The Gathering is an Emmy Award winning television movie. This film was first broadcast on ABC in 1977. It was repeated a few times and followed by a sequel in 1978. But then the film disappeared from view. It had a very limited VHS release in the early 80's and went on moratorium. laser disc viewers could obtain a copy or one could watch for a late night broadcast on a local cable station. The film was never released on DVD until last year when Warner Bros. added it to their Archive Collections.
The film tells the story about a man, Adam Thornton (Ed Asner) who discovers that he has a terminal illness and has a very short amount of time left. Due to his stubborn and ill-tempered personality he has alienated all those who he loves. He walked out on his wife Kate (Maureen Stapelton) years ago over an argument and his pride prevents him from making things right. He has spent his life in constant argument with his oldest son, Tom (Lawrence Pressman), whom he only talks to about business affairs. He is estranged from his oldest daughter Peggy (Gail Strickland), whom has not talked to him since he left their mother. His younger daughter Julie (Rebecca Balding) is married with two children and he keeps in contact with her, but he rubs his son-in-law (Bruce Davison) the wrong way. And he has not talked to his youngest son Adam Thornton Jr. (Gregory Harrison) since an argument that resulted in acrimonious words six years ago.
Adam wants one last chance to make amends with his family, but he can not travel to see them, so his wife invites them all to return to the family home for a Christmas reunion. But knowing how many of them feel about their father it is doubtful they will come.
The movie is another time capsule of American life. This one captures the divided country we became in the 60's and 70's and shows the same healing that was going on as the country moved forward after Watergate and the Vietnam war. It gives the feel of an old-fashioned New England Christmas and is sentimental without being sugary. All the cast give excellent performances, but it is Maureen Stapelton as the family matriarch who stands out.
If you have never seen The Gathering or if it has been many years, I suggest you search it out this holiday season.
At The Movie House rating **** stars
1 comment:
i vaguely remember this movie. I was drinking heavily at he time while living in Detroit so much of everything was a blur, though I must say, a rather pleasant blur. Therefore, I'll have to take your word that this was a good film...but if I watch it and it is not, you will be hearing from me.
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