-220 December 2004
This was one of the best TV movies ever produced. A very compelling story about a young woman who comes back home after an absence of many years. The question is, is she or isn't she? This film turns out to be about a lot more than an identity question. The young woman, who may or may not be Caroline, becomes involved with her physically challenged half-sister, her brother, and the stepmother that keeps the little girl a baby. Whoever Caroline is, she changes this family in profound ways.
The ending, as well as the revelations about Caroline, is wonderful and positively transcendent.
I highly recommend this film to anyone. It sports a wonderful cast, including Stephanie Zimbalist, Pamela Reed, and George Grizzard. It will both touch you and intrigue you.
The ending, as well as the revelations about Caroline, is wonderful and positively transcendent.
I highly recommend this film to anyone. It sports a wonderful cast, including Stephanie Zimbalist, Pamela Reed, and George Grizzard. It will both touch you and intrigue you.
good movie
thompson81927 February 2004
I remember seeing this with my aunt when I was about 8 as a Hallmark movie on CBS. I remembered liking it and never forgot about it. I just saw it again recently on the Hallmark channel, and I don't think the themes are too adult for a child. I basically understood what was going on the first time I saw it. I'm usually not big on what I think of as Lifetime movies, but Caroline? is well made and the performances were believable. I didn't even know it was based on a book, so I can't comment on how accurate it is compared to that. Looking at it as just a movie, without the comparison to a book, it's great. I'd recommend watching it to anyone with a free weekend afternoon.
Boring & Annoying, But It Was Good To See Dorothy Again
ccthemovieman-14 March 2007
This Hallmark Hall of Fame picture was, in a word: B-o-r--i-n-g with a capital "B." It was too talky and filled with annoying characters. The two main kids in the film squabbled all the time. One of them was "mentally challenged" and spoke in a abrasive, whiny voice.
Several of the women - those played by Pamela Reed and Patricia Neal - were nasty toward the nice woman in the picture ("Caroline") Stephanie Zimabalist.....and the combination of the bratty kids and mean women all turned me off early on.
The part that interested me was seeing an old favorite actress, Dorothy McGuire. I was curious to see what she looked like in her mid '70s. She was an underrated actress and a wonderful woman who never acted in sleazy films. This was the last year she acted, but lived for another 10 years after this movie.
Several of the women - those played by Pamela Reed and Patricia Neal - were nasty toward the nice woman in the picture ("Caroline") Stephanie Zimabalist.....and the combination of the bratty kids and mean women all turned me off early on.
The part that interested me was seeing an old favorite actress, Dorothy McGuire. I was curious to see what she looked like in her mid '70s. She was an underrated actress and a wonderful woman who never acted in sleazy films. This was the last year she acted, but lived for another 10 years after this movie.
One of the best television movies ever
engle_james6 January 2010
Truly remarkable on so many levels, and worth repeated viewings because it's easy to miss some things the first time around. For example, notice who is in the background when Caroline's father laments "I don't even know my own daughter," or the book the adult Winston picks up when speaking to Hilary. The acting is exceptional all around, but especially by Shawn Phelan as young Winston and Jenny Jacobs as Heidi- yes, Jenny Jacobs really does have a disability in real life, and I wouldn't be surprised if the woman who played Hilary also does, as well. Stephanie Zimbalist is luminous as Caroline, and the scenes between her and Patricia Neal (as the headmistress who doesn't believe she's really Caroline) virtually crackle with tension. The ending always puts a lump in my throat, but this is a rare movie that actually earns it's tears. It originally aired on CBS against the Jim Bakker story, which all the critics thought would destroy Caroline in the ratings, but it was the other way around! I've read the book as well and while I liked it, the movie in my opinion is better, because the actors bring the characters to life in a way that the written word can't.
Yet another pointless adaptation of a great book.
StarAxis27 May 2006
Maybe if I had seen the movie before I read the book, I would have liked this better. The book "Father's Arcane Daughter" was one of my favorite books when I was growing up. So when I heard that they were making a movie of it (even if it was only a TV movie), I looked forward to it with eagerness.
Then I heard that they had changed the title to, "Caroline?" And I knew right away that it was going to be a mistake.
What's in a name, you ask? Well, imagine if "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" had been entitled, "Erasing Our Memories," and you will get an idea of how pointless it is to change the title of "Father's Arcane Daughter" to "Caroline?"
Yes, that title change told me right away that the producers and the director belonged to that infamous Hollywood group of "elbow-joggers," the kind of cynics who think that the audience is not intelligent enough to understand what the film is about unless they remind the audience (in small words) at every opportunity. It showed that the telewriters and director did not realize that they could easily have gotten the point of the film across just by writing and directing the movie well.
