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The Secret Path

Original title: Chasing Secrets
  • TV Movie
  • 1999
  • Unrated
  • 2h
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
1.5K
YOUR RATING
Ossie Davis, Della Reese, and Yvonne Zima in The Secret Path (1999)
BiographyDrama

In this drama, a neglected young white girl in the rural South is befriended by an unlikely couple and finds the solace and nurturing she needs to transform her downtrodden life.In this drama, a neglected young white girl in the rural South is befriended by an unlikely couple and finds the solace and nurturing she needs to transform her downtrodden life.In this drama, a neglected young white girl in the rural South is befriended by an unlikely couple and finds the solace and nurturing she needs to transform her downtrodden life.

  • Director
    • Bruce Pittman
  • Writers
    • Rose Mary Evans
    • Bill C. Davis
    • Quinton Peeples
  • Stars
    • Della Reese
    • Crystal Bernard
    • Madeline Zima
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.7/10
    1.5K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Bruce Pittman
    • Writers
      • Rose Mary Evans
      • Bill C. Davis
      • Quinton Peeples
    • Stars
      • Della Reese
      • Crystal Bernard
      • Madeline Zima
    • 17User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos3

    View Poster
    View Poster
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    Top Cast27

    Edit
    Della Reese
    Della Reese
    • Honey
    Crystal Bernard
    Crystal Bernard
    • Marie Foley
    Madeline Zima
    Madeline Zima
    • Jo Ann Foley (age 14)
    Yvonne Zima
    Yvonne Zima
    • Jo Ann (age 7)
    Ron White
    Ron White
    • Hank Foley
    Yolanda King
    • Ms. Evelyn
    Ossie Davis
    Ossie Davis
    • Too Tall
    Brenda Bazinet
    Brenda Bazinet
    • Grandma Foley
    William Greenblatt
    • Bobby Foley (child)
    Lynda Mason Green
    • JoAnn age 40
    • (as Lyn Mason Green)
    David Roemmele
    • Bobby age 15
    Zachary Bennett
    Zachary Bennett
    • Young Paul
    Johnie Chase
    Johnie Chase
    • Dr. Joe
    Aimée Castle
    Aimée Castle
    • Lydia
    • (as Aimee Castle)
    Vince Corazza
    Vince Corazza
    • Karl
    Nola Augustson
    Nola Augustson
    • School Teacher
    Roger Dunn
    Roger Dunn
    • Sheriff
    Karen Glave
    Karen Glave
    • Elizabeth
    • Director
      • Bruce Pittman
    • Writers
      • Rose Mary Evans
      • Bill C. Davis
      • Quinton Peeples
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews17

    7.71.4K
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    Featured reviews

    8leftyguns2

    a thoughtful film

    When I started watching this film I had no idea it was going to have such an impact on me.

    I'm not much into what some may call tear jerquers, but this film really impacted on the way that I'll see such film in the future. The combination of superb acting,, the overall story, and the personal touch from the characters, made for a superb film experience.

    The story consist of a neglected young white girl, from a family who's patriarch grandpa Foley mistreats her and tries to force her into prostitution, and into hustling soldiers for money. She resists , and find the love and affection she didn't get at home in a black childless couple , excellently played by Ossie Davis, and Della Reese.

    The bond that develops between the girl during the ages of 7 and 14 is really unique, equally moving is that despite coming from a dysfunctional family she becomes under the guidance of the couple a fine young lady.

    This is a film that should be watched by all. The storyline is among the best I've watched.
    10sugarroxy_zegers

    Very Well done!!!

    I first saw this movie last year on TV and liked it instantly. Than I saw it again in High School and liked it even more. This made for TV movie starring Della Reese and Madeline Zima was done very well and it was touching for an adult or family audience. The story was about a little girl growing up with nothing in an abusive household and finding what turned out to be her best friend on the other side of the path, Honey. This is a good story of racism and heartbreak. And loyalty and caring.
    10kimboo7

    This is my favorite movie

    I am a Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime lover. This movie came on LMN titled Chasing Secrets. I had no idea what it was gonna be about, but once I started watching it, I couldn't take my eyes off of the TV. This movie had me crying, laughing and it gave me such a warm feeling inside. I am trying my best to find out where I can purchase this movie so that I can watch it over and over with my family. The movie had some of the best child actors I have ever seen. It also had outstanding adult actors, my favorite being Della Reese. It is a movie that the entire family can view together and learn many lessons from it. I recommend this movie to any true movie lover. My hats off to the writer and director of Chasing Secrets.
    10soryd

    Thank you

    I know the real little girl portrayed in this movie. I grew up with her. As an adult she would appreciate the comments about how you were moved by the movie. She was involved with the book in the hopes of helping people who went though similar situations. . If you have the time please read Childhoods Thief by Rosemary Evans.
    10ragman-5

    About as good as a made for TV movie gets.

    I loved this film. Great story, great writing, superb acting. More than worth the time spent viewing it. Only downside is that it wasn't adapted for the big screen.

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    Related interests

    Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, and Geraldine James in Gandhi (1982)
    Biography
    Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe, André Holland, Herman Caheej McGloun, Edson Jean, Alex R. Hibbert, and Tanisha Cidel in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Based on Rose Mary Evans' autobiography "Childhood's Thief: One Woman's Journey of Healing from Sexual Abuse."

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 4, 1999 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Chasing Secrets
    • Filming locations
      • Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    • Production company
      • Robert Greenwald Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 2h(120 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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