Hell Town (1985) User Reviews

Care and Compassion

[khicks29 · 8/10 · 24 July 2006]

This is a wonderful drama that never had the chance to be able to grow into a long term series. Robert Blake did a wonderful job of showing a rough, hard nose, tough love exterior while taking us to tender heartfelt moments that revealed a sensitive and caring Priest.

This is not a typical "church" drama. It deals with hard life issues such as; rape, terminal illness, gang violence, domestic abuse, child abuse, and abandonment...and it deals with them in a "get your hands dirty" kind of way. Father Noah "Hardstep" Rivers, who grew up living in an orphanage, abandoned as an infant, is not afraid to go where the people of his church are and face their problems with them day after day.

Most of the rest of the cast did a good job and with time would have melted together in a wonderful, hard hitting series. While trying to find its stride the one and only season of "Helltown" and the original pilot movie "The Father of Helltown" are well worth watching.

Could have been great

[beren001 · 7/10 · 18 May 2012]

I enjoyed watching this series while it lasted. The concept was interesting and potentially a great vehicle for exploring values and character. However, at times, the actors, especially Blake, were somewhat over the top and seemed to be suffering from a lack of discipline and direction. A few times I wondered whether Blake was directing shows himself or, in some other way had too much control over the show. The characters were interesting and diverse and the idea of an island of generosity and care existing in a sea of poverty, despair and cruelty was appealing. I think it could have been a real winner with good, solid direction and writing. Too bad Blake bailed out before it had a chance to get it together.

Very Good

[clvcollins99 · 10/10 · 12 July 2006]

I have only very fond memories of this too short lived clever and well done TV series. It came on after Highway To Heaven and was in my opinion the better show. Bobby Blake was great. I loved the cast and the stories. And I just loved the theme song sung by Sammy Davis Jr. Sammy had also sung the theme to Bobby's other series Berreta. And the 2 themes did sound very similar. I was trying to find the Hell Town lyrics when I found the IMDb listing.

HT should have been helped to continue. It was a 'hell' of a good TV series. It had heart and soul..

I so would like to see this series get put out on DVD. I would buy it.

Bobby Blake

[jmcar8802000 · 10/10 · 6 July 2006]

I've had the pleasure of watching Robert Blake work over the years, and In my opinion, he is probably one of the most underrated actors in the business. He not only brings presence to the screen, but unbelievable believability to his roles, from Tony Baretta to Father Hardstep, you can't help but love this guy. From the beginning as little Mickey, with the Our gang series to Electra Glide in Blue, Mr Blake has always been an actor of admiration. One can just look at him and see his humbleness shine through, and his eagerness to please the audience. It is this mans opinion that Mr Blake be given the respect and honor that comes with the diligence, and the expertise of his craft. And more importantly the creativity it has taken for him to remain a man of all times. Thank You Sincerely James Damaso Carbajal-Denver

Not Good

[WalletGuy · 11 September 2003]

Robert Blake as a priest with a punch (some items just write themseleves). Only Blake's world could include characters like Sister Angel Cake or a pool-playing dud called One Ball. Blake played the collared tough guy, nicknamed Father Hardstep because he'd been abandoned as an infant on a, uh, hard step. All in all it wasn't that good in my opinion.