Now, enough with the title, and onto my issues with the movie itself: I know that a movie is not supposed to be an EXACT translation of the book to film, and while they didn't make that many glaring changes to the story, they did make a lot of little changes that served no real purpose.
(NOTE: The event in the film discussed in the following paragraph is not really a spoiler, since you learn all about it approximately 15 minutes into the movie)
One of the small, but crucial, elements of the story they botched was making Caroline supposed to have died "in an airplane crash," not in a botched kidnapping that turned into a shootout. Now, in theory that is a rather small change, but it really cripples one of the main points of the drama the excuse that Grace used to shield the kids away from the outside world: The fear of another kidnapping. If Caroline just died in a simple plane crash, the drama between many of the characters is either severely altered, or no longer makes any sense whatsoever. Oh, and it meant they had to change a whole lot of things in the ending as well, but I won't go into that.
Then, half of the supporting cast is ridiculously underused, and the cursory appearances by their characters seem to me to just be thrown in for cameos, to make the people who liked the book go, "Hey, that's him/her!" Almost all of the side plots are ruined by this cursory handling, which brings me to my biggest problem with the film: *It makes the "is she Caroline or not" mystery the focus of the story!* That, more than anything, shows that the filmmakers either A: did not get the book at all, or B: They just wanted to appeal to the lowest common denominator by making a cheap mystery pseudo-thriller instead of a character drama (I don't know which would be worse).
The movie is not all bad. It's hard to ruin a story like this, especially with the great performances by Jenny Jacobs (she stole the show), and the late Shawn Pelham. But Stephanie Zimbalist was an absurd choice for Caroline. Although she does manage to keep the sultriness in check a little for this role, they should still not have had a flavor-of-the-month TV babe playing Caroline, that was just contrived bring-in-the-viewers casting. Now, she wasn't horrible, in fact at some times I quite liked her, but in the last few scenes she starts spouting this new-age, "You can be whatever you want to be" dialogue in this overly sage- like, motherly tone, and that just got on my nerves.
I liked Pamela Reed's performance a little (although she did seem a little too frenetic), but not George Grizzard, he just seemed forced. And by the way, what's with changing Charles' name to "Paul?" What purpose did that serve?
*shrugs* Well, let me sum it up: If you've never read the book (or any book by E. L. Konigsburg), you'll probably love this movie.
Then I heard that they had changed the title to, "Caroline?" And I knew right away that it was going to be a mistake.
What's in a name, you ask? Well, imagine if "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" had been entitled, "Erasing Our Memories," and you will get an idea of how pointless it is to change the title of "Father's Arcane Daughter" to "Caroline?"
Yes, that title change told me right away that the producers and the director belonged to that infamous Hollywood group of "elbow-joggers," the kind of cynics who think that the audience is not intelligent enough to understand what the film is about unless they remind the audience (in small words) at every opportunity. It showed that the telewriters and director did not realize that they could easily have gotten the point of the film across just by writing and directing the movie well.
Now, enough with the title, and onto my issues with the movie itself: I know that a movie is not supposed to be an EXACT translation of the book to film, and while they didn't make that many glaring changes to the story, they did make a lot of little changes that served no real purpose.
(NOTE: The event in the film discussed in the following paragraph is not really a spoiler, since you learn all about it approximately 15 minutes into the movie)
One of the small, but crucial, elements of the story they botched was making Caroline supposed to have died "in an airplane crash," not in a botched kidnapping that turned into a shootout. Now, in theory that is a rather small change, but it really cripples one of the main points of the drama the excuse that Grace used to shield the kids away from the outside world: The fear of another kidnapping. If Caroline just died in a simple plane crash, the drama between many of the characters is either severely altered, or no longer makes any sense whatsoever. Oh, and it meant they had to change a whole lot of things in the ending as well, but I won't go into that.
Then, half of the supporting cast is ridiculously underused, and the cursory appearances by their characters seem to me to just be thrown in for cameos, to make the people who liked the book go, "Hey, that's him/her!" Almost all of the side plots are ruined by this cursory handling, which brings me to my biggest problem with the film: *It makes the "is she Caroline or not" mystery the focus of the story!* That, more than anything, shows that the filmmakers either A: did not get the book at all, or B: They just wanted to appeal to the lowest common denominator by making a cheap mystery pseudo-thriller instead of a character drama (I don't know which would be worse).
