CBS-TV movie concerns the begrudging friendship between a street urchin (Mackenzie Phillips, in hooker hats and kooky clothes) and an elderly man (Martin Balsam). A thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of two interesting characters, although the stale "plot" from writer Judith Parker is hardly special enough to make this a memorable vehicle. Even in her earliest performances, Phillips projected such a wise, knowing sense of herself that most young adults could easily identify with her angst. Balsam is wonderful, too, as her would-be mentor, although this girl is so belligerent at times that his patience doesn't seem quite likely. Overall, a dreary-looking and rather ordinary effort given some resonance by the leads, also by Kitty Winn and Pamelyn Ferdin in support.
