Yesterday's Child

I had never seen this one until quite recently and it truly rises above the usual 1970s movie of the week. It's a good story, with a twist. But what truly distinguishes it from the competition is the excellent cast, all playing somewhat against type. And I'm going to try for no spoilers here. I'm going to say right up front that the most surprisingly nuanced performance comes from Claude Akins. It's a far cry from Sheriff Lobo, but he's not the sneering villain he often plays, either. He's a complicated man here and Akins nails it. His on screen chemistry with Jones finds the two of them vying for scene stealer in every frame they share, and It might just be a tie. She's no Mother Partridge this outing. Geraldine Fitzgerald is always spot on with her performances, and the Oscar winner makes no exception here, as the grieving but determined grandmother. And Ross Martin is fine as the greedy second son eager to grab the old lady's fortune for himself and his son. Stephanie Zimbalist was so good as the lost daughter that she got another role as a lost daughter in the 70s movie, Caroline. It's great fun, like a Daniel Steele novel come to life. I'll add this one to my favorite comfort food movie lineup.