With a mantle of an unprecedented five Emmy awards, Promise should still be watched by modern audiences. Don't be put off by the year of release and dismiss it as part of the "disease of the week" tv movies of the 1980s. It's still just as relevant today, because mental illness has become more prevalent. James Woods plays James Garner's brother with a host of mental problems. In the film, he's labeled as schizophrenic, but modern audiences can pick out autism, agoraphobia, manic depression, and OCD in his performance. This role is an absolute tour-de-force for Woods. He has a constant intense energy, even when he's retreating within himself and watching infomercials. He has childlike sensitivity and bursts into tears when his feelings get hurt. When happy and excited, we can literally see him spiral out of control. When depressed, we see the light in his eyes shut off as he withdraws and indulges all the negative voices in his head. There are times when this movie will be very hard to watch, and times when all you'll want to do is reach into the television and give Woods a hug.
James Garner is also wonderful in this movie, and he also has a very realistic character. He loves his brother, but he doesn't want to permanently burden himself with caring for him. He's embarrassed, he loses his temper, but ultimately he's sorry for both of them. Garner starts off the movie with a successful real estate business, tons of friends in town, and a budding romance. When he inherits his brother after their mom dies, it's a lot to take in, especially when he's in the middle of grieving. Piper Laurie is an old flame with a heart of gold, but can she help soften his edges?
Keep your eyes open for a beautiful blonde with a sensational figure. Do you recognize her cute little smile? It's Barbara Niven in her debut (but she's billed as Barbara Lee Alexander), and how adorable that she got her start on Hallmark and is still with the network thirty years later! The rest of the movie really isn't adorable, but it is very touching and emotional. Make sure you're in the mood for something this heavy, and get ready for a very well-acted movie.
James Garner is also wonderful in this movie, and he also has a very realistic character. He loves his brother, but he doesn't want to permanently burden himself with caring for him. He's embarrassed, he loses his temper, but ultimately he's sorry for both of them. Garner starts off the movie with a successful real estate business, tons of friends in town, and a budding romance. When he inherits his brother after their mom dies, it's a lot to take in, especially when he's in the middle of grieving. Piper Laurie is an old flame with a heart of gold, but can she help soften his edges?
Keep your eyes open for a beautiful blonde with a sensational figure. Do you recognize her cute little smile? It's Barbara Niven in her debut (but she's billed as Barbara Lee Alexander), and how adorable that she got her start on Hallmark and is still with the network thirty years later! The rest of the movie really isn't adorable, but it is very touching and emotional. Make sure you're in the mood for something this heavy, and get ready for a very well-acted movie.