The movie is not all bad. It's hard to ruin a story like this, especially with the great performances by Jenny Jacobs (she stole the show), and the late Shawn Pelham. But Stephanie Zimbalist was an absurd choice for Caroline. Although she does manage to keep the sultriness in check a little for this role, they should still not have had a flavor-of-the-month TV babe playing Caroline, that was just contrived bring-in-the-viewers casting. Now, she wasn't horrible, in fact at some times I quite liked her, but in the last few scenes she starts spouting this new-age, "You can be whatever you want to be" dialogue in this overly sage- like, motherly tone, and that just got on my nerves.
I liked Pamela Reed's performance a little (although she did seem a little too frenetic), but not George Grizzard, he just seemed forced. And by the way, what's with changing Charles' name to "Paul?" What purpose did that serve?
*shrugs* Well, let me sum it up: If you've never read the book (or any book by E. L. Konigsburg), you'll probably love this movie.
A complex idea from a complex book
ad_astraackerman20 January 2002
I thought the above commentary was unduly harsh. To be fair I have the book in my more recent memory, but I remember the story dealing with a very complex set of ideas in a way that children could understand. [Granting the the movie was only billed as being family friendly, while the book was expressly aimed for young adults.] It wasn't supposed to be a surprise whether or not this woman was really their older half sister. The important thing was the realization that it really did not matter. A strange woman comes to a wounded family and presents herself as a part of it. She then proceeds to fix many of the problems that plague it- she literally saves the children. The boy is rescued from isolation and the girl from a life somewhere between a pet and an embarrassment.
There are some things I might be filling in from the book, but I don't remember finding the movie lacking. I was even motivated to keep an eye out for Father's Archane Daughter to read it. Some minor changes or things left unsaid were inevitable- Caroline disappearing in a plane crash instead of a kidnapping, the younger children's mother's emotional distance, the full role of of Caroline's old headmistress- etc. The only thing I can think of that was wholely snipped was the interesting relationship between the father and Caroline. They probably thought they could not do it justice so they thought it better to leave it out. Plenty of movies have suffered from the unwillingness to make that sort of decision.
On the whole I recommend the movie, and I truly recommend the book (along with everything else if E. L Konigsberg I have gotten around to reading- I think she just collects Newberys)
There are some things I might be filling in from the book, but I don't remember finding the movie lacking. I was even motivated to keep an eye out for Father's Archane Daughter to read it. Some minor changes or things left unsaid were inevitable- Caroline disappearing in a plane crash instead of a kidnapping, the younger children's mother's emotional distance, the full role of of Caroline's old headmistress- etc. The only thing I can think of that was wholely snipped was the interesting relationship between the father and Caroline. They probably thought they could not do it justice so they thought it better to leave it out. Plenty of movies have suffered from the unwillingness to make that sort of decision.
On the whole I recommend the movie, and I truly recommend the book (along with everything else if E. L Konigsberg I have gotten around to reading- I think she just collects Newberys)
BEST TV MOVIE I have ever seen!!!!
DANCER-184 January 2000
I think this is one of the best tv movies that I have ever seen. STEPHANIE ZIMBALIST was excellent in this movie. The story kept me on the edge of my seat. It is a good mystery and you have to watch it until the end to find out if STEPHANIE is the real CAROLINE or not. This is a keeper and I can't wait until I own it on VHS.
An wonderful story, an incredible film.
sixtracer1 December 2007
The best made for television film ever. A story that will stay with you forever. A pitch perfect cast brings this great story to life. Stephanie Zimbalist is a revelation. What a shame that she left the world of film for theater.Shawn Phelan is great as her young "brother". Had he not died so young he would have had a great career in films. The movie also benefits from the presence of the great character actor George Grizzard. While the cast is wonderful it is the story so original, so engrossing, so haunting. If you get the chance to see this film don't miss it. While it is made for T.V. it is better than most theatrical releases.
Excellent Movie, probably the best one I have seen in a while!
elikapekaw27 May 2000
Warning: Spoilers
I just recently watched this movie for the first time, giving raving reviews to my family. I will recommend this movie to everyone I know. I loved the plot twists, I loved the extraordinary ending as well. I must say it kept me guessing and kept my attention. Caroline being played Stephanie Zimbalist I must say was excellent. Liking her from her role on Remington Steele and several guest roles. A wonderful character played by a wonderful actress. I won't give away any spoilers due to the fact I could never watch this movie again knowing how it ending, the tears, the surprise of how it ended would not be the same. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is up for a tear jerker and a very, very, well written mystery....
Average film with an unnecessary tag on ending
Loulou-821 July 1999
This film was fairly enjoyable for a piece of mid-afternoon entertainment.
I was drawn in to the story mostly by the two young children and the performance of Pamela Reed as their mother. However, it was almost as though this film couldn't decide if it was about the is she / isn't she story surrounding Caroline, the plight of the poor little rich kids, or the relationships between the adult characters. It was disappointing that none of these subjects was fully explored in the film.
