Wizard-8 Singer Elvis Presley made some real bad movies during the period of his life when he was appearing in movies, but those bad movies come across as great when compared to "80 Steps to Jonah", a failed attempt to make singer Wayne Newton a movie star. In fact, this movie often comes across as if it were a (bad) parody of a Presley movie. Though Newton did manage to show some acting chops years later with various small parts in movies, in his big screen debut he comes across as extremely underwhelming, with no flair or color to his performance. However, he isn't really to blame for the movie's failure. The script is pretty awful, extremely padded out and is filled with various clichés and plot turns you have seen many times before in other movies and television shows. And the songs are so sugary sweet that you'll be washing out your mouth with a strong drink. It's no wonder that its distributor, Warner Brothers, has pretty much buried this movie.

wes-connors In Nevada, chubby singer Wayne Newton (as Mark Jonah Winters) is arrested for manslaughter, following a car accident. Considering the opening crash, Mr. Newton is amazingly agile. He escapes from the police and takes refuge at a home for blind children, obtaining the place of an anticipated handyman (who never appears). Blind camp counselor and budding sculptress Diana Ewing (as Tracy) is attracted to Newton and sculpts his bust. The young blind children become attached to Newton. They plant a garden, sing songs and trot together. There is also a dog, who is put under a doghouse when the cameras are turned away...Meanwhile, investigators search the area...Presently known for his Las Vegas appearances, Newton has been a successful entertainer for 50 years. Considering this film, you'd be hard-pressed to explain his long-lasting appeal. A TV and recording star prompted to "youth" but always more popular with their parents, Newton is most unconvincing. Possibly, this would have looked better on television...Apparently, the effort was to fashion Newton as a feature film star. Otherwise, it's difficult to explain why Gerd Oswald and the filmmakers didn't simply offer Sal Mineo the leading role. Billed as a "special guest star," Mr. Mineo drives the 1969 Charger in the opening. Mineo's main scene is later, in a flashback. As usual, he's excellent. The other "special guest star" is Mickey Rooney. Also appearing later (in one scene, with Mineo), Mr. Rooney can overplay at times and does so here as a wildly drunk driver...The kids are alright. The stand-out role is given to Erin Moran (as Kim), who makes an memorable impression. Previously a regular on the adventure series "Daktari!", she will go on to greater TV glory on the nostalgic "Happy Days" series. There isn't much for the other children to do, although young veteran Butch Patrick (as Brian) has a good scene pretending to be blind; he's the kids' sighted helper. Newton is given an accomplished supporting cast, with Jo Van Fleet (as Nonna) getting the most screen time. The cast is probably the best reason to take "80 Steps to Jonah", today.*** 80 Steps to Jonah (11/17/69) Gerd Oswald ~ Wayne Newton, Diana Ewing, Jo Van Fleet, Erin Moran

floralbatik Whether you're a Wayne Newton fan or not this movie is one to see and remember. I saw it as a child and for years have been trying to obtain a copy of this charming movie. The story-line might be a bit "plain" by today's standards, as there is no blood, guts or violence in it. The characters, which are mainly children, are unforgettable. Some of the child actors in this movie are now adults, and are names we know today. Although there is a song or two in the movie, it is not a musical. I frequently find myself humming these tunes. If you're looking for a good, old fashioned, feel-good movie.... this is it! Great for families and younger children.

shepardjessica This could be one of the Worst 10 of ALL time! No offense to the folks involved, although they are all to be blamed. I think Mr. Newton tried to make a bad Elvis film (where he pretended to be serious) and it's a complete mess of good intentions, fake emotions, bad acting and hilarious (not even TV) comments on society 35 years ago.Wayne Newton who has a stage presence (even if you can't stand him) has absolutely NO screen presence and the plot is too unbelievable even for an after school kid special. The cryptic narcissism of Newton's character is false bravado from his opening scene. His bombastic child-like passion for what passes (or tries to) for human empathy is pretty disgusting. A 1 out of 10 and I am not even trying to be cruel.