Doris Roberts does a wonderful job as a difficult mother who is having her daughter home for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Trouble is that the daughter has been alienated from her mother for quite a while. This daughter (Dana Delaney) has had a child out of wedlock and is an accomplished artist on the verge of winning a scholarship grant in order to pursue her career.
Roberts plays a widow who lives with her sister-in-law. (Louise Fletcher)Other than the fact that Fletcher plays a woman who was once in show business, her character is not fully developed. The years have also taken their toll on Ms. Fletcher. She appears quite old and is very heavy.
The Roberts character is suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease and her fears are worsening as the disease is progressing. Her coldness and aloofness are attributed to Delaney as her just being her usual nasty self. In reality, Roberts wants to hide as much as she can since she knows that within 1-2 years she may not recognize anyone. The costume designer must be criticized here for allowing Doris Roberts to wear such loud clothing. After all, Ms. Roberts is heavy and her color schemes only brings this out.
An equally good performance is by the other daughter known as Valetta. She is a dominating, cold, stuck up woman who is afraid that her husband's frequent absences for business purposes is more than that.
This film deals with the importance of family and strong family relationships. It is well recommended.
