Misunderstood

Director Jerry Schatzberg follows up his lauded ode to country music, HONEYSUCKLE ROSE, with this touching drama about a man who learns to become a loving father. Successful shipping magnate Ned Rawley (Gene Hackman) has just become a widower, and must now raise his young sons Andrew (Henry Thomas) and Miles (Huckleberry Fox) by himself. But Ned, who doesn't know his kids very well, has a tough time expressing his love. Instead, he takes a distant and demanding stance towards them. This creates a wide rift between him and Andrew, the oldest boy, who misses his mother and desperately needs attention. When Andrew is seriously hurt in an accident, Ned finally realizes how much care and affection a child needs. As a result, he finally softens, opening the floodgates of overwhelming emotions, and tries to begin a healthy relationship with his sons.