Character Within: Haunted Heart

I admit that I was prepared for another cheesy, overacted, after-school-special wannabe when I popped in this tape, one in a four-volume live-action dramatic series entitled Character Within. However, I was pleasantly surprised: yes, the plot is full of teen angst and crisis, but the characters are interesting, consistent, and well-acted. David (Ben Crowley of WB's now-defunct Glory Days) is full of unresolved rage from living with his alcoholic father and emotionally taxed sister. His performance at school is miserable, and he's on the verge of expulsion when his English teacher, Mr. Hopkins (Kevin Dobson of One Life to Live), decides to intervene and tutor him--but only on Hopkins' tough-love terms. The progression of each character is believable, and the lessons conveyed about family ties, forgiveness, and self-worth are meaningful. The accompanying 90-page facilitator's guide features a series of study questions, but is mostly a primer for developing a character education program. The other titles in the series (series price: $299) are: The Secret of the Horse, The Eggplant Lady, and Taylor's Wall. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)