“The Pardon” is a fascinating telling of the true story of Toni Jo Henry (Jaime King). She was part of a crime but wrongfully accused of murder. Abused as a child by her father and stepmother after her mother died, she ends up in a brothel where she meets Claude “Cowboy” Henry (Jason Lewis). They fall for each other and are later married. When Claude, a boxer, winds up in a match in Texas he is arrested for a past crime and sentenced to prison. Determined to free him, Toni Jo and a former associate of Claude’s named Arkie Burks (John Hawkes) plan a robbery so Toni Jo can get hold of some money to try to appeal the verdict against Claude. However, Arkie takes things to the extreme and when Toni Jo flags down a driver named J.P. to get his car, he winds up murdered by Arkie.

The blame falls on Toni Jo and with a prejudiced judge and jury, who liked J.P. very much, Toni Jo’s chances in court are not good. On top of this she is given two tax attorneys to defend her: Norman Anderson and Clement Moss. They do their best but lose the case and they immediately file an appeal. Good thing because Toni Jo is facing the death penalty. During this time a priest named Father Richard (T.J. Thyne) comes into her life and befriends her. She eventually turns to faith and she will need it. The second trial begins and Toni Jo’s attorneys fight for all they are worth. However, a key witness is deceitful. Will all hope be lost?

Based on a true story, this film carries a powerful message: trust God with your past and your present too, and rely on good friends. We are awarding “The Pardon” our “Faith-Friendly” Seal for ages twelve plus. This true-life story is bound to keep your attention.