Walking Across Egypt Details

Based on a novel by Clyde Edgerton, this is yet another eloquent showcase for the talents of Ellen Burstyn. Abandoned by her grown-up children, Judge Reinhold and Gail O'Grady, the small-town God-fearing busybody sets out to reform dogcatcher Mark Hamill and his delinquent orphan nephew, Jonathan Taylor Thomas. This could easily have lapsed into liberal sentimentality. But quadruple Emmy-winning director Arthur Allan Seidelman brings a shabby Deep Southern charm to proceedings that are brimful of gently comic set pieces and wry wisdom. The supporting cast, which includes Dana Ivey and Gwen Verdon, is impressive. But Burstyn is impeccable.