Fallen Angel (1981)

Not your typical TV movie

I first caught this movie when it was rerun back in 94...though I missed the first half (and it took me another 6 mos or so before I got to see the movie in its entirety, LOL), what I saw had a powerful impact, to say nothing of the fine acting jobs by Dana Hill as Jennifer, the confused pre-teen looking for an adult she can trust during the difficult times she's going through, and Richard Masur as Howard, the softball coach/pedophile who slowly lures Jennifer into his child pornography ring with the kindness and understanding she needs (he dubs her "Angel", the same pet name he gave his last victim, hence the film's title), then gradually turning to manipulation and further alienation of Jennifer from her mother (Melinda Dillon) and soon-to-be stepfather (Ronny Cox).

Why hasn't this film been rerun on cable (to the best of my knowledge) during the past 10 years? Although somewhat dated by today's standards, time has not silenced its powerful message, and it does a fine job of showing how the Jennifers of the world are most vulnerable to this kind of sick exploitation and abuse...indeed, VHS copies are equally hard to come by, but worth the often high prices they command just to see a TV movie that doesn't fall into the usual "cookie-cutter" subject formula and addresses such a controversial topic in a manner that really gets its point across. Def worth viewing, if you can find it! January 15, 2006

Frank honest disturbing look at pornography

This movie is a very moving deeply disturbing potrayal of the deliberate betrayal of a vulnerable young girl by a sick twisted pornographer.

He works his way onto her graces knowing that she has trouble at home. He uses this as a lure to get her to pose for him. He starts with innocent pictures. Dana does and incredible job potraying the innocent child lured into a pornographers web.

Richard Masur is extremely creepy as the "man" who lured her into his web and took advantage of her naivete and innocence to his own advantage.

Don't let the fact that this originated as a TV Movie fool you. It's well written, and well acted.

Also recommended "Something about Amelia" Staring Roxanna Zal, and Ted Danson. July 7, 2004

Exceptional movie and very educational!

I first saw this movie when it first came out in the early 80's at age 11 or 12 years old. I am now 29 years old and had began a internet search for this movie. I collect movies and am now focusing on some of the more favorable movies of my childhood to add to my collection. Without a doubt Fallin Angel was at the very top of the list.The movie was absolutely wonderful! Obviously to rank among my favorite movies a good 19 years later! This movie is one that many can relate to their own childhoods as far as problems and unhappiness goes. THis is the incredible story of one girl...and her life within a messed up home and childhood who got the attention she needed and desperately wanted at home from a softball coach. A coach that fed her need for attention and self confidence and led her directly into child pornography! ANY adult,mother,father, or child this age should definitely see this movie! As old as it is....it is still a very good story of the dangers that young girls face in the real world. Please get this movie! You will enjoy it and please let your young daughters see it to let her be aware of the dangers out there! Through this search I found that the star of this movie is now dead. Dana Hill...how sad. She had such a great future ahead of her and was so wonderful! Dana Hill will be greatly missed! March 27, 2000

A must see for little girls! It definitely changed my life.

This movie is a must see for little girls. I saw this movie at the age of 11 back in 1981. It definitely changed my life! I had no idea that the things that were happening in my life were wrong. This movie opened my eyes! September 26, 1999

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