Amy Adler
Michael (Chad Willett) had been taking care of his ailing and dying mother for years, preventing him from working elsewhere. The two couldn't afford other care and Michael wanted to stay with his mother anyway, due to longterm abuse by the father (Terry O'Quinn), no longer around. Now, with his mother deceased, Michael wonders what to do with himself. Happily, a job in a nursing home opens up near him, fitting his skills in patient care. Also, Michael has submitted an application for a major college scholarship. Perhaps, at some near point, Michael can get married to his longtime, beautiful girlfriend, Faye (Marguerite Moreau). Not so fast, alas. One, Faye gets accepted to UCLA medical school, a long distance away from Nevada. Two, and more importantly, Faye's father asks Michael to exit her life, feeling he is not good enough for his little gal. Huh. In the meanwhile, Michael makes friends with a lonely resident, Esther (Vanessa Redgrave), whose will to live is not strong. She has a locket and a tale of lost love in her head, you see. But, Michael succeeds in gaining her trust and affection. The handsome nurse's aid even begins a search for E's former, near-fiancé. Yet, because Faye leaves to go to school and their future is uncertain, Michael accepts a New Year's Eve outing with fellow worker Alice. This young lady is the daughter of the owner and she is being groomed for a leadership position. However, although at times she seems friendly, Michael is aghast to find her abusing a patient, Henry (Brock Peters). All too soon, Michael is framed for murder, instead, for this abuse, as Henry dies soon after. Michael tells his court-appointed attorney that he is innocent. But, wait kind of future awaits this seemingly fine man?This is a lovely film, made with care by the high-standard folks at Hallmark. The cast, including the superb Redgrave and Mary McConnell as the nursing home director, gives the movie a powerful asset, for the story has almost too many matters to lay out. These include spousal abuse, nursing home situations, lost loves, murder, and the more. It's almost too much to fit into one flick! That said, the setting is quite lovely and the direction keeps the tale from becoming totally derailed. Those who like Hallmark films should find this new addition to the Hall of Fame offerings.
jthekoz
After reading the mostly glowing comments about this movie I decided to rent it despite some suspicions of TV movies. I should have followed my instincts.I tried so hard to warm up to the movie and find merit in it but I just couldn't. The story never draws you in or rings true and the acting is perfunctory at best and laughable at worst. Everything in this production is amateurish.Always a joy to watch, Mary McDonnell may be the only performer to escape this disaster without damaging her career or reputation. I won't even bother checking the name of the leading man - hopefully he's back doing commercials.Even poor Vanessa Redgrave, whom I adore and respect, seemed to be channeling Katherine Hepburn all the time appearing as if she were really drugged in the home. Maybe she needed the money.If I can save one person from wasting 100 minutes on this tripe I will feel vindicated.
rbrb
Well done to Hallmark for this excellent movie. This is a 'love' story which at the same time examines forgiveness, betrayal, jealousy and ultimately taking the opportunities in life when love comes along. The male lead gives a fine performance yet the real star is Vanessa Redgrave; this actress has such depth and radiance that she dominates the movie with her enormous charisma, charm and screen presence. Without doubt a super star.
allan-81
chad willet and vanessa redgrave are authentic and genuine in this masterpiece which i've seen thrice and gotten tears in my eyes every time - and i am not usually sentimental. the powerful emotions of trust, love, kindness, betrayal are skillfully portrayed and i will be watching this movie over and again over the years.
