The Forgotten Man

When the film begins, a group of Asian kids find an emaciated American soldier on the beach. Apparently, Lt. Joe Hardy (Dennis Weaver) had been in a North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp for five years and had just escaped. But this does NOT mean life is great for Joe, as when he's rescued, he soon learns that not only has his wife remarried but his father is dead! Apparently, Joe was declared dead and the wife naturally had to get on with her life. What follows is an interesting film for many reasons. First, it's one of the earlier films to really address PTSD, as Joe naturally is a screwed up guy considered what he'd been through as well as his adjustment to civilian life. Second, although very rare, I am sure such situations must have occurred--with men returning home to find their families had gotten on with their lives after they'd been mistaken for dead. And, third, the actors did a really nice job here and the problems were not overly sensationalized---with the actors and director doing a fine job in conveying an excellent tale. Overall, well worth seeing and one of the better installments of the "ABC Movie of the Week". And, if you want to see the film, it's currently on YouTube.

By the way, if Joe's daughter sounds familiar, it's because Pamelyn Ferdin played Lucy Van Pelt in several of the Charlie Brown films (including "A Boy Named Charlie Brown"). She also played Felix Unger's daughter on the old "Odd Couple" television show. Wonder what she's up to today...