Home Run for Rusty (1977)

 

Rusty is small for his age. As a 12-year-old boy, his size creates a real “chip on his shoulder.” Conflicts with friends always end in fighting for Rusty. Then a pretty, little blond risks his anger and his hurt in order to tell him about God’s love.

Davey and Goliath (1960–1977)

 

Starring young Davey Hansen and his talking dog, Goliath, this complete 12-DVD set contains over 19 hours of moral adventures that have been expertly re-mastered for the show's 50th anniversary. Along with six seasonal specials for summer, Easter, New Year's, Halloween, Christmas and back to school, Davey and Goliath: The Complete Collection features 65 other classic episodes, including ten previously lost episodes.

Enjoyed around the world throughout its 1960-1975 television run, this stop-motion series was animated by Gumby creator Art Clokey and produced through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Davey and Goliath remains an inspiring alternative to other children's programming, even half a century later.

Episodes:

Volume 1
"Lost in a Cave," "Stranded on an Island," "The Wild Goat"
"The Winner," "The New Skates," "Cousin Barney"

Volume 2
"The Kite," "The Mechanical Man," "All Alone"
"The Time Machine," "One the Line," "The Polka Dot Tie"

Volume 3
"The Silver Mine," "The Sudden Storm," "Pilgrim Boy"
"Ten Pin Alley," "Bell Ringer," "Boy Lost"

Volume 4
"Officer Bob," "The Runaway," "Not for Sale"
"The Shoemaker," "The Parade," "The Dog Show"

Volume 5
"Down on the Farm," "Man of the House," "The Waterfall"
"Happy Landing," "Editor-In-Chief," "Bully up a Tree"

Volume 6
"Big Apple," "The Bridge," "The Jickets"
"The Lemonade Stand," "Hocus Pocus," "Good Neighbor"

Volume 7
"A Dillar, a Dollar," "Jeep in the Deep," "Rags and Buttons"
"Who Me?," "The Stopped Clock," "To the Rescue" (30-minute special)

Volume 8
"If at First You Don't Succeed," "Kookaburra,""Finders Keepers"
"The Caretakers," "The Hard Way," "Halloween Who-Dun-It" (30-minute special)

Volume 9
"Blind Man's Bluff," "The Greatest," "Rickety-Rackety"
"Boy in Trouble," "Help!," "Christmas Lost and Found" (30-minute special)

Volume 10
"Louder Please," "The Zillion Dollar Combo," "Upside Down and Backwards"
"Six-Seven-Six-Three," "Who's George?," "New Year Promise" (30-minute special)

Volume 11
"What's His Name," "Chicken," "Kum Ba Yah"
"Ready or Not," "Pieces of Eight," "Happy Easter" (30-minute special)

Volume 12
"The Watchdogs," "Come, Come to the Fair," "The Doghouse Dream House"
"The Good Bad Luck," "School...Who Needs It?" (30-minute special)

Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

 

Originally made for TV in 1977, this in-depth (six hours plus) version of Jesus' life is so thorough that the first hour is devoted solely to the story of his birth. The film doesn't skimp on some of the other landmark events of this famous story either. Director Franco Zeffirelli gives more than 12 minutes screen time each to the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Passages of the Bible are quoted verbatim, the locations have a Palestine-like authenticity, and, aside from some of the principals (Robert Powell as Jesus, Olivia Hussey as Mary, and Stacy Keach as Barabbas), many of the non-Roman characters are actually played by Semitic-looking actors. Zeffirelli diligently provides the sociopolitical background that gave rise to Jesus' following and the crisis in belief it caused for the people of Israel (and one or two Romans). While not graphic by today's standards, some of the scenes--baby boys being ripped from their mothers' arms and slaughtered, nails being driven into Jesus' hands--may disturb young and/or sensitive children. 

Pilgrim's Progress (1977)

 

The brief version of the timeless story

John Bunyan’s classic allegory of the Christian walk still has as powerful an impact as when it was written 300 years ago! This is a brief, animated version of the timeless story. It takes us, with Pilgrim, through the Slough of Despond, the Hill of Difficulty, and the many breathtaking experiences that carry him to his destination.

John Hus (1977)

 

A faithful recounting of the ministry, trial and martyrdom of the fifteenth century Bohemian priest John Hus, who built on the reforms of John Wycliffe, taught the Bible in the vernacular and who influenced Martin Luther a century later. 

Sheffey (1977)

 

This quality dramatic motion picture portrays the inspirational true life story of Robert Sheffey, a circuit riding preacher during the 1800's. This full length feature film, over 2 hours long, begins with the conversion of a young Sheffey and follows his life as he rides through the Appalachain mountains proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a well produced drama that shows what one person can do if they are fully committed to Jesus Christ and His word. Sheffey was a man of prayer, tireless worker, soul winner, and had a servant's heart of love which is clearly demonstrated in this film. It's a great story for the family and one you'll enjoy over and over.