I first saw this movie 30 years ago, and it still remains as fresh and timely as when it was made. I have always been a Patty Duke fan, and even if you aren't you should check this out for the acting of both lead actors. A masterpiece!

Though Patty Duke is probably best known for her Oscar-winning work as Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker", this extraordinary made-for-TV movie contains what is easily her finest screen performance. She is never less than believable as the frightened, immature, uneducated Southern girl who, pregnant with her lover's child and abandoned by both him and her family, takes refuge in a deserted seaside house. There, her solitary wait for the birth of her child is broken by the unexpected arrival of Al Freeman Jr., a black militant on the run for killing a white man. Their relationship, at first defined by mutual contempt and hostility, slowly evolves into a touching love story. The ending is unforgettable. Duke and Freeman share a wonderful chemistry and both were deservedly Emmy-nominated (Duke won; Freeman, regrettably, did not). Patty Duke was as talented as any leading actess of her generation and her work here confirms that.

The chemistry between Patty Duke and Al Freeman Jr. is merely fascinating. Freeman was primarily a stage actor who got all too few chances on film. He was given his best role here, and makes quite an unforgettable impact. Duke is totally believable in her naivete and her ability, to learn, albeit slowly, even in the face of bleak desperation. Ford Rainey is unforgettable in a small role.

Granted, I am biased in that I have been a long-time fan of Ms. Duke's, dating back to 1962. But I am objective enough in my observations as a student of film, and a video producer myself, to realize - and highly recommend - the excellence of this splendid television production, adapted from the novel by David Westheimer. The writing, acting, direction and production values are quite above-norm. Filmed entirely on location in Texas, the film captures the realistic flavor of the novel, which focused on the conflict naturally evolving between an uneducated, white, pregnant teenager and a black Northern attorney, drawn fatefully together by circumstances and differing forms of social prejuidice.The characters, as portrayed by Ms. Duke and Mr. Freeman, emerge as possibly one of the finest two-character studies ever produced for television. Ms. Duke won her first Emmy award (1970) for her exceptional work in this production. Producers Levinson & Link (who were then novices), also received an Emmy for their script, as did Ed Abroms for editing. Director Lamont Johnson was awarded the coveted DGA for Best TV Director. In total, the film received 8 Emmy nominations. This was not only a critically acclaimed production; CHARLIE received a 31.7 rating and 48 Nielsen share. It represents a "breakthrough" effort in the TV industry arena. Due to its unprecedented success, writers and producers were encouraged to develop other serious-subject, controversial projects for the networks, vs. Hollywood. CHARLIE laid the groundwork for other TV productions, like ROOTS, THE EXECUTION OF PRIVATE SLOVIK, and many more above-par TV productions, to occur.Although now 30+ years old, the film stands as an important work that honestly reflected our society's (still-existent) racial tensions and misunderstandings. It remains a brilliant hallmark in the evolution of better television fare.