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Saw this movie years ago when it first came out. It should be a Christmas classic. It's a story of redemption and the importance of family, very good to remember during the holidays. Ed Asner is a businessman, estranged from his family, who finds out just before Christmas that he has a terminal disease. Although he tries to keep the news from the family, he still wants to see them all to "make his peace" with them. He asks his wife (they have been separated for a long time) for help. He wants all of his children's addresses. Sensing something is wrong, she calls the family doctor who will only tell her that there is not enough time for what her husband is planning. She instead invites all of the children home for Christmas. Their inner struggles as to whether they should go and the eventual famly "gathering" make it "worth the price of admission" to see this great film.Read full review
I would always look forward to this movie every holiday season, it was my all time favorite. It does not come on TV anymore so if you have never seen The Gathering with Edward Asner than buy a copy, you will not be sorry. It is about a man who has divorced his wife of many years and left his home. It seems they had once very loving family that is now not in the christmas spirit. When the man finds out that he has a very short time to live he visits his ex-wife and asks her to bring the children all home for xmas. She agree's but they do not know why their parents are together and having a big christmas celebration. After lots of disappointment the family does get together and the father gets to address all the issues with his children. It is much more complex and beautiful than I could every write, I am not a writer. It is a sad but feel good holiday movie that I never get tired of. If you have not seen this movie I suggest you get a copy, I bet it will soon be one of your favorites too. I rank it right up there with It's a Wonderful Life. Two thumbs up.Read full review
I have been watching this movie since the late 70s. I have watched it every Christmas for the last 20+ years (old VHS recording with commercials). It is not Christmas, unless I watch this movie. Geez, you say, you must love. YES I DO! Ed & Maureen are the only two really good actors, the rest are so-so, but since it is made-for-tv from 1977, it fits. Just hearing the soundtrack, reminds me of Christmas. It also reminds me that I can still love my family, and have a nice Christmas, even if we are not all perfect.
I do not like the follow-up episode. The quality of acting is definitely not the same. The 1977 version was superb. Ed Asner is the most natural actor I have ever seen on the screen. Maureen Stapleton is right along with him and the others in the cast were excellent...they protrayed their parts well but not like Asner and Stapleton. The movie was one of the greatest I have ever seen. Only wish I could find the complete movie as it was shown on TV. I have bought from the internet but they have been cut....scenes definitely are missing.
This is one of my favorite Christmas Stories. It's not so much about Christmas as it is about the meaning of family and forgiveness. Ths movie is over 20 years old and only availiable on vhs. The picture doesn't have the quality of a dvd but it's still worth buying and watching. If you can, get a tape that is from a private collection rather than a rental. They usually play better.
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