God Sees the Truth, But Waits

Based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy, and produced by the American Film Institute, this addition to the second wave of Monterey Video's acclaimed adaptations of short stories--The Short Story Collection II--is a moody, atmospheric piece set in a Russian labor prison. Ivan, incarcerated for 26 years for a murder he did not commit, is not a bitter man; he helps out the warden, speaks up for ailing inmates, and quietly though firmly presses for a reassessment of his case. When a new prisoner arrives with key information regarding Ivan's innocence, the wrongfully accused Ivan confronts his potential savior only to learn a shocking truth that will test his principles and his faith. As in many great short stories, the moment of epiphany, when it comes, is not quite what you expect--yet that final odd twist is sublime, and will cause viewers--believers, agnostics or atheists--to reflect once again on the nature of our relationship to a higher being. Other titles in the series include Jack London's Moonface, Joyce Carol Oates' Norman and the Killer and Eudora Welty's The Hitch-Hiker. Strongly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)