Souvenirs perdus

This Hallmark made-for-television film focuses on a family reunion at Thanksgiving. The centerpiece of the drama is the character of Maggie (Doris Roberts), who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Maggie's two daughters, Veletta (Megan Gallagher) and Brit (Dana Delaney) have taken different paths in their personal lives and careers. The Thanksgiving event reunites the two daughters who must come to terms with their mother's illness and the choices they have made.

All of the performances are sensitive and credible. Doris Roberts's character is so intelligent that her realization of the Alzheimer's is made all the more tragic. The two daughters were also convincingly portrayed by the performers; the characters move towards a stronger bond as they renew their family ties and reflect on their past.

The film is striking in the simplicity of the plot structure of preparing the Thanksgiving dinner. The final hour is a taut dramatic experience and compelling because of the frank discussion among the family members.

The film's title is especially appropriate, as the movie depicts that special time of the year when we give thanks and reflect on our personal family experiences at the time of our own Thanksgivings past and present. It is a touching, thoughtful film because it transcends the clinical topic of Alzheimer's to offer a portrait of such universal values as family, memory, and love.

I love this movie! Doris Roberts is fantastic, it is wonderful to see her in a movie role. Doris is so talented and we seldom get to see her at her full potential. This role is very different than being Raymond's mom. Dana Delaney is one of my favorite actresses and she does a great job in this movie. The characters will make you laugh and cry. I am sure many people will be able to relate to all of the dysfunctions of this family and to what they are going through. This movie will definitely tug at your heart strings. Thanksgiving was a good time to show this movie because it makes you realize how thankful you are for your family.

Doris Roberts does a wonderful job as a difficult mother who is having her daughter home for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Trouble is that the daughter has been alienated from her mother for quite a while. This daughter (Dana Delaney) has had a child out of wedlock and is an accomplished artist on the verge of winning a scholarship grant in order to pursue her career.

Roberts plays a widow who lives with her sister-in-law. (Louise Fletcher)Other than the fact that Fletcher plays a woman who was once in show business, her character is not fully developed. The years have also taken their toll on Ms. Fletcher. She appears quite old and is very heavy.

The Roberts character is suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease and her fears are worsening as the disease is progressing. Her coldness and aloofness are attributed to Delaney as her just being her usual nasty self. In reality, Roberts wants to hide as much as she can since she knows that within 1-2 years she may not recognize anyone. The costume designer must be criticized here for allowing Doris Roberts to wear such loud clothing. After all, Ms. Roberts is heavy and her color schemes only brings this out.

An equally good performance is by the other daughter known as Valetta. She is a dominating, cold, stuck up woman who is afraid that her husband's frequent absences for business purposes is more than that.

This film deals with the importance of family and strong family relationships. It is well recommended.