The Secret Path

Set in a rural Southern community during World War II, the story follows Jo Ann Foley, a fourteen-year-old girl living in poverty. Subjected to abuse by her grandfather, a bootlegger named Hank, Jo Ann is forced into a life of prostitution, mirroring the path of her mother, Marie. Amidst this hardship, Jo Ann seeks refuge and emotional support from Honey and Too Tall, a proud African American couple who provide her with the love and security she lacks at home.

This 1999 TV movie drama was directed by Bruce Pittman, following his work on Harrison Bergeron and Locked in Silence. Produced by Philip K. Kleinbart through CBS and Robert Greenwald Productions, the film features a cast including Madeline Zima as the teenage Jo Ann and Yvonne Zima as her younger self. Other primary roles are played by Della Reese, Ossie Davis, Crystal Bernard, and Ron White.

The film has been well received by viewers. It holds a rating of 7.7 on IMDb based on 1,600 votes and a 7.5 rating on TMDB from 26 votes.