''A Loss of Innocence'' (also known as ''The End of Eden'') is a 1996 American romantic drama television film that first aired on September 29, 1996, on the

ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...

television network. It is based on the novel ''On This Star'' by Virginia Sorensen.

Plot

In the 1920s, a successful New York pianist returns to his hometown of Templeton, a Mormon community in rural Utah. After he arrives, Erik Eriksen is treated distrustfully by the community members, including his family, for having "betrayed" them by not living his life according to their faith. Only his mother and his younger half-brother, Jens, support him unconditionally. However, trouble arises when Erik falls in love with Chelnicia. "Chel" is a beautiful young woman who not only plays the piano and is a dedicated Mormon, but also happens to be Jens's fiancée.

Cast

* Jennie Garth as Chelnicia "Chel" Bowen *

Rob Estes Robert Estes (born July 22, 1963) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Harry Wilson on the teen drama series '' 90210'', as Sgt. Chris Lorenzo on the crime drama series '' Silk Stalkings'', and as Kyle McBride on the primetime soap ...

as Erik Eriksen * Polly Holliday as Christina Eriksen *

Mike Doyle Michael, Mick or Mike Doyle may refer to: Politics *Michael Doyle (Irish politician), Irish Farmers' Party politician from Wexford, TD from 1922 to 1927 *Michael Doyle, alleged member of the Molly Maguires *Mike Doyle (American politician) (born 1 ...

as Jens Eriksen * Michael Milhoan as Ivor Eriksen * Anne Sward as Ida Eriksen * Scott Wilkinson as John Brown * Marcia Dangerfield as Seenie * Melissa Moore as Esther Bowen-Dorius * Maria Mejias as Ruby Snow * Bill Osborn as Oley Eriksen * Peter Morse as Junior Eriksen * Wendy Lee Richhart as Hedvig Eriksen * Jed Knudsen as Karl Dorius * Steve Anderson as Bill Mac * Beverly Rowland as Woman on Train * Reb Fleming as Seamstress * Mary Pederson as Verla May * Danny Rees as Justice of the Peace * Allan Groves as Andy * Dennis Saylor as Jake

Production

The film was shot mostly in Heber Valley, Utah.

Reception

Writing for ''

Deseret News The ''Deseret News'' () is the oldest continuously operating publication in the American west. Its multi-platform products feature journalism and commentary across the fields of politics, culture, family life, faith, sports, and entertainment. Th ...

'', Scott D. Pierce reviewed the film. He criticized its plot as predictable, saying that "the movie telegraphs its every move well in advance". Pierce also found fault with Garth's acting: "Why either brother is interested is somewhat of a mystery. As portrayed by Garth, Chel comes off as sort of a simple-minded fool." Conversely, he praised the film's overall feel, saying "''Loss'' looks great - and not just the Utah scenery", adding that the period costumes bring "an air of authenticity to a movie that, unfortunately, is sometimes as foolish as it is predictable." Pierce summed up the film with the rhetorical question: "What if

Danielle Steel Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel (born August 14, 1947) is an American writer, best known for her romance novels. She is the bestselling author alive and the fourth-bestselling fiction author of all time, with over 800 million ...

had set one of her romance novels in 1920s Utah and used the LDS Church as a backdrop?" He ultimately concluded that "''Loss'' is, in the end, a predictable romance novel brought to TV. It's difficult to take it any more seriously than that."

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Loss of Innocence, A 1996 films 1996 television films 1996 romantic drama films American romantic drama films Films directed by Graeme Clifford Films scored by Mark Snow Mormonism in fiction American drama television films 1990s English-language films 1990s American films English-language romantic drama films