James at 16 (TV Series) Pilot (1977) User Reviews

Fond memories of this show

[info-16573 · 10/10 · 13 May 2009]

It's a shame that the only comment posted on here is an angry one by someone who obviously didn't like the show. Sort of makes me wonder why they bothered watching. I have fond memories of the show and even as an adult have often wondered what became of the actors, especially Lance Kerwin.

I was around the same age as James and I found the show very timely and interesting. It offered an inside look that made me wonder if others my age were feeling some of these same insecurities underneath that carefully built "cool" shell they wanted everyone else to see, and believe.

I also enjoyed Square Pegs and Doogie Howser. So, thanks to Lance for portraying sweet and sexy James at 15!

A Timeless Made For TV Movie Classic

[cutterccbaxter · 20 March 2005]

James At 15 is possibly the best made for TV movie ever made in the history of made for TV movies. Lance Kerwin was hitting his acting stride when he made this movie for TV. My favorite scene in this made for TV movie is when Lance hooks up with Kate Jackson and they thumb their way across the USA. I remember thinking when I saw this made for TV movie back in 1977 that it would be so cool to hitch hike with one of Charlie's Angels. Kate Jackson was my favorite angel. I liked her on The Rookies. The fantasy sequences in James At 15 are done really well. I liked it when Janes fantasized that he was Robin Hood and he and Kate shot arrows. Kate looked good in green tights. I would like to see a new James At 15 made in 2007 only they would have to call it James at 45. Anyway, this made for TV movie did an excellent job of showing how hard it is to be 15.

Great start to a great series

[wrxsti54 · 9/10 · 22 December 2020]

I don't ever remember the pilot movie that launched the James at 15 series so this was a great find. It features James Hunter (Lance Kerwin) in Oregon struggling to leave his friends particularly his girlfriend before the family move to Boston. The pattern of charming and romancing girls was clearly set in the pilot such that James runs away from his new home in Boston to be with his girlfriend only to be persuaded to return home by a twenty something girl he meets in the road.

This pilot must've been filmed some time before the series because Lance Kerwin looks a lot younger and smaller than he does in the main series. A well done aspect of the pilot is James' multiple fantasies that are common at 15. Setting the trend that later characterized the TV series (and ultimately lead to its demise) was that of a bit of boundary pushing subject matter. At the end of the pilot, James dreams of his pretty female swim coach standing on an imaginary Olympic podium, her in a small bikini - him in just his speedos as husband and wife. Lance Kerwin gets to make out on screen with a beautiful scantily clad older woman- not too many 15 year old boys get that chance even in Hollywood!

Sex

[Joelsdad · 17 November 1998]

An unbelievable cutting edge sex scene between Kerwin and Anderson in the woods. I remember asking my mother and father what it was he forgot (why he had to exit the sleeping bag). Heavy stuff for its time. I could have cheerfully shot Melissa Sue for dumping him near the end.