We happened upon this film recently in a DVD bargain bin. It was an early Goldie Hawn vehicle, following her Oscar-winning role in Cactus Flower. This one could have been called “Noxious Weeds.”

Lou Jean Poplin (Hawn) and her young husband, Clovis (Atherton), have had a baby, but when they both end up in prison, the child is placed in foster care. The title refers to Sugar Land, Texas, a Houston suburb that was, at the time, largely populated by sugar mill employees and down-and-outers, and this couple was certainly down and out, living on the rough edge of reality.

The screenplay is actually loosely based on the true story of Ila Fae and Bobby Dent, who, in 1969, kidnapped a Texas State Trooper and led the police, including a few from Louisiana, on a wild chase across the state, in an effort to reclaim their son, who was going to be adopted by his foster family. Ila Fae had been released from prison and went to see Bobby at the pre-release center where he was completing his own sentence. They commandeered a car from the somewhat older parents of another inmate, and from there their behavior became even wilder.

There are some humorous moments in the film, but, by and large, this story seems to be an advertisement for why some birth parents really should not regain custody. They appear to have no common sense, very undeveloped consciences, and no parenting skills. It ends with some tragedies. Lou Jean goes back to prison, while Clovis has been killed. The really scary part is when we learn at the end that Ila Fae Dent served out her prison term and eventually regained custody of her son. Information as to how she fared as a parent and citizen of Texas, however, is not provided.

Unfortunately, movies like this contribute to the widespread belief that birth parents are unfit parents, criminals without skills or consciences who deserve to be in prison, and certainly should not have custody of their children. It certainly would not be a good film for prospective adoptive parents to see. As a birth parent, this reviewer found it difficult to watch, especially as it’s billed as a comedy. It’s certainly great propaganda for those who believe in completely closed adoptions. Watch at your own risk!