The 1970s is a decade chock-full of interesting and long-forgotten American and Canadian movies, many of them made for television, some not. THE LITTLE GIRL WHO LIVES DOWN THE LANE is such a film, an astonishing tour-de-force for a youthful Jodie Foster, cementing her shocking role in TAXI DRIVER. She plays a weird and friendless 13-year-old who lives alone in a house; there's some mystery surrounding the fate of her parents which comes to light as the story goes on. This is set in a single room for the most part and feels like it was adapted from a play, although it's actually taken from a novel. It's a psychological thriller which remains thoroughly interesting thanks to strong writing and interesting, unique characters. Martin Sheen plays a completely sleazy character and there are a few shocking moments here and there, but for the most part this is slow-paced and almost surreal at times. It's certainly a film that leaves an impression and is ripe for re-discovery by modern viewers.

The first time I saw this movie, I was a kid of maybe 7 or 8. (I was about 2 or 3 when the movie came out). My parents were both educators, and in the summer, they ran the local summer recreation center at the school. On Fridays, they would sometimes show movies that were rented on reel-to-reel from the library and shown on film projectors. (Ah, memories! I do believe VHS was just becoming a "thing", but my dad like the old-timey sound and feel of the movie projector. But I digress!) I have NEVER forgotten this movie, and so began my lifetime love affair with Jodie Foster. OF course I own this film on DVD and it is one of my regular watchable's during the month of October when I am watching ALL things suspense, horror, and macabre. As I am currently watching this movie on a very typical, cold and rainy fall day in the Pacific NorthWest, I am once again reminded of the small details that make this movie so enjoyable. The acting is FANTASTIC. Both Jodie Foster and Charlie Sheen nailed their roles with the perfect amount of tension, suspicion, and confidence. The director knew that subtleties made that much more of an impact than over-the-top actions (Pay attention to ANY of the scenes with the Foster and Sheen.) And truly, all of the actors were very believable in their roles. I especially liked the way Foster carried herself while at the bank. Her actions were very precise and direct. (I wasn't even aware that identity fraud was a THING back in the late 70's.) The pace of the film is appropriate, and I while I always "know what's gonna' happen next", I still get caught up in the suspense and drama of it all. Good times!!!

Jodie Foster isn't an actress who appears in many movies, for a reason. She carefully selects her roles which is good as she has never let me down even when the movie isn't up my alley. She makes it worth a view even if only once. Not so with this movie as I have seen it like 3 times last year and surely I will re-watch this over the years to come. Obviously based on a book with some great characters, Jodie Foster as the little girl Rynn living with her father the poem writer in a house close to the waterside. Nothing special at first only that she is bothered by some nosy people such as the landlady, the local cop and last but not least the pedophilistic creep marvelously played by Martin Sheen. when they come around her father is never and Rynn finds an excuse to get those people out as soon as possible. That begs the question where is her father or what happened to him? And why doesn't Rynn want anyone checking the basement? Some questions do get answered, some do not. But it is suspenseful until the end with a few twists. It involves friendship and love. Nice role also for Scott Jacoby as the cripple magician. Rynn is a great character, very clever and yeah you could call her pretty twisted. Love this movie!

Jodie Foster stars as Rynn Jacobs, a 13 year old girl who seems to live in seclusion with her father, who hasn't been seen recently. Unfortunately, her nosy landlady(played by Alexis Smith) and sleazy, despicable son(Martin Sheen) become intrigued by her(for different reasons) and determine to discover her secrets, which start a chain of events that threaten them all. Scott Jacoby plays her love interest Mario, an amateur magician, who assists in her plans.Well directed, acted, and written mystery holds a number of surprises for the viewer, since the plot isn't as obvious as described. Nice atmosphere at the seaside setting of her home and village, and you will root for Rynn to overcome her opposition. A real sleeper that deserves to be better known.