DVD:
VHS:

Crusader Entertainment
and
Frantic Redhead Productions
in association with
SALEM Productions
Present




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Alabama-1947. A stifling heat has settled down on this tiny one-street town in the heart of the South. The residents resign themselves to the long months ahead, sipping lemonade, playing dominoes, going about their business, completely unaware that this will not be just another summer. For, one day, from the thick cloud of dust cast off by the six o'clock bus emerges a tiny figure, dressed in sky bluefrills, twirling a parasol on her shoulder. Lily Jane Bobbit, a mysterious thirteen-year-old girl, accompanied by her mute mother, seemingly appears from nowhere and sashays her way into the hearts and imaginations of the citizens of Medaa. And, it is two of Medaa's youngest residents who are particularly taken by Miss Bobbit's almost magical influence.

Billy Bob Murphy lives with his recently war-widowed mother, Elinore, trying his best to endure the pain of entering manhood without a father. Although our hero consistently tries to do what's right and good, his best friend, Preacher Star, makes that next to impossible. Condemned to spend his childhood with a suspected alcoholic father and two red-haired ruthless older brothers, Preacher has not had an easy time of it and has little or no compunction about leading Billy Bob down the path to moral ruin.

Billy Bob and Preacher, as thirteen-year-old boys are known to do, fall deeply in love with Miss Bobbit at the first sight of her. The two battle for the little girl's attention and as the summer months wear on, it is clear that the two are on a collision course with one another that could not only destroy their friendship, but take the tiny town with them. Elinore, try as she might to save her son from the heartache that he will inevitably endure, must eventually stand back and let the pre-adolescent triangle play itself out.

In the end, it is the smooth-talking, crooked show promoter Lionel Quince who, in his attempt to rob the locals of their life savings with a bogus talent contest, causes the two boys to realize that true friendship is hard to come by, and that nothing must destroy that precious commodity. The boys, together with Miss Bobbit and Sister Rosalba, a local African-American girl that Miss Bobbit befriends, manage to track down the crooked Mr. Quince, capture him, and turn him in to the local authorities, returning the town's money and dignity in the process.

Children on Their Birthdays is a tale of true friendship, first love, and coming of age that, woven by master storyteller Truman Capote, has become an American literary classic. Under the directorial eye of Academy Award® nominee Mark Medoff, with a screenplay by Douglas Sloan, it will become the same to the world of cinema.

A great movie that captures the essense of good filmmaking.

It's hard to say what any deceased writer would do, but this very much alive viewer felt the movie was beautifully made with simple style and gentle awareness towards its subjects. I loved watching this movie and escaping into the world of Lilly Jane Bobbitt. After seeing this movie, I re-read the short story by Capote and enjoyed remembering what I had seen recreated by the producers and director. Hollywood thinks if you blow it up they'll come. But, I believe if you make a wonderful film, they'll not only come, but they will leave wanting more - and that's how I felt about Mark Medoff's movie "Children on Their Birthdays." 

Fun, inspirational family fare...

This film holds up contrasts between urban and rural cultures, courage and passivity, childhood and adulthood, other-centeredness and self-centeredness, dealing with many issues of life and perspectives in an inspiring, tasteful way. Miss Lily Jane Bobbit is an interesting character that evokes curiosity throughout the story. Great movie for the whole family.  

Awarded: Platinum Award for Independent Theatrical Feature Films - Family/Children 

Truman Capote's spinning in his grave? Well I haven't read the original story but I was enthralled with this movie!

I can tell you that I loved this film from start to finish. The casting appeared to be ideal - I can't think of anyone else that I would recommend to replace any of the characters in this heart-warming tale. I watched it with my 12 year-old daughter and you know when kids aren't really interested they start moving about, get restless, etc? Now hear this - this is a "No Fidget" film - take the family! At the risk of being clichÈd, they don't make 'em like this any more. It captures innocence from what, compared to today, was an innocent age even though it was set only fifty or so years ago. I came away knowing that some of the feel-good factor of this little parable had rubbed off on me, my wife and our daughter. So much so, that I wouldn't tell you the ending anyway! Go, see, enjoy.  

My wife and I saw this film at a private showing in Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Festival. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a delightful, amusing and entertaining movie with a hard edge to it which gives added depth to the story and the period setting. We thought that it was extremely well acted - and special praise must go to the children themselves - very well directed with fine camera work which enriched to period atmosphere. We think audiences will enjoy it greatly.  

A lovingly crafted treat for the whole family.

This sweet and touching adaptation of Truman Capote's coming-of-age short story takes place in 1947 Alabama. The cinematography, locations, and music skillfully help set the stage for a time when reading books or listening to the radio were a major source of entertainment. World War II veterans were attempting to return to their former lives, war-widows were still dealing with their losses, and Jim Crow was a legal reality. Into this setting steps Lily Jane Bobbit, a 13-year old with ideas of her own as to how the world should work.

