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.
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.
