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The Gathering (4-Dec-1977)

Director: Randal Kleiser

Writer: James Poe

Keywords: Drama, Terminal Illness

NameOccupationBirthDeathKnown for
Ed Asner
Actor
15-Nov-1929   Lou Grant
Rebecca Balding
Actor
21-Sep-1955   Silent Scream
Bruce Davison
Actor
28-Jun-1946   Harry and the Hendersons
Veronica Hamel
Actor
20-Nov-1943   Joyce Davenport on Hill Street Blues
Gregory Harrison
Actor
31-May-1950   Gonzo Gates on Trapper John
James Karen
Actor
28-Nov-1923   The Return of the Living Dead
Lawrence Pressman
Actor
10-Jul-1939   The Man in the Glass Booth
John Randolph
Actor
1-Jun-1915 24-Feb-2004 Prizzi's Honor
Maureen Stapleton
Actor
21-Jun-1925 13-Mar-2006 Won an Oscar for playing Emma Goldman
Gail Strickland
Actor
18-May-1947   First Monday
Edward Winter
Actor
3-Jun-1937 8-Mar-2001 Col. Flagg on M*A*S*H
Stephanie Zimbalist
Actor
8-Oct-1956   Remington Steele

REVIEWS

Review by T.Guidarella (posted on 1-Sep-2005)

I also love this movie. I recorded it from a TV broadcast years ago and the tape is getting thin. I watch it at least three times a year. Why isn't this available on DVD or video?!

The performances are wonderful all around. Asner and Stapleton are two pros who practically glow from within and the supporting players are excellent.

My recording is from a TNT broadcast years ago and is in it's complete form but beware, I also recorded it from the Hallmark channel and it had all religious content cut out! Imagine that and this is a Christmas movie! To the powers that be, please release this in its entirety in any form. I will buy it!


Review by Skeeter (posted on 9-Apr-2005)

This movie was beautifully done and very heartwarming. I can relate to the way Adam felt when he learned he had cancer... it's like a pronounced death sentence. I saw the movie telecast on TV but have tried and tried to buy a full length copy to no avail. I have bought three distributed by Good Times Home Video with the assurance that the movie was complete; however when I received and played them much of the movie was not there. That, I think is a disgrace, as this is a superb movie and the actors were projecting so much realism. Is this movie available in its complete form? Thanks.


Review by anonymous (posted on 7-Dec-2006)

"The Gathering" is a movie that I looked forward to seeing each Christmas Season from my first viewing of the film. My children were blessed to see the film as children and are as disappointed as I that the movie is not a regular feature film during the holiday seaspon. We are amazed at how some seasonal movies, as worthy and "wonderful" as they may be, are broadcast to excess, while treasures such as "The Gathering" are no longer aired. It is unfortunate that such and original and rich story, with so many scenes that can stand on their own, has been robbed from a generation of viewers. The story could be regarded as a twist on "Scrooge". But rather than do promising good deeds in order to be saved, the protagonist restores his family because he knows he will die. It it as if he has already been transfored and wants those he loves most to benefit before it is too late. The salvation message is communicated masterfully by the amazing performances of the ensemble cast. Additonally, the large, yet warm and cozy New England home is a very asthetically satisfying and safe place for the drama to play out. The story depicts the tensions and loyalties of a complicated family in transition, who are delivered changed, yet whole. Outstanding! If anyone knows when the film will be either aired for recording or offered for sale, I would me most grateful for the specifics. Though I would prefer to purchase a DVD copy for each of my family members, I would gladly settle for a VHS recording that we can share after such a long drought.


Review by David (posted on 5-Feb-2008)

The acting in this movie was superb. I have had cancer and I know the feeling Ed experienced except the jolt that his was fatal. Without a doubt this was one of the best or the very best movie I have ever seen and I CAN NOT imagine why someone will not run it again. In my opinion this was the greatest work any of the characters have ever done. The second was not worth purchasing. The quality of work definitely is not the same. If anyone has a copied the movie from TV I would like to have a copy. The ones I have purchased on ebay are not the complete show. There are scenes omitted.


Review by anonymous (posted on 21-Jan-2007)

I was very fortunate to have bought a video copy of this fantastic TV film back in the 1980's. It is a classic of the Christmas season and should be viewed whenever one needs a reminder about foregiveness, the human spirit and family connectedness when not necessarily close by. Glowing is the right word for the performances. Ed asner and Maureen Stapleton were never better. The rest of the cast followed suite. I watch this movie often. There was a sequel "The Gathering 2" shown every so often on TNT at Christmas. The sequel was average. Get this on DVD!


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