CAROLINE?

US, 1990, 100 minutes, Colour.
Stephanie Zimbalist, Pamela Reed, George Grizzard, Patricia Neal, Dorothy Maguire.
Directed by Joseph Sargent.

Caroline? is an average telemovie, although it won Emmys for best drama or miniseries for 1990 as well as best director for Joseph Sargent. Joseph Sargent has directed quite a number of films and telemovies from Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 to Choices of the Heart.

Stephanie Zimbalist appeared on television in Remington Steele and a number of telemovies. Pamela Reed and George Grizzard are the parents and there are guest spots from veterans Patricia Neal and Dorothy Maguire.

The film focuses on a mysterious young woman who may or may not be the person she claims. However, she makes herself part of a household and is concerned about helping two young children with their problems. The film moves quickly at the end – although audiences will have their suspicions as to the truth or untruth about Caroline’s identity.

1. A enjoyable telemovie? Appealing? The element of mystery?

2. The world of the wealthy, homes? The world of the handicapped?

3. The title and its explanation? The masked dance during the credits?

4. The framework: Winston and Heidi, as adults, their having achieved some success, their memories of Caroline, the flashbacks?

5. The situation: Caroline lost, her arrival, issues of money, the puzzle? The test? The family being suspicious? Her place in the family? Law, information, memories? Her relationship with the children? The support from Grace? The effect on the family, the party? Miss Trollope – and the overtones of Agatha Christie? The kids and the Bunny test? Caroline staying, ousted? The father seeing the change?

6. Martha’s letter to Winston?

7. The father, his being busy? Grace with the children? The puzzle, the effect, the discovery?

8. Grace and the children, her relationship with Heidi? Jealousy? Questions and traps?

9. Agatha and the party, the visit, college – and help? Character of Bunny, her presence, with the children, her help?

10. Winston at twelve, Heidi as a child, in themselves, their abilities and disabilities? Caroline with them? The attack? The present? The hurt, the truth?

11. Heidi, hearing impaired, spoilt, reading, the tests? Challenged and dared? Her growth?

12. The grandmother, her age, her idea, the train, being wilful?

13. How satisfactory the ending? The revelation? Nevertheless, the film with a strong sense of humanity?