When sheriff Barnum investigates the death of an elderly rural resident, he discovers a teenage grandson living in the basement. Raised by his grandparents, he has experienced the world only through books, never leaving the family farm. He is sent to a state home for boys where he has trouble fitting in socially. His odd appearance and unusual abilities cause the small town residents to fear and ridicule him. However, not all are afraid. Some begin to view his potential and gifts with wonderment.
Fan Review:
POWDER: This film should come with a health warning - I cried so much I got a headache! I suppose the premise is a little far-fetched - but isn't a film all about suspension of disbelief anyway?? And certainly 'yer ordinry evrday scientist' would verify that we currently only use a tiny % of our brains. But regardless of whether you find the story line appealing, Lance is great in this. He plays the sheriff with a sub plot that his wife is dying of cancer, running parallel to the main story of the discovery of an albino boy genius in a remote farmhouse. The boy touches the sheriff's, and the other characters, lives deeply. It's a very moving film about human potential. Lance gives a strong emotional performance, playing a cop whose life is changed forever. And he made me cry - a lot!