Ruby Jean and Joe

One of the "best" television movies made by Tom Selleck (just my opinion), that I've had the chance to see. The way Mr. Selleck and Ms. Johnson interacted in the film, gave me quite a bit of 'food for thought', in the way we (the young and old) treat each other, and the things we can learn from each other. Was interesting to find out that it was based on actual incidents that happened to the writer, who died right after the film was completed. Think he would have been proud of how it turned out. Also, just thought Mr. Kevin Lutton would like to know that unfortunately the powers that be in Hollywood, have still not recognized Ms. Johnson's (actress' name is Rebekah Johnson)talents. She only made one other film (don't know if there's anything else in the works at this time.) that I'm aware of. Hope to see her in more in the near future. Jean

It is no fun to get old and this is portrayed throughout the film. The wonderful twist was the incredible power of the eighteen year old girl. We baby boomers can learn a lot from the youth of today. Some of them have such cheerful and refreshing ways of looking at life. Often they see right through entanglements and facades as is demonstrated in part by the central female character in this movie. I hope the actress has a good career because she did hold together well in this one.

I really enjoyed this movie. Apart from the very brief nude sequence it was a quality film. I enjoyed seeing Tom Selleck in something different and I agree with the other comment in here that Rebekah Johnson should have gotten more roles. She was great. The story was believable, and I was touched at Tom Selleck's playing of his part. Quite a few sequences were also not unrealistic in the situation of the older man and a young girl combination; and I can't help feeling the movie would have had a more family rating without the very small nude scene I mentioned earlier. Good to see some known faces in the movie apart from Tom Selleck as well. I recommend this movie to anyone who gets the opportunity to view it. Maybe one day it might be available in DVD, that would be great also.

I was very moved by this movie as I could really relate with Tom Selleck's character. It was very true to life to me as I have been in a similar situation caring so much for a younger girl who was also a best friend and having everyone misunderstand the relationship as the JoBeth Williams character (Rose) and others did in the movie. I really felt sorry for Joe and Ruby Jean knowing how it feels to have people with overimaginations and dirty minds try to turn a wonderful relationship into something that it isn't. The movie hit home and brought me to tears and I very rarely have a movie do that.

This is a simple, endearing film that really hits home. Most people have been at an important crossroads at least once in their lives and know what it means to have someone there whose love can help you make decisions that might be harder, but in the long run, will be easier to live with. Everyone feels like Joe does in this film at least once in a lifetime. If we could all have a Ruby Jean in our lives, the world would be a better place. At first, you might think that the girl who plays Ruby Jean is doing a terrible acting job, but by the end of the film, you'll realize she was perfect for what they were trying to accomplish with the character. She's innocuous, intelligent, pure, and effervescent; and what appears to be a haphazard approach turns out to be perfect. Also, this might be my favorite Selleck role, and I've seen most of his films. He has moments of total perfection, particularly the scene where Ruby Jean confronts him about his drinking and the scene where he finally puts his roping horse out to pasture -- understated and elegant acting.