Trail of Tears (TV 1995)

Director:

Donald Wrye

Writer:

Matthew Bombeck

Stars:

Katey Sagal, Pam Dawber, William Russ

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Katey Sagal	...	Annie Cook
Pam Dawber	...	Cheryl Harris
William Russ	...	David
Jeffrey Nordling	...	Michael
Miko Hughes	...	Ethan
D. David Morin	...	TV Journalist
Christopher Cass
Eileen Brennan	...	Clara
Ryan Hoeck	...	Kyle Harris
Ilana Weiss	...	Darlene Harris
Sean Dunn	...	Bradley Cook
John Coney	...	Mr. Steele
Jacqueline Nivens	...	Idaho Deputy
Michael Seneca	...	Pit Boss #1
Ron Guinto	...	Best Man

Storyline

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 October 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Caminho de Lágrimas

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hearst Entertainment Productions, Polongo Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Good at times, even funny, but not consistent

In this fact-based movie, Annie Cook works as a blackjack dealer in Reno, Nevada. Her ex-husband David thinks Annie could be a better mother to Ethan and Bradley, although Annie does have Clara, the boys' grandmother, taking care of them. David wants custody.

In Lincoln, Nebraska, Michael Harris has been out of work for several years and he is getting very frustrated. He is separated from Cheryl, who has a job and takes care of the children, Kyle and Darlene.

Both mothers have the same experience: they each come home to find their children missing. Their exes have also disappeared. After months of searching, Cheryl has joined a network for parents of missing children, and she finds Annie's name on a list and telephones her.

At Christmas, Cheryl cannot celebrate with her parents. Not without the kids. So she takes off for Nevada and suggests that she and Annie go out and search for the children themselves.

Cheryl and Annie make a humorous mismatched couple. Cheryl is somewhat perky but organized and prepared, with file folders for everything (and in what must have been a time before the Internet, she is amazed that Annie doesn't have a fax; if it had been today she would have been surprised Annie didn't have email). Cheryl expects life to be perfect and gets disappointed when it is not. Annie expects life will not be perfect, which means she won't be disappointed, and she is more serious and cynical, though she doesn't make plans. Cheryl, a former cheerleader (Annie cynically announces she is not surprised to learn this), likes show tunes, Annie likes the blues. When it comes time to sleep, Cheryl will not stay in a dump (oh, yes, she will). And, yes, Thelma and Louise are mentioned.

There are a few tears as the two women each get their hopes up, only to find disappointment. But there is a nice balance. Not only do the two women disagree on a lot, but they end up in funny situations because of the media attention.

There is a tender moment with Michael and his kids on Darlene's birthday. Perhaps Michael will have a change of heart?

The endings are satisfying (yes, each woman has her own resolution), though not perfect. Each one is happy enough for most participants, with some excitement for one in particular.

Katey Sagal does a wonderful job as Annie. Pam Dawber is capable enough next to Sagal, but early in the movie when the two are not together, it is so obvious Dawber seems flat by comparison to her future partner.

Eileen Brennan does a good job as Clara. We can see where Annie got her attitude.

Two other actors stand out in brief roles. I don't know which one she is (possibly Eileen Appley), but one of these actors plays the kind elderly lady whose husband takes in the Harris family and gives Michael work on the farm. The other is probably Dan Hopkins, as the restaurant manager who feels sorry for the kid with no money.

It was an enjoyable enough movie, with some sweet moments.