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After the Promise

  • TV Movie
  • 1987
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
Mark Harmon and Diana Scarwid in After the Promise (1987)
Drama

Elmer Jackson is a carpenter in a small Californian town in the 1930s. Struggling to bring up 4 young boys after the death of his wife, he is horrified when the Government (citing trumped-up... Read allElmer Jackson is a carpenter in a small Californian town in the 1930s. Struggling to bring up 4 young boys after the death of his wife, he is horrified when the Government (citing trumped-up charges of parental neglect) places the boys into various foster homes and institutions, ... Read allElmer Jackson is a carpenter in a small Californian town in the 1930s. Struggling to bring up 4 young boys after the death of his wife, he is horrified when the Government (citing trumped-up charges of parental neglect) places the boys into various foster homes and institutions, unaware of the abuse that the boys would then be subjected to. The conditions imposed by t... Read all

  • Director
    • David Greene
  • Writers
    • Robert W. Lenski
    • Sebastian Milito
  • Stars
    • Mark Harmon
    • Diana Scarwid
    • Rosemary Dunsmore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.7/10
    1.1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • David Greene
    • Writers
      • Robert W. Lenski
      • Sebastian Milito
    • Stars
      • Mark Harmon
      • Diana Scarwid
      • Rosemary Dunsmore
    • 30User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 4 nominations total

    Photos

    Top Cast40

    Edit
    Mark Harmon
    Mark Harmon
    • Elmer Jackson
    Diana Scarwid
    Diana Scarwid
    • Anna Jackson
    Rosemary Dunsmore
    Rosemary Dunsmore
    • Florence Jackson
    Donnelly Rhodes
    Donnelly Rhodes
    • Dr. Northfield
    Chance Michael Corbitt
    Chance Michael Corbitt
    • Wayne 1
    David French
    • Richard 1
    Benjamin Turner
    • Ellis 1
    Lance Verwoerd
    • Raymond 1
    • (as Lance)
    Gary Verwoerd
    • Raymond 1
    Shirley Barclay
    • Mrs. Adams
    Alex Bruhanski
    Alex Bruhanski
    • Hospital Cop
    Dwight Koss
    Dwight Koss
    • Young Doctor
    Linda Darlow
    Linda Darlow
    • Welfare Officer
    Dana Still
    • Supervisor
    Jenn Griffin
    Jenn Griffin
    • Sitter
    • (as Jennifer Griffin)
    Stephen E. Miller
    Stephen E. Miller
    • Ben
    Blu Mankuma
    Blu Mankuma
    • Jack
    Alex Diakun
    Alex Diakun
    • Foreman
    • Director
      • David Greene
    • Writers
      • Robert W. Lenski
      • Sebastian Milito
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews30

    7.71.1K
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    Featured reviews

    hi-tweety-19191919

    The Grand-Daughter

    My name is Brittney Armstrong. I am the grand-daughter of Ellis Melvin Armstrong. My grandmother Sheila was once married to Ellis, She has told me the whole story of the Armstrong's and my grandfather. I believe this story with my heart. I never got to meet my grandfather, He was not around in my day, and i have seen this movie and loved it. My grandmother has pointed out some things that have changed in the movie but overall i believe it is true. If anyone see's this posting of the Armstrong's please contact me on facebook or other ways. My facebook name is Brittney Armstrong Picture of my fiancé and I. I live in Madras, Oregon. Please contact me i would love to meet some family.
    8mec-23

    Heart rendering and very moving

    This was a great period piece. I cry every time I watch and recommend it to every parent. This reinforces a father's love. It gives hope for the meaning of family. It also makes one happy not to live in those conditions and circumstances. Be happy for who we are and in what time we live. This is a celebration of family. It is a wonderful Father's Day movie. I wish more movies were made of this caliber and less of the dirty little secrets caliber. It made the point that even among monsters angels tread! For every one needs an angel to watch over them and their families.

    Please, watch this movie with your father or husband
    sbrnnxn

    touching

    I hate that this movie is not available anywhere because I would definately add it to my movie collection. Every time I saw this movie it made me cry because instead of the family services helping the father in his time of need, they made his situation worse by taking his children away. This story is similar to what's going on today-DCFS is so quick to take children from their homes and place them with strangers instead of really showing compassion on the troubled parent. Mark Harmon really did a great performance, as I really wasn't aware of him prior to this movie.
    10lesley44

    My Favorite Movie

    I just wanted to say that this movie was the best i have seen in a long time. It has so many different emotions in it. I think it is one of Mark Harmons best movies. The only problem i have is i cant get it on DVD only have it on video.So i think everyone should watch this movie and let me know what they thought of it.. It really makes u think what it must of been like for single parents in that day and age mind u it hasn't changed a lot. I cant believe they would do that to children even then. But i do think everyone should watch it like i said it was one of Mark Harmons best movies.. Can anyone help me get this great movie on DVD please let me know as i cant get it here in Australia thanks.
    cotton-candy

    A True Likeness

    I can not describe the true likeness portrayed by all the charactors of the "Jackson" Family. I know because in reality the "Jackson's" are the "Armstrong's". Ellis was in fact a depiction of twin boys, Ellis and Elmer. Elmer, is my father. It was to say the least comforting to watch Mark Hammel potray my Grandpa. He had all his mannerisms down pat! And the most amaizing part of that was, my grandpa had been gone for years.

    Yes folks, this horrific thing really happened! These men were destroyed forever. My father is probably the only one who came out of this with an attitude of "I Will!". I just wish to say thank you to the cast for bringing my family's trials to life. ad a better understanding of why my dad had a difficult time being a family man. Cathy

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    Related interests

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    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Jenn Griffin's debut.
    • Quotes

      Elmer Jackson: I may jump up and down if you put an alligator in the bathtub, but i will never ever hurt you for telling the truth!

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 11, 1987 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Das Versprechen des Elmer Jackson
    • Filming locations
      • California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Tamara Asseyev Productions
      • New World Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 30m(90 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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