Fighting the Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell Story

Fighting the Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell Story is a 2005 made-for-television biographical drama film directed by Andy Cheng. The film stars Jami Gertz as Marilyn Gambrell, a former probation officer who founded the program "No More Victims" in Houston, Texas. The program is designed to support and mentor at-risk youth whose parents are incarcerated.

The film follows Marilyn Gambrell's journey from a troubled childhood in Galveston through her experience as a probation officer in Houston, Texas. It explores the challenges she faced as a black woman in a male-dominated field and her struggles to make a difference in the lives of the youth she was assigned to supervise.

After being fired from her job for challenging the system, Marilyn decides to start a mentorship program for children whose parents are in prison. She recruits a group of volunteers to help run the program, which includes tutoring, life skills training and visits to inmates. The program soon becomes a success, and the children involved learn to overcome their circumstances and go on to lead productive lives.

However, the program attracts the attention of the authorities, who are skeptical of its effectiveness. Marilyn is accused of using her position to influence the children's parole hearings, which ultimately leads to her being investigated by the state attorney's office. She is forced to defend herself in court, with the help of her mentor and former employer, Judge Alex Williams (Ernie Hudson).

The film does an excellent job of portraying the harsh reality that many children face when their parents are incarcerated. It highlights the negative impact that the prison system has on families and communities, and the limited resources that are available to help those who are affected by it. Gambrell's program offers a unique solution to this problem, and the film shows how it can make a difference in people's lives.

Jami Gertz delivers a strong performance as Marilyn Gambrell, capturing the character's strength and determination. Ernie Hudson is also excellent as Judge Williams, providing a supportive and fatherly figure for Gambrell. Eugene Clark also delivers a convincing performance as one of the inmates who is involved in the program.

Overall, Fighting the Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell Story is an inspiring and emotional film that sheds light on an important issue. It shows the power of mentorship and the impact that one person can have on the lives of others. It is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in social justice or helping at-risk youth.