BEST BAD THING, THE (PBS-TVM 5/5/97)

Life isn’t always what it seems, but spending the summer at “crazy” Mrs. Hata’s (Kirin Kiki) cucumber farm definitely sounds like a bad thing to 12-year-old Rinko (Lana McKissack). Suddenly, she sees her carefree summer of adventure and freedom slipping away. But the Hata family needs help and Rinko’s parents consider her to be the perfect solution. Helping the Hatas during a time of crisis is more than just a growing experience for Rinko, she discovers that Mrs. Hata’s Japanese ways aren’t so crazy after all. She also learns that while the heat of prejudice in America’s melting pot can get pretty intense, the warmth of pulling together can be even more powerful. Cast includes: Robert Ito, George Takai ("Star Trek"). (approx. 89 min)