The Gathering (1977) - Ed Asner (Christmas Movie)

Title: The Gathering
Network: ABC
Original Air Date: December 4th, 1977

Cast:
Edward Asner..............Adam
Maureen Stapleton......Kate
Rebecca Balding..........Julie
Sarah Cunningham......Clara
Bruce Davison.............George
Veronica Hamel...........Helen
Gregory Harrison.........Bud Jr.
James Karen...............Bob Block
Lawrence Pressman.....Tom
John Randolph.............Dr. Hodges
Gail Strickland..............Peggy
Edward Winter..............Roger
Stephanie Zimbalist......Toni

The 1977 TV movie "The Gathering" directed by Randal Kleiser casts a long shadow. Not only has this movie endeared itself to many of the viewers that saw it when it was originally broadcast but it contains a stellar cast. It won an Emmy for Outstanding Special--Drama or Comedy as well as being nominated for four others.

SYNOPSIS: Successful businessman Adam Thornton, played by Edward Asner, learns that he only has a short time left to live. He decides that he wants to make peace with his family and have one last reunion. He confides this information to his estranged wife Kate Thornton (Maureen Stapleton). But when his doctor says that it won't be good for him to travel, she suggests that he call his four adult children and invite them all for Christmas. He agrees only with the provision that they not be told of his illness and imminent death. The only problem is that most of his family are not exactly fond of him because he walked out on his wife and because of his stubborn nature. Of his four children, Adam is most nervous about seeing Bud Thornton (Gregory Harrison) whom he hasn't spoken to since having an argument regarding the Vietnam War and his moving to Canada, several years prior.

In addition to Asner, Stapleton and Harrison, this ensemble cast includes several other recognizable actors: Stephanie Zimbalist, Gail Strickland, Lawrence Pressman, Veronica Hamel and Bruce Davison among others.



General
DVDRip
Complete name: The Gathering.avi
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Format/Info: Audio Video Interleave
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Duration: 1h 33mn
Overall bit rate: 2 125 Kbps
Writing library: VirtualDub build 32817/release

Video
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Height: 480 pixels
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Stream size: 129 MiB (9%)
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Interleave, preload duration: 512 ms