The story includes the blush of first love, friendships that see no colors, and actions and words that come from the heart. In this era of movies relying heavily on violence, profanity, car chases, and sex to hold your interest, this movie is a refreshing change of pace. It's a lovingly crafted film that's a treat for the whole family.  

`Children on their Birthdays' is not meant to tax your cranium or exercise your sense of adventure; rather, to take you on a gentle stroll through the (not quite) coming of age of four thirteen-year-olds in 1940's Alabama. Joe Pichler and Jesse Plemmons demonstrate some real versatility in portraying the two young friends/rivals and Tania Raymonde delivers a dose of the same smarts and mystery she's done on TV in "Malcolm in the Middle". You can take your young kids to this one. It supplies plenty of tenderness and a little slapstick as the kids and the town get mixed around with romance, snake oil, some amazingly hardy roses and a really fine old red tow truck. 

This was probably the best movie of 2002 and I've seen a lot this year. This movie had it all. A Bunch of Stars , the girl from "Malcom in the Middle", Weston Mueller from "One on One" , TWO boys from "Varsity Blues" and a bunch more... there is even Sheryl Lee, Tom Arnold and Christopher Mcdonald. Plus its a really funny movie. Its a new classic and brings a tear to the eye. It would make Truman Capote proud! So go see this movie. And there is a Celine Dion song at the end that you cant find any where else... So See it and Enjoy it!! 

This little gem of a film relishes its southern setting and it's 40's Americana charm without ever tipping over into camp or sentimentality. Mark Medoff directs his coming of age tale deftly, yet simply, letting the assured and breezy pitch perfect performances of it's young leads carry us along. The young actors are given delicious support by the vivid portrayals of their elders, particularly Chris MacDonald and Phylis Frelich who burnish their characterizations with common sense and dignity without sacrificing the nuances of human complexity within. The score in itself is a wonder: evocative, fresh and inventive in all the right places. I came away astonished that the creators could maintain the delicate balance of innocence and swagger that a successful telling of their story so lovingly deserved. And I came away moved and deeply appreciative of a picture that put its faith in the simple fundamental truths of the storyteller's art. Thank you and well done!  

Anyone who has ever fallen in love will love "Children on Their Birthdays." It is impossible to view this movie and not be touched by its marvelous tapestry of contrasts and conflicts. The setting, the music, and the cinematography create a nostalgic yearning to return to a place and time when life was simple -- lemonade on the front porch, baseball in the yard, and ice cream at the corner drug store. But real life is never that simple.

In real life childhood innocence is too quickly replaced by the uncharted territory of first romance, moral decisions, and the tests of true friendship.

The script contains all the elements of a great movie -- basic human emotions, mystery, adventure, comedy, and climax. The performances of all the actors in this film, young and old alike, are simply spectacular. The director addresses sensitive subjects masterfully, with honesty, compassion, and a generous dose of humor. The soundtrack itself is worth the price of admission.

I saw this movie twice and cried both times. Audience members actually cheered at several points during the film. Young people, old people, and everyone in between can identify with this heartwarming story. Go see it! 

I saw this movie along with 900 other moviegoers who attended the Midwest Premier. Nearly everyone gave the show...

Two Thumbs Up!

I, like most, described "Children on their Birthdays" with the words entertaining, moving, uplifting and meaningful! The wonderful scenes of Americana in 1947 were enhanced by a wonderful soundtrack reflecting the period and by an equally meaningful message.

"Children on their Birthdays" examines the when, where and how ordinary people make moral restitution for some of the foolish things they do. The movie hints that the surest way to moral redemption is through unconditional acts of love and kindness. "COTB" makes the point that one is never too young or too old to learn how to do this. I came away from "COTB" reminded that in every life friendship and sacrifice go hand in hand and, that forgiveness and redemption do too.

I've seen "Children on their Birthdays" more than once. Each time the cliche that "no good deed goes unpunished" comes to mind as the antithesis of this movie's message. Instead of this too readily acceptable cynical cliche, "COTB" postulates that the road to the real rewards in life is paved with acts of kindness . If nothing else, going to see "COTB" will serve as a gentle antidote for the the pervasive cynicism affecting everyone nowadays as we anxiously await the unfolding of current events. 

A MUST SEE FILM FOR EVERYONE!!!!

