PROUD TO BE AMISH

Awkward treatment of an awkward age. Eleven-year-old Katie finds her strict Old Amish upbringing unsatisfying, especially after exposure to TV, radio, and Chicago-bred Gloria. ""Oh, the world was so full of temptation, and she was so glad she wasn't tempted."" With that kind of ignorant innocence, only contradiction can follow: discovering a cowboy serial on her brother's (forbidden) radio; accepting a red locket from Gloria; wondering about her mirror reflection for reasons other than cleanliness. A detailed but never penetrating picture of conflict does emerge but the inverted speech patterns and brief discussions of Old Amish customs in opposition to worldly practices and middling ""Gay Dutch"" habits are graceless and inadequate. Commitment comes via a gesture which rejects Gloria's gems and embraces the old ways. At that point her parents reveal they've been compromising here and there and ""Grossdawdi"" distinguishes somewhat facilely between ""pleasure"" and ""need,"" so the final impression is of virtue rewarded with very welcome accommodations. Ach, and they yah more than a noodle commercial.