The Trip to Bountiful

Horton Foot's daughter Hallie, commissioned director Michael Wilson to helm this impressive version of her father's prize-winning story. This time it's successfully told from the perspective of a black family, using all the situations lovingly brought to life from her father's original script. Nothing is lost; all the unique characters of this inspirational slice-of-life are here to be wondered at all over again.

Some characters on this journey receive warmer personality treatments than in the original and this, thankfully, adds to the enjoyment. Production is excellent, performances are exceptional (Cicely Tyson, along with the cinematographer; David Greene and all the producers were nominated for Emmys) with special mention to a thoughtfully designed music score by John Gromada. Recommended for discerning viewers who enjoy simple studies of life-inspired stories.

Available on DVD and Foxtel.

"Trip to Bountiful" -- "A" or "The" Trip -- has been recorded at least three times, and has been a stage play. It is a sweet, nostalgic story and will probably be performed for many more years to come.

There is a fairly small cast, but every single player is great. Poor Vanessa Williams has the most unsympathetic role, but she gives us a beautiful harridan beautifully played.

One reviewer called her character "ghastly," and I agree.

Other than "Jessie Mae," all the characters are three-dimensional and likeable. But Cicely Tyson's, being the focal character, gets the most attention, and deserves every second. What a marvelous performer.

Watching her in this TV movie, I was absolutely in thrall. She is simply astounding and outstanding.

Another reviewer proclaimed a willingness to watch this every day. I concur. Excellent story, excellently performed.

I can't stop without also praising the directing, the camera work, and the editing. This is a first-quality production, from top to bottom.

There is a very good print at YouTube. Please do watch it.

I didn't realize this was a remake. I have never seen the original but I enjoyed this movie. Cicely Tyson should win an award. Her portrayal of Mrs. Watts so reminded me of my grandmother in many ways. I am sure the feeling of "wanting to go home" is resonant in all of us to some degree. It makes her character very relatable.

Whoever did the makeup for Vanessa Williams did a poor job. She looked "pasty".

I would like to read the book after seeing the movie...I keep feeling like the story was missing something.

I was also hoping for a different ending...but I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it.

Hence, in part, why I have only given 4 stars....sadly, we got this film and not the story of 4 guys running away....this one is about an elderly lady trying to get to the place she was born. she lives with her understanding son and his (in my opinion) ghastly wife who seems to be quite greedy on all levels. This film isn't entertainment in my view and I was left disappointed. I wont spoil it for you as to what the lady sees when she gets to where she going, thanks to some kind hearted folk

Excellent Play and Movie. I saw and enjoyed both. I liked this movie as well as the play because the story brought back memories of growing up in the south. The memories of growing up in big houses with mothers and fathers as well as grandparents are cherished. As an adult, the longing to go back to where one grew up and to relive those wonderful moments is portrayed so well by Ms. Cicely Tyson. When Blair Underwood said to Ms. Tyson, "I should have brought you back here sooner" when he found out that her friend had died, reminded me of how precious our older parents, and grandparent's are in our lives.

Performances by the actors and actresses are phenomenal.! This will go down as a classic. I could watch it over and over with a box of tissues nearby.