The film is about a man named Adam (Ed Asner (who would make many more made for TV Christmas movies, thanks to the Hallmark Channel)) who being a workaholic never spent the time he should have spent with his family. When Adam discovers that he doesn't have long to live he and his estranged wife Kate ( Maureen Stapleton) invite their four kids over for one last Christmas. However he is very nervous about seeing his son Bud (Gregory Harrison), who he has not seen and years and the last time he saw him they had a very heated argument about the Vietnam War.
This was a very different film from what one expects from Hanna-Barbera. Not only was it in live-action, but it also was more for an adult audience than a family audience, though with the exception of very little very mild langue, there is not much inappropriate for kids. This is also a movie that doesn't focus on comedy or action. This, for Hanna-Barbera, is a fairly straight drama. Despite these differences it really succeeds. It is very touching. The story can be quite emotional but it never feels forced. Ed Asner's acting is fantastic and really brings his character to life. Most of all though it is full of Christmas spirit, and can help make one realize just how important both Christmas and family are. This is a classic, and I can perfectly see why Joseph Barbera wanted to make more films like this (though I love Hanna-Barbera's regular stuff as well).
By the way notice how our good friend Yogi Bear makes a cameo as a stuffed animal.
-Michael J. Ruhland
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