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Reviews
ABC Stage 67: A Christmas Memory (1966)
Also loved this short movie- Spoilers!
I still remember enjoying this years ago, and believe we actually videotaped a rerun of it so I have it somewhere. The 1990s remake, though longer, just isn't as good. The story is a childhood memory of Truman Capote, narrated by the author himself. It describes a period when he lived with several aunts, including the sweet, naive Aunt Sook, who called Truman "Buddy." Living during the depression in Alabama and unable to buy fancy gifts, Buddy and Aunt Sook always give each other kites every year, then enjoy going out to fly them with Sook's little dog Queenie.
Loved the story and the performances, and used to get choked up at the end as Capote narrates about the death of the dog Queenie and the decline and eventual death of Aunt Sook. Such interesting characters and a lovely story, probably my favorite special during the entire holiday season. I really miss Geraldine Page...and even Truman, for that matter.
In the Best of Families: Marriage, Pride & Madness (1994)
Not the best tv movie, but based on true events
As many tv movies go, this two-part mini-series could sometimes be weak in the writing and acting departments, but still held a fascination because a) the events are true, and b) the climax took place just a few miles from my parents' house. In fact, I was acquainted with a relative of one of the families involved.
Some have commented on the lack of plausibility of the story, but the movie stayed true to the actual events for the most part. In fact, it even left out some factual details that did not seem implausible, but real life is often stranger than fiction. (I recommend reading Jerry Bledsoe's book "Bitter Blood," where the entire story will blow you away. The movie is based on this book.)
Regardless of the weak nature of a tv movie-of-the-week, including the disruptions for commercials when I first saw it broadcast over two nights, the series of tragedies that unfolded were still heart-wrenching and made my pulse race. If you can get past those usual weaknesses, you will find an amazing true story of a strange couple who, when put together, seemed to lose all perspective on reality and unleashed a diabolical plot to retain full custody of the woman's two little boys from a previous marriage. If the movie is available for rental, it's probably worth checking out, but not as light-hearted viewing.