Filmed in Vancouver, this Hallmark Hall of Fame takes place during the '70s in the U.S. After the death of her mother, Charlotte (Glynis O'Connor), 10-year-old Ellen Foster (Jena Malone, who narrates) suffers abuse from her alcoholic father (Ted Levine) and is ill-treated by her maternal aunts Nadine (Debra Monk) and Betsy (Barbara Garrick) and also by Nadine's mean daughter Dora (Kimberly Brown). Ellen is sent to live with her grief-stricken grandmother Leonora (Julie Harris), but her problems continue since the mean-spirited Leonora blames Ellen for Charlotte's death. Harry Nilsson's song, "Remember Christmas," is featured. This TV movie premiered December 14, 1997 on CBS. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
Phyllis Huffman - Casting, John Erman - Director, Bill Blunden - Editor, Brent Shields - Executive Producer, Richard Welsh - Executive Producer, John Morris - Composer (Music Score), Fred Harpman - Production Designer, Brian West - Cinematographer, John Erman - Producer, Gord Anderson - Sound/Sound Designer, Gerrit Van Der Meer - Supervisor/Manager, William Hanley - Screenwriter, Maria Nation - Screenwriter, Harry Nilsson - Featured Music, Kaye Gibbons - Book Author