Promise

Put three powerhouse actors together -- James Garner, James Woods and Piper Laurie -- with a decent script, and what do you get? A better-than-decent movie, even beyond the made-for-TV category. James Garner is the brother of an adult schizophrenic whose care he "inherits" via a promise to their now-deceased mother. He got away early and stayed away from the "shame" of his afflicted sibling, but has paid a price, we are given to understand, in being unable to form committed relationships with anyone throughout his adult life. Now thrust unwillingly back with his sick but alarmingly honest brother, plus the sweetheart he had to give up to escape, he manages to be thoroughly unlikeable and human at the same time. The character exhibits just enough growth to make the story feel worth having watched, yet not so much as to be implausible. This is a fine, rewarding drama.