Decoration Day

Late in his life when Robert Mitchum was finally receiving accolades for his career work, a reporter asked him why it took so long for such recognition. Mitchum replied, "Because there's nobody else left."

The same might be said for James Garner, as people increasingly acknowledge his skill. Like Henry Fonda, Garner makes it look so easy and effortless that one tends to take his work for granted.

In "Decoration Day" his character is similar to his laid-back hero in "Murphy's Romance." Garner can play wide emotional ranges as the script may call for, yet smoothly blend nuances to achieve a finely tuned product.

Here the entire cast works in fine ensemble fashion, with Bill Cobbs being particularly strong as Gee.

Perhaps real-life Purple Heart-winner Garner felt a special connection to this touching story about the aftermath of war.

This was another worthy Hallmark production made especially for television.

I was surprised that I'd never heard of this movie of yours before. While this movie appealed to me more and more as I watched it was a bit slow by conventional Hollywood standards. But that's fine with me. I'm older now and Hollywood is not what it used to be. All that green screen and whiz bang don't make up the lack of writing and acting abilities. Shakespeare didn't rush good plots and Mark Twain let a Tom Sawyer drift down the Mississippi on a raft.

I could talk about how many long lost pals have been consumed by age and death. I'm still working on living to be three hundred years old. When I get there I'll celebrate and toast to many turned dust. I will start with you, Mr. James Garner. Good bye friend.

I love this movie and it took a lot for the man to decline the Medal of Honor and why he did it. Everyone should view this movie they could learn from it. Hallmark Hall of Fame's sensitive exploration of friendship, racism and the impact of war on its survivors, DECORATION DAY is set in Georgia. Yes I recommend it. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 3/25/2021.

This is a movie you remember. It is a poignant tale of race, honor, patriotism, and love. The film's very title evokes memories of an earlier time in America, a time when there was less shouting and more respect for others. The former Judge excellently portrayed by James Garner has a great deal of love for his old boyhood friend from days gone by. The work that the Garner character goes through to redeem this old relationship is very reaffirming. Bill Cobb does a great job as the embittered former friend of Garner. This is truly a great film with a little romance thrown in. A must see for a more mature audience.

Clever plot about misunderstandings might teach you something beyond the fact that prejudice is as apt to harm the practitioner as its target. Excellent performances by James Garner and Bill Cobbs as old friends estranged by the history of race in their community and nation.