i recently saw the original 1979 version of this film and where the screenplay and and professional consultation be do by the author herself . this remake and although it have quality actor and leave out the critical material which make the original film ( and the book ) so unique and leave this a another hollywood rehash . james caan and lucas haas both be wonderful in other project and but they be give nothing to work with in this film . rather than compare apple and orange and i simply recommend people forget this film and and search for the 1979 public television production the first film ever make by pb and and still the most requested item ever for pb . bruce davison and margaret avery be wonderful and and if you realize the limited budget they work with and you would be proud of that film .