The Gathering (1977 film)


The Gathering is a 1977 American made-for-television drama film. A rare live-action feature produced by animation studio Hanna-Barbera Productions, it was directed by Randal Kleiser and stars Edward Asner and Maureen Stapleton.

Plot

Adam Thornton, an ill-tempered executive who walked out on his family, learns that he only has a little time left to live. He decides that he wants to make peace with them and have one last reunion. He confides this information to his estranged wife, Kate. But when his doctor says that it won't be good for him to travel, she suggests that he should call his four adult children and invite them all for Christmas.
He agrees only with the provision that they not be told of his illness and imminent death. The only problem is that most of them are not exactly fond of him because he walked out on Kate and has a stubborn nature. Of them, he is most nervous about seeing Bud, whom he hasn't spoken to since having an argument with him regarding the Vietnam War and his move to Canada several years before.

Cast

The film was followed by the 1979 sequel The Gathering, Part II, which picked up two years after Adam's death, and largely concerned Kate's relationship with a new man.

Awards

The film was released on DVD in Christmas 2009 by Warner Archive. This is a Manufacture-on-Demand release, available through Warner's online store and Amazon.com.