th gradeback  asked read novel based part english class studies remember touched excited tv version came year laterbr br kristy mcnichol popular tv actress film produced already playing daughter dysfunctional family hit tv series family clear range ability pull part recall bit stiff times good job carries movie wellbr br esther rolle fantastic domestic appears one household seems truly care her barbara barrie somewhat frightened slightly neurotic mother also good young robin lively who would eventually appear black widow lana milford twin peaksas sweet younger sister seems focus parents affection bruce davidson also appropriately appealing german soldier titlebr br the best performance however belongs michael constantine truly powerful merited recognition got time bitterness coldness expresses makes scenes appears difficult watch makes much easier understand quiet desperation rejected daughter constantine gives everything right intensity seems good understanding underlying psychological motivationsbr br the film differs book small ways wonderful inspiring watch hope gets released video dvdbr br 