Although the outcome of the is she / isn't she part of the story was painfully obvious from the outset, I was surprised but disappointed by the rushed ending and the inconsistencies in Caroline's character.
Anyway, it would be ridiculous to sit and over analyse a minor TV movie such as this (or any film for that matter), so I'll just finish by saying that it's worth watching if you're a fan of TV movies or films where children are the main focal point.
I was drawn in to the story mostly by the two young children and the performance of Pamela Reed as their mother. However, it was almost as though this film couldn't decide if it was about the is she / isn't she story surrounding Caroline, the plight of the poor little rich kids, or the relationships between the adult characters. It was disappointing that none of these subjects was fully explored in the film.
Although the outcome of the is she / isn't she part of the story was painfully obvious from the outset, I was surprised but disappointed by the rushed ending and the inconsistencies in Caroline's character.
Anyway, it would be ridiculous to sit and over analyse a minor TV movie such as this (or any film for that matter), so I'll just finish by saying that it's worth watching if you're a fan of TV movies or films where children are the main focal point.
Hidden gem
floridamangosteen11 December 2019
Ridiculous
Snowgo13 October 2017
This is a very dubious movie with many holes in the plot, and it is necessary, throughout, to "suspend your disbelief". No one looks, sounds and acts enough like another person to bamboozle an entire town, filled with friends and relatives. It's just ridiculous. I think this movie is a real waste of two hours.
The way the main character is directed, it is obvious from the start that she is not Caroline. The private investigator was not able to find anything on her? Preposterous.
What, exactly, does the handicapped girl have to do with this identity crisis and deception that the movie is about? It is like watching two movies at once, squashed together. It is so unbelievable, you almost expect Heidi at some point to say, "I am not Heidi! I have been pretending all these years!" and for the woman impersonating Caroline to declare, "I am handicapped! I am not normal!"
What a stupid, ill-conceived movie this is. Nothing like it could ever happen in real life. It is just a 2 hour soap opera. The imposter gets her hands on the inheritance and then has a change of heart (twice) to help Heidi, echoing the lie she told about moving to India? All the while, lying straight-faced to everyone involved, while crying about having hurt them?! Give me a break. Oh, and the party thrown for "Caroline" should have been proof to everyone that something was wrong. Instead, everybody was snookered. She even stated that she "loves" Winston. Yes. of course. That's why she lied to everyone, Heidi included. (Rolls eyes).
The way the main character is directed, it is obvious from the start that she is not Caroline. The private investigator was not able to find anything on her? Preposterous.
What, exactly, does the handicapped girl have to do with this identity crisis and deception that the movie is about? It is like watching two movies at once, squashed together. It is so unbelievable, you almost expect Heidi at some point to say, "I am not Heidi! I have been pretending all these years!" and for the woman impersonating Caroline to declare, "I am handicapped! I am not normal!"
What a stupid, ill-conceived movie this is. Nothing like it could ever happen in real life. It is just a 2 hour soap opera. The imposter gets her hands on the inheritance and then has a change of heart (twice) to help Heidi, echoing the lie she told about moving to India? All the while, lying straight-faced to everyone involved, while crying about having hurt them?! Give me a break. Oh, and the party thrown for "Caroline" should have been proof to everyone that something was wrong. Instead, everybody was snookered. She even stated that she "loves" Winston. Yes. of course. That's why she lied to everyone, Heidi included. (Rolls eyes).
A Very Moving Story
Richard_Dominguez7 March 2020
An absolutely amazing story that starts off as some kind of a mystery and turns into a very loving story. I was stunned at all the wonderful performances and a script so well written it simply has no equal in theme. One of the best TV (or otherwise) movie I have seen in a long time. Thank you Youtube for being a source that has allowed me to not miss out on so special an experience as this movie turned out to be ....
Another hidden gem
steeleronaldr26 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
TV movies can really surprise you sometimes. This TV movie was for sure s masterfully acted movie. I won't reveal but had my doubts, as, a few things came up that raised a eyebrow. Actress who play the mother was incredible as the antagonist. Don't want to go any further without ruining the plot but do say the end brought tears to my eyes.
This movie will totally suck you in and without trying to hard will keep your attention right up to the last frame. I highly recommend this movie, a instant favorite
I enjoyed the twist very much in this story
havenpetcare26 December 2020
I was expecting the whole story to be about Caroline but it had an interesting twist.
It's compelling. I happened upon it while lying in, on Boxing Day browsing what to watch online for a moment without much expectation, it almost had me in tears at the end.
It's a very emotive thought provoking film, none the less and well done by the actors & actresses, I enjoyed it and will recommend it to others.
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