BroadcastChic
Excellent, a Must See
Afouotos
Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.
Gutsycurene
Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.
Cassandra
Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.
moonspinner55
In 1952 Iowa, a terminally-ill mother of ten children (of various ages, and one with epilepsy) must find new homes for the youngsters when it becomes apparent her alcoholic, frequently-unemployed husband will not be able to care for them once she passes on. Based on a true story, and told with tender, loving care, this is an honest tearjerker--and one with an unusual angle. Ann-Margret, making her first foray in the movie-of-the-week genre, not only must explain to her kids that she's dying but also that adoptive parents must be found for each of them, which means separating the siblings. It's a heady task for everyone involved, most especially the resolved, grounded matriarch who only cries in private. The film comes up a bit short in delineating the ne'er-do-well father's responsibilities and emotions--and the kids don't seem to have much of a connection to him--although Frederic Forrest comes across strongly in this role. The period flavor (although a bit hokey in the beginning) is well accomplished, and Ann-Margret's strength and courage as Lucile Fray holds the whole thing together like loving glue.
char_blondechick
I think the first time I saw this movie, I couldn't have been more than 5. It didn't make much sense to me at the time, but many years later, and countless hours asking dad to let me watch "his movie," I finally understood the meaning of this film. For the longest time it was just a movie about a family of kids being adopted out. When I got older, I started to recognize names: Linda, Carl, Warren, Frank. This movie was about my family, my grandmother, my father.I am the only daughter of Warren L. Wehmeyer (Frey), and I have one brother, Frank, named after my Uncle Frank. This movie is very passionate, and I can't ever watch it without crying. It is probably one of the saddest, most true-to-life movies I have ever seen. It is heartfelt and full of love.
emonaro
Most definitely the saddest movie I have ever seen. A must see, just so you can walk away and realise just how precious your life and loves are. The acting is superb, the story line potentially 'real'.Remains a firm favourite of mine even after all this time.
SkippyDevereaux
This is one of the best tv-movies I ever saw. What makes it so gut-wretching is that it is a true story. I cannot imagine living this in real life like these people did. But what makes me angry is at the 1983 Emmy Awards, Ann-Margret lost to Barbara Stanwyck in the category for Best Lead Actress in a Special. This was the first inclination to me that Ann-Margret could really act. Up until then, I always thought of her as the glitzy Las Vegas performer.