Miles to Go Before I Sleep

CBS-TV movie concerns the begrudging friendship between a street urchin (Mackenzie Phillips, in hooker hats and kooky clothes) and an elderly man (Martin Balsam). A thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of two interesting characters, although the stale "plot" from writer Judith Parker is hardly special enough to make this a memorable vehicle. Even in her earliest performances, Phillips projected such a wise, knowing sense of herself that most young adults could easily identify with her angst. Balsam is wonderful, too, as her would-be mentor, although this girl is so belligerent at times that his patience doesn't seem quite likely. Overall, a dreary-looking and rather ordinary effort given some resonance by the leads, also by Kitty Winn and Pamelyn Ferdin in support.

In Miles to Go Before I Sleep, Martin Balsam is coerced by his granddaughter into volunteering at a "foster grandparent" program at a teen rehab center. Many of the girls there have no one to visit them, and the older folks appreciate having a little youth in their lives. Martin is assigned to Mackenzie Phillips, and although they can't stand each other at first, they bond and change each other's lives. This is a tv movie after all, so it has to be heartwarming, right?

Unfortunately, by the mid-1970s, Edward G. Robinson had passed away and could no longer make "old codger with a heart of gold" movies. But Hollywood did have Martin Balsam, who readily stepped in and took on those roles. Martin was a solid character actor, and while he wasn't as naturally endearing as Eddie G, he was still a likable guy. Miles to Go Before I Sleep was a classic Eddie G. Movie, but Martin took up the mantle.

I really liked Martin in this movie, and his character had backbone, dedication, and kindness in bulk. Mackenzie's character felt like a lost cause. I just couldn't believe someone with fifteen years of bad judgment under her belt could really change her ways because she gets a grandfather-type to guide her. She was cynical, had no respect for people or their possessions, and didn't have the mental capabilities to plan past the next day. I would have liked to see Martin mentor someone with more potential, but I guess if she was in the "halfway house" in the first place, she would have to possess those characteristics. If the story appeals to you, check it out.