Georgia teenager Rick Schroder (as Terry) promises his dying mother he will look after his six little brothers after she dies. Mother wants the boys to remain together, and stay in school. When the seven sons' caring grandfather also dies, times get really tough for Mr. Schroder, who has to assume the paternal role. The boys' real father, interstate truck driver father David Andrews (as Wayne O'Kelley), is still alive - but he spends all his time on the road, in jail, or drinking alcohol...
As the responsible family member, Schroder must take teenage brother Stephen Dorff (as Charles) to the woodshed...
In a big symbolic moment, Schroeder whips young Dorff's buttocks with their grandfather's belt, for smoking in the chicken shack. Due to the camera angle, it's safe to say Dorff didn't pull down his pants or suffer any injury. Schroeder also has trouble with rebellious brother Andrew Lowery (as Tommy). Helping manage this large family are sympathetic lawyer Veronica Cartwright (as Dorothy Donaldson), slick community organizer Boyd Gains (as Dan Weston), and God.
**** A Son's Promise (3/5/90) John Korty ~ Rick Schroder, Stephen Dorff, Veronica Cartwright, David Andrews
As the responsible family member, Schroder must take teenage brother Stephen Dorff (as Charles) to the woodshed...
In a big symbolic moment, Schroeder whips young Dorff's buttocks with their grandfather's belt, for smoking in the chicken shack. Due to the camera angle, it's safe to say Dorff didn't pull down his pants or suffer any injury. Schroeder also has trouble with rebellious brother Andrew Lowery (as Tommy). Helping manage this large family are sympathetic lawyer Veronica Cartwright (as Dorothy Donaldson), slick community organizer Boyd Gains (as Dan Weston), and God.
**** A Son's Promise (3/5/90) John Korty ~ Rick Schroder, Stephen Dorff, Veronica Cartwright, David Andrews