Love Leads the Way: A True Story (1984 TV Movie) User Reviews

A Movie Worth Seeing

[sol-kay · 8/10 · 20 September 2003]

Charming little movie about the founding of the Seeing-Eye program that began in the US in the early 1930's. With a touching performance by Timothy Bottoms as Morris Frank, the first blind person who was was given the task to prove that the program would work, and of course the German Shepard dog who played "Buddy" the first seeing-eye dog.

Holds your interests from beginning to end and leaves you feeling much better about there being good in the world then you thought there was before you saw the movie. Not exactly for young children, it's no Rin Tin Tin or Lassie film, but still one of the best dog or animal movies ever made and unlike most films about animals and people this movie is based on a true story which results, the Seeing Eye Program, are still with us today and bigger then ever.

Great movie that should be added to Disney+

[mkdnix · 9/10 · 14 April 2020]

This film is yet another of Disney's films from my childhood that sadly I cannot find anywhere and it would be great if they would add it to their new streaming service. I remember watching it many times as a kid and even teenager. It is not only and informative film but incredibly moving and well acted with a great cast including Ralph Bellamy and Eva Marie Saint.

What we take for granted now, the fact that service animals are accepted in establishments without batting an eye, was quite not the case and something that people had to pioneer and work hard to achieve. This film, despite some small embellishments that Disney is known to lavish on its films, depicts that accomplishment very well. For the most part, the story is told in a frank, sober and historical way.

If you can find it, it is definitely worth the watch.

MAN's BEST FRIEND

[richarderic-78287 · 9/10 · 29 August 2020]

Dog lovers will be moved to tears by this charming film about the the initiation of seeing eye dogs to be used to help the blind. It follows the true story of Dorothy Eustis, played beautifully by Academy Award Winner Eva Marie Saint and the first man to receive a seeing eye dog, Morris Frank, well played by Timothy Bottoms. It has wonderful cameos by Patricia Neal, Ernest Borgnine and Ralph Bellamy., among others The film depicts the struggle to pass laws for the dogs to be able to accompany their owners everywhere. It combines history, good acting and a moving story to make for a wonderful viewing experience.

The story of overcoming obstacles for the blind to use seeing eye dogs, and of the first seeing eye dog and the relationship with her handler

[debbysea · 10/10 · 7 October 2006]

What a beautiful, loving movie! It's the story of a blind man's attempt to get legislation passed to allow seeing eye dogs into public places, like restaurants and offices--things that we, today, just take for granted. It has many sub-plots as well, though, like the relationship between Morris and his parents and between him and his fiancé. My favorite is the relationship that develops between Morris and Buddy. It shows the work that goes into training a dog to work with the blind, and makes us appreciate what these dogs are capable of. It's a "feel-good" movie--one that everyone who has ever loved a dog would appreciate.

another Disney treasure

[rebatickets · 10/10 · 22 August 2010]

One of several true Disney classics, this story follows the life of a young man who suddenly goes from fit and independent to blind. I would like to point out upfront that he completely regains his independence, though never his sight. How? Through the Seeing Eye Dog program. But the movie doesn't stop there. If you're anything like me, you'll grieve with him when he loses his sight. Then you'll cringe when he walks into things. By following his story so closely, the movie realistically shows its audience how this young man coped with losing something he'd always had. His determination makes him the perfect candidate for the innovative Seeing Eye Dog program, and he travels clear to Europe where he trains for weeks with his dog, Buddy. What a team! Not at first, perhaps, but eventually and for good. Together they survive a car crash, prejudice, and years of working. And they fight. Thanks to them, legislation was passed that allowed service animals access to public transportation, restaurants, etc. True pioneers, in so many ways. I've always loved this movie, and have got one eye on the Disney website, waiting for it to come out on DVD. I shan't name titles, but I am confused as to why so many worthless titles are cluttering the shelves while this gem sits ignored, sparkling through the dust.

Great, inspiring, movie

[calgal33 · 29 October 2010]

Story of the first Service Guide Dogs in America.

When an insurance salesman (Timothy Bottoms) is blinded in a boxing accident, his world is turned upside down as he has trouble functioning in his sightless world. All seem hopeless until he learns of an innovative European project that trains dogs as guides for the blind. He explores the idea and decides to train for a dog. He eventually gets a guide dog, but soon learns that he is barred from taking his needed companion into transit vehicles and public buildings and businesses. With a newfound friend, he must fight to make the country recognize that those rules are unfair to him and his guide.

As a friend of one who is sight impaired I had looked for this movie on DVD forever. I had an old VHS, but it is wearing out. I found this on DVD at movielead dot com and was very happy with it. The story is truly one of the most inspiring I have ever seen.

Short

[ohenry97-1 · 23 April 2003]

Great actor, great movie! Good story revealing a story both about a man and his dog, while also telling the story about the Seeing Eye Dog Program when it first was established. I recommend it!