Mormon Movie Reviews: Where LDS movie lovers belong! That Which Was Lost (1969)

Welcome brothers and sisters to Mormon Movie Reviews: Where LDS movie lovers belong! I am your host, Dives, 

EP 74: That Which Was Lost (1969)

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzkdiSYmiIQ

Running time: 27 minutes

Rating: PG

Genre: Religious Drama

Synopsis

As Rick becomes associated with hippies, the concern of an adviser and an unpleasant experience help him to realize the importance of some of the things he thought he could give up. Shows how love and persistence can bring back the "lost sheep."

Film Background 

This is an official video produced by the COJCOLDS. Along with this version, a non-denominational cut and a secular cut were also produced. But I couldn’t find the other cuts video on the video library churchofjesuchrist.org

Email

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Let’s briefly analyze the movie’s message. 

Recall the three less active members at the beginning of the movie, the lazy teacher who just stayed in bed, the mother who refused to take her child to primary because she was too busy, and the young woman who liked the latest fashions. Those are the two basic stereotypes perpetuated by the church; less active members are lazy or just want to sin. Rick fits that second mold as well, he doesn’t like the church because he wants to sin. 

But the film also introduces a rarely seen third paradigm with Rick and his father, Brother Baldwin is a faithful father, remember, he’s a return missionary, however, as a priesthood holder he is well intentioned but doesn't place a high priority on his son’s welfare. Rick went astray because brother Baldwin didn’t love him enough, as evidenced by his father’s trite obsession with hair length and refusal to spend time with him, like going to the priest quorum activity on the beach.  

Finally, let's discuss the final scenes at Turtle’s house, especially Lilly’s manic episode. Deep down, sinners really want to be rescued. They are portrayed as truely unhappy, even though they may present a happy exterior. 

The film perpetuates the idea that hippies like Turtle don’t actually care about one another. While they profess brotherhood and ‘free love’, they won’t be there when they are really needed because they are inherently selfish. Turtle bailed on his girlfriend at the drop of a hat, even though she was in serious distress. 

Final thoughts

Only righteous members of the church like Larry can be counted on. Hippies are not to be trusted. Fathers need to prioritize time with their children. 

The director of the short Wetzel O. Whitaker should have added the following subtitle to this movie: That which was lost: Be like Larry. 

Thanks so much for joining me to review this film, please like, subscribe, leave a comment, and join us next time for another episode of the MormonMovieReviews: Where LDS Movie Lovers Belong. So long.

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