Tillie's science presentation


(Tillie speaking)The seeds were exposed to various levels of gamma rays from radiation sources in Oak Ridge. (pause) Mr Goodman helped me to pay for the seeds (pause) Their growth was plotted against time. (Tille walks to the other side of the display) The seeds which received little radiation have grown to plants which are normal in appearance. The seeds which received moderate radiation gave rise to mutations such as double blooms, giant stems and variegated leaves. The seeds closet to the gamma source were killed or yielded dwarf plants. After radiation is better understood the day will come when the power from the exploding atoms will change the whole world we know. (with inspiration) Some of the mutations will be good ones, wonderful things beyond our dreams--and I believe, I believe this with all my heart--the day will come when mankind will thank God for the strange and beautiful energy from the atom.

I don't know if it was the writing of Paul Zindel or the way that this was delivered by Nell Potts, but the effect was absolutely stunning. The best part of a great little movie.

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I agree. She played that scene beautifully.

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Nell Potts the 13 year old daughter of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman did an excellent job in this entire film especially in this beautiful scene. With such talented and well grounded parents, it makes me sad that she never acted in another film. While I like what she's done with her dad's organic food company, I think Hollywood would have benifited from a quality person like Nell.

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