Evergreen

Lesley Ann Warren comes to America, after losing her Polish-Jewish parents. She meets Jewish working-man Armand Assante who works as a painter but is looking to start his own business. She finds a position as a maid in a prominent man's (Ian McShane) household. But soon they start to have feelings for each other, that is, until he abruptly marries a socialite. Heartbroken, she marries Armand and they have a child. Suh begins the story of "Evergreen," based on the novel by Belva Plain. This was shown in 1985 in three parts and that's how I watched it. Part I seemed to be rather slow with more talking than action. But Part II picks up the plot. Armand tries to stay faithful to his heritage while raising children and Lesley still longs for the rich man. But other characters add to it - Ron Rifkin who needs money desperately from Armand and Brian Dennehy as a coworker of Armand's. Lesley and Armand's children grow up with their own minds, fighting against their father's beliefs. But "Evergreen" exemplifies a hope, a dream that one's faith is stronger than anything life brings you. All of the stars were good, and, as the whole production progressed, the emotional ties were stronger and the people become more and more real to the viewer. This TV- movie, which comes full circle in the end, had more understated passion and longing than I've ever seen in a while. "Evergreen" is a rare TV-movie, forgotten by many, loved by a few.

Marvelous recounting of this wonderful heartbreaking story in a television movie.

Armand Assante is absolutely magnificent in the role of an Orthodox Jewish man, Joseph Friedman. Kudos to the people who worked with him in depicting such orthodoxy. Equally good is Lesley Ann Warren as his long-suffering wife.

The film deals with the Friedmans life in America. They suffer 2 tragedies that no family should ever be made to bear. In addition, Mrs. Friedman (Warren) harbors a secret too outrageous to mention in an orthodox community.

A definite story of the human spirit, intermarriage when the orthodox are affected, and adversity beyond human belief. Truly outstanding and fabulously done. This film should be shown again.

Sincerely agree with the person from Australia.

The story is beautifully acted and so much real emotions shown. The actors and actresses; newcomers should be very proud of themselves. Needs to be shown again. Soon..!!!!

Evergreen is one of my all-time favorites. I am also a fan of Ian McShane. Like many others, I have been unable to obtain a copy of this film, Would love to see it again so that I can watch it over and over.

I loved Evergreen. Enjoyed the story line and much work went into choosing the actors for the characters they played. There were quite a few new faces at the time Evergreen was made who went on to make bigger and better movies. Ian McShane was one. He is so handsome and one look from him, makes you melt. A very versatile actor. Armand Assante played a brilliant part as Joseph Friedman with such powerful acting and Lesley Ann Warren also as a relatively newcomer to the screen. I wish they would replay this mini series in Australia again. It has been too long.