A Hallmark card that punches you in the throat — cancer, custody battles, and Cloris Leachman being iconic.
Bernard Fine's career leaves little time for romance, so fate takes over. When Bernie befriends a little girl, he meets - and falls for - her single mother, Liz. They soon marry and add a son to their new family. But the happiness is short-lived as Liz is fatally stricken by cancer. Added to the heartbreak is a threat from the past that could tear the family apart. For Bernie, it's a struggle to hold on to and savor the truly fine things in life.
Acting
Cloris Leachman steals every scene as the chaotic mother-in-law.
Writing
Danielle Steel adaptation commits fully to suffering.
Director
Tom Moore
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was one of several Danielle Steel adaptations NBC churned out in the '90s for ratings gold.
The 150-minute runtime was unusually long for 1990 TV movies, suggesting network confidence in Steel's brand over actual pacing.
US
