Piece Comment

Review of The Orphan Train


I can't believe this piece hasn't aired... Producer Annie Wu has done a credible and creative job putting this historical documentary together with no narration. She lets the former orphans tell their stories with scholar descriptions and readings of historical letters and articles. Some of the readings aren't as professional or authentic sounding as some of the others but that didn't detract from this engaging near hour production. Someone simply must air this piece. Stations can air it as a special. I don't think it applies only to the East Coast. This doc lays an historical backdrop for current child welfare and foster care issues. It's short enough to run after NPR news breaks or after a shorter perhaps local feature that relates to this piece.