Publication Date: 6-2-2010
Outlet: The Fort Bend/Southwest Star
Article URL: http://fortbendstar.com/060210/nicholson_nick060210.htm

Pearl (Elijah Dejesus) is the true coming of ages story of a high spirited 12 year old girl who became the youngest licensed pilot in the United States. In 1928, the young lady became an aviator when she climbed into the plane of the legendary man of the skies, Wiley Post (Tom Huston Orr). That short flight opened the young Chickasaw girl's eyes to a dream as big as the blue skies over her small Oklahoma hometown. Her father, blind businessman George Carter (Andrew Sensenig), has the vision to support that dream and by 13, Pearl was piloting her father and other area businessmen around the state in her Curtiss-Robin. By age 14, she had become an air show celebrity, known for her skill as a pilot, and for her intrepid spirit. Soon after Pearl falls in love and elopes, this teenager from a prosperous home encounters the harsh challenges of a young wife and mother starting her own family during the Great Depression. Faced with a difficult dilemma concerning career and family, Pearl finds the courage and strength of character to rise above the pressure and remain true to her heart's desire.

There are a number of aspects that make this a special film, not the least of which is the performance of Elijah Dejesus in the title role. Dejesus utilizes her energy and charisma to keep the pacing of the film interesting and moving forward - which I am certain also is a tribute to King Hollis, the director of the film. The scenery is to be appreciated as well. The movie was filmed on various locations in the state of Oklahoma, including the historic Harn Homestead, the El Reno Municipal Airport, the Jude and Jody Airport and several locations in and near Guthrie. With a superb story that needed to be told, a cast that clicks and seems so perfect, and brilliant cinematography to match, Pearl is thing of beauty from beginning to end that is for the entire family to enjoy.

Pearl
Starring: Elijah Dejesus & Andrew Sensenig
Director: King Hollis
Company: Chickasaw Nation Multimedia
Now Showing: in Local Theaters, Special Showings
MPAA Rating: NR
Grade: A