Watch The Gathering

The Gathering is a 1977 American television film that tells the story of the Adamsons, a family that gathers together to celebrate their patriarch's 71st birthday. The movie, directed by Randal Kleiser, follows the Adamsons as they reunite at their ancestral home in Northern California. The film stars Edward Asner as the Adamsons' father, and Maureen Stapleton as their mother. Rebecca Balding plays the role of the family's youngest daughter.

The story begins with the Adamsons' children arriving at their parents' home from various parts of the country to wish their father a happy birthday. The family is excited to be together again and reminisces about old times. However, as the day goes on, they begin to realize that their mother is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The disease has progressed to a point where she no longer recognizes her children, and she often wanders away from home. The children must work together to care for their mother and to help their father come to terms with the reality of his wife's condition.

As the film progresses, the family members confront a variety of issues, including their own personal struggles and feelings of guilt. The eldest son has lost his job and is struggling to provide for his family. The middle son is a successful businessman but is unhappy with his life. The youngest daughter is going through a divorce and is struggling to overcome her own personal demons. The family's struggles are further complicated by their mother's illness, which is taking a toll on each of them in different ways.

Throughout the film, the family tries to come to terms with their mother's condition and the impact it has on their lives. They argue and bicker, but they also support one another and share their feelings. They also must face the reality that their father is not as strong as they once believed, and that he needs their help and support more than they may have realized.

The Gathering is a poignant and powerful film that explores the themes of family, love, loss, and acceptance. It is a story about the struggles of aging and the impact of debilitating diseases on families. The performances by the cast, particularly Asner and Stapleton, are outstanding, and the script is beautifully written.

In conclusion, The Gathering is a touching and emotional film that will tug at your heartstrings. It is a realistic exploration of the challenges faced by families dealing with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The film delivers a powerful message about the importance of family and the strength that can come from coming together during difficult times. The Gathering is a true classic that deserves to be remembered as one of the most poignant films ever made about the importance of family in our lives.

The Gathering is a 1977 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.