In view of the events of its background, this true-life story, set in the American south of the Fifties and Sixties, could hardly fail to be inspiring, and, given players of the sensitivity of Peter Coyote, Tess Harper and Dermot Mulroney, director Dick Lowry doesn't miss out on making us think or bringing a lump to our throats. Skilfully contrasting intimate scenes with momentous drama, Lowry has created a film that inevitably stirs us with its righteous persuasion, as he recounts the tale of the southern US senator persecuted for his liberal views and his asthmatic son who longs to play pro football. The director's own son plays the younger character as a boy. It's strong stuff for a TV movie, and well done.

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