As warm as winter's fire and sentimental as the sixth glass of wassail, this heart-tugging made-for-television holiday drama tells the Depression-era story of a gruff Minnesota grandfather and his wife who must take in their teenage grandson for Christmas. A city kid, the youth finds it difficult to adjust to the quiet of farm living. It is also difficult to deal with his grandfather who treats him cruelly. Unable to stand it, the youth runs away, forcing the grandfather to deal with the reason for his unending anger and to admit that he feels guilty for the death of his son. The teleplay is based on a novel by Glendon Swarthout, The Melodeon. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
Cast
Sally Chamberlain - Lil Hockmeyer; Bryan Englund; Allen Hamilton - Oskar Hockmeyer; Jason Robards, Jr. - Daniel Larson; George Perry; Eva Marie Saint - Emma Larson; Joanne Woodward - Mildred McCloud; Mary Beth Manning - Louise Hockmeyer; Lowell Anderson - Preacher; Arvi Carlson - Ralph Youngquist; Mildred Carlson - Beulah Youngquist; Pamela Danser - Lolly Hockmeyer (adult); Nora Martin - Lolly Hockmeyer; Alex Mayer - Russell McCloud (adult); George Parry - Russell McCloud; Guy Paul - Tall Fellow