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The Gathering (TV 1977)

TV Movie  -   -  Drama  -  4 December 1977 (USA)
7.6
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Ratings: 7.6/10 from 357 users  
Reviews: 21 user | 4 critic

Dying father (Ed Asner) pulls his torn family together for a last Christmas.

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Title: The Gathering (TV 1977)

The Gathering (TV 1977) on IMDb 7.6/10

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Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 4 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Adam
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Kate
Rebecca Balding ...
Julie
Sarah Cunningham ...
Clara
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George
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Helen
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Bud Jr.
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Bob Block
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Tom
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Dr. Hodges
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Peggy
Edward Winter ...
Roger
...
Toni
Maureen Readinger ...
Tiffany
Ronald Readinger ...
Joey
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Storyline

When Adam Thornton learns that he only has a little time left, he decides that he wants to make peace with his family. Only problem is that most of his family are not exactly fond of him because he walked out on his wife and of his stubborn nature and he hasn't spoken to his youngest son after having an argument with him which he was in the wrong but only realize after his son left and has not been heard from since. But he goes to her to help him find him. But when his doctor says that it won't be good for him to travel, she suggests that they invite them all for Christmas. While most of them come, Adam's attempt at reconciliation won't be easy. Written by rcs0411@yahoo.com

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Emmy Award Winner - Best Dramatic Special [Video Australia]

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

Not Rated
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Details

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Release Date:

4 December 1977 (USA)  »

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4:3
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Although they were portraying father and son Ed Asner was only 10 years older than Lawrence Pressman. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Adam Thornton: God's a cheat!
Dr. John Hodges: You never were much of a cusser.
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Connections

Featured in The 30th Annual Emmy Awards (1978) See more »

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User Reviews

 
One of the best TV movies ever
24 December 2000 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

Sentimental but not sugary-sweet, "The Gathering" is a wonderful holiday treat. Ed Asner is perfect as the businessman who lost his way and his family four years earlier to his career. When he finds out he's dying, he tries to reconcile himself to his four grown children and his estranged wife. She helps him plan the gathering of the family, and in the process they tentatively get to know each other again.

Maureen Stapleton so completely lives her role that you wonder if she's been through something like this before in her own life. She is a revelation, and is the rock-hard center the film anchors itself with. Without her it would be half a film. Lawrence Pressman, Gail Strickland, Rebecca Balding and Gregory Harrison are the children who bring their spouses to the ancestral home to celebrate Christmas. They are all capable actors and actresses, and enhance the production immeasurably. The sets are perfect, the music superb, and the snowfall even arrives on time. It doesn't miss a trick, but you don't realize that while you're watching it. Honest emotions and genuine sentiment, along with a great script, make this a holiday film you won't want to miss.

It's available on DVD through Warner Archive as of 2011, which is great news; however, an audio commentary would have been even better news but the Archive doesn't do extras. "The Gathering" is a classic and is now readily available for everyone to enjoy at Christmas.


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