I saw this made-for-TV movie in 1994, and I've never forgotten it. The heart-breaking events in the lives of this family are, sadly, not just the stuff of fiction. The mom, with nothing but love for her family, sought help from strangers (the state), whose evaluation of the situation was by the book. Thanks to the extra efforts from one social worker, and the efforts of an attorney, there was a glimmer of hope for her family.
An interesting point in this movie, of which I was reminded in the fight over young Elián González some five years later, centered on: How do we determine what's best for the child? Is a more affluent, middle class upbringing --better schools, nicer surroundings-- always preferable for children, even if they're not with their biological parents? Does poverty and innocent ineptitude necessarily mean one is unfit to parent, or can assistance take a more individual approach? It was a touching testament to a mother's unfailing love for her children, and, just like in the fairy tales, there was indeed a happy ending for The Yarn Princess.
An interesting point in this movie, of which I was reminded in the fight over young Elián González some five years later, centered on: How do we determine what's best for the child? Is a more affluent, middle class upbringing --better schools, nicer surroundings-- always preferable for children, even if they're not with their biological parents? Does poverty and innocent ineptitude necessarily mean one is unfit to parent, or can assistance take a more individual approach? It was a touching testament to a mother's unfailing love for her children, and, just like in the fairy tales, there was indeed a happy ending for The Yarn Princess.