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD! THIS is the kind of film I want to see coming out of Tinsel Town. Let us see more and more like this! It is true to the time period in which it is set and it is true to the original story by Truman Capote. It deals with ideas and issues that appeal to both adults and children. It inspires, instructs without being obnoxious, it entertains, both by making you laugh and by plucking the heart strings. It shows human beings of all types and ages struggling to connect to other human beings. The levels are amazing, the performances crystal clear, the direction is never heavy handed or over the top, the photography is wonderful, - I could go on and on. Some say "I don't go to the movies to see 'normal' people. That's (supposedly) boring." Well, they haven't seen this film! It has real people with real lives dealing with everyday problems and holding your interest the entire time. It's a film that normal people can relate to, get involved and identify with the characters, and walk away with hope in their hearts. It may sound old fashioned, but it's exactly what has universal appeal! 

The perfect antidote to recent news of violence in America.

As weird as Truman Capote was in life, deep down inside the award-winning writer lived an idealistic, thirteen-year-old girl who stood up to injustice in this world and longed to be a star. Children on Their Birthdays is the first great film of the year, with young Tania Raymonde (Malcolm's weirdo girlfriend last season on Malcolm in the Middle) speaking in that affected but hypnotic vocabulary of Truman Capote to straighten out the imperfections of a small Southern town. She has the wonderful combination of weirdness and attractiveness that the character Lily Jane calls for as she plays a bold "visiting angel" to a sleepy community that has been letting moral philosophy slide here and there. One of the most enriching elements of the story is the insight permitted into the dimensionality of bullies. Haven't you always wondered about those repellent, cliche cynics who appear in every life and every youth-topic story, abusing and teasing and otherwise expressing unfounded hostility? The character Preacher in this story is fully a bully-as-human-being, with passions and sentiments and the ability to grow and change, alternately pathetic, endearing and unnerving. This film will probably be an Oscar-nominated feature for Best Song, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography and maybe even Best Director, though it is Medoff's first effort. Very nice work. 

I saw the movie and loved it. It was great to see a good family film with vaules. The settings take you back to a time when children were really children and priorities were based on the well being of family and others. A sweet film. As I watched this movie, I wished I could go there for just a day. No guns, war, violence or bad feelings. Have we forgotten what a movie like this is? At first, I did not like the title but after watching the film twice, I find it is very appropriate. You have to get to the heart of the movie to understand. It is a movie you can be proud to watch with your family.It may be a challenge to some to sit through a movie which can only offer you fine values as well as entertain you in a way that is seen far too infrequently. 

An excellant film for both children from 8+ to 15 and their parents should they wish to accompany them.A nostalgic look back on childrens summer vacations (and we were all children once!)The magic of one persons beliefs and ideals who was brave enough to stand up and be heard. The cruelty of the nastyness that is inbeded in society, and all the good lessons that can be learnt from pulling together.This film travells across the nations because it is based on good family values and community. Full of laughs and cheekyness, tears and victimisation. Great familly viewing. 

Young friends reach a turning point in "Children on Their Birthdays."

Based on a Truman Capote short story, "Children" displays another one of Capote's wisps of small-town Southern life, as opposed to his more sophisticated side. There's still a smattering of cynicism, but it's carefully disguised by colorful characters and traditional values.

The thing to know going in is that "Children on Their Birthdays" has one of the most heinous attempts at a Southern accent in recent memory. Tom Arnold, who has specific skills as an actor, proves that tackling a Southern dialect is not one of them.

The story primarily is about Billy Bob Murphy (Joe Pichler), a 13-year-old living with his war-widowed mother, Elinore (Sheryl Lee, also struggling with her diphthongs), in tiny Medda, Ala., in 1947. Billy Bob and his troublemaking best friend, Preach (Jesse Plemons), are bound together by pranks and a coin collection they hope will take them to see their beloved St. Louis Cardinals play in the World Series.

A wedge comes between them when exotic Lily Jane Bobbit (Tania Raymonde) arrives in town with her mute mother (Phyllis Frelich). Lily is a 13-year-old free spirit who dreams of a better world - specifically Hollywood, but she's willing to make improvements in whatever setting she finds herself.

Billy Bob and Preach vie for Lily Jane's attention and affection, snubbing longtime friends and destroying Elinore's prize roses in the process. The town sheriff and mechanic, Speedy (Christopher McDonald), struggles to keep the peace. Meanwhile, smooth-talking Lionel Quince (Arnold) distracts the townspeople with big promises.

Directed by Mark Medoff from a script by Douglas J. Sloan, "Children on Their Birthdays" is a leisurely but involving time capsule.

Some of the twists in the film are blatantly contemporary, but the story has an idealistic aura that makes them acceptable.

Pichler and Plemons are delightful young performers. McDonald is the standout among the adults, lending low-key dignity and authenticity to his role.

"Children" is a film that woos rather than overwhelms. It has big dreams, but it presents them in a small context that's sweet and charming.