Gideon Dobbs is young, simple-minded man who has never stopped dreaming. He checks into a retirement home where he finds the residents have lost their lust for life. Through his innocence he changes their lives and teaches them that each day is a precious gift. They get back their self-esteem and their lust for life.
Acting
Charlton Heston growling through a late-career curmudgeon role.
Writing
Somehow makes 'man-child teaches life lessons' feel almost earnest.
Director
Claudia Hoover
Christopher Lambert
Gideon Oliver Dobbs
Charlton Heston
Addison Sinclair
Carroll O'Connor
Leo Barnes
Shirley Jones
Elly Morton
Mike Connors
Harland Greer
Barbara Bain
Sarah
Shelley Winters
Mrs. Willows
Crystal Bernard
Jean MacLemore
Christopher McDonald
Alan Longhurst
Mykelti Williamson
Coleman Walker
Taylor Nichols
Dr. Richard Willows
Michael Bowen
Billy Ray Turner
Harvey Korman
Jacob Titleman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was director Claudia Hoover's only feature film; she spent most of her career in documentary and television.
Released the same year as 'Patch Adams,' part of a bizarre 1998 trend of films where childlike men heal institutions through whimsy.
US
