Watch Come Along With Me

Come Along With Me is a 1982 TV movie based on a short novel by Shirley Jackson. The movie is directed by Joanne Woodward, who also stars in the film, alongside Estelle Parsons, Barbara Baxley, and Sylvia Sidney. The movie tells the story of a well-known writer and her relationship with her housekeeper and how it evolves during their final days together.

The story is set in North Bennington, Vermont, where a writer, played by Joanne Woodward, lives with her housekeeper Alice (Estelle Parsons). The writer, who is known only as Elizabeth, is terminally ill, and her days are numbered. She has been receiving visits from fans, admirers, and old acquaintances, who want to say goodbye to her. At the same time, Alice is struggling with her own health, as well as the emotional turmoil of having to say goodbye to her employer.

Throughout the movie, we see Elizabeth's visitors come and go, sharing their memories of her, discussing her work, and offering their condolences. As their conversations unfold, we get a sense of the impact Elizabeth had on those around her, and how her work touched people's lives. Alice, who has been with Elizabeth for many years, is fiercely loyal to her employer and does everything she can to make her final days comfortable.

However, despite their close relationship, Alice and Elizabeth have never truly understood each other. As their time together comes to an end, they begin to open up to each other, revealing the secrets they have been keeping hidden all these years. Alice, who has always been a proud and independent woman, finally admits that she needs Elizabeth's help and support. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, who has been aloof and guarded, finally shows a vulnerable side of herself that Alice has never seen before.

The performances in Come Along With Me are outstanding, with Joanne Woodward and Estelle Parsons shining in their respective roles. Woodward's portrayal of Elizabeth is nuanced and layered, capturing the essence of a writer who is both brilliant and flawed. She conveys Elizabeth's sense of isolation and detachment, as well as her vulnerability and fear of death. Parsons, on the other hand, delivers a performance that is both poignant and powerful as the devoted housekeeper, who has sacrificed her own life for Elizabeth's.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Barbara Baxley and Sylvia Sidney both delivering standout performances. Baxley plays Elizabeth's editor, who comes to visit her at the end of her life. Their conversation is one of the film's most poignant moments, as Elizabeth confronts her own mortality and the legacy she will leave behind. Sidney plays Elizabeth's neighbor, who brings her flowers and reminisces about their past glories.

The film's cinematography is also worthy of note, with its beautiful shots of Vermont's countryside capturing the essence of the story's setting. The score, composed by Jonathan Tunick, is also excellent, evoking the mood and atmosphere of the film's emotional moments.

Overall, Come Along With Me is an emotionally charged and deeply affecting film that explores the themes of love, friendship, and mortality. Its performances, direction, and cinematography combine to create a beautifully crafted film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. It is a fitting tribute to the work of Shirley Jackson, one of America's greatest writers, who is still revered for her insight into the human condition.

Come Along With Me is a 1982 comedy with a runtime of 54 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.