Seasons of the Heart

NBC, Sun. May 22, 9 p.m.

Cast: Carol Burnett, George Segal, Malcolm McDowell, Eric Lloyd, Jill Teed, Margaret Sophie Stein, Florence Paterson, Scott Marlowe, Harvey Atkin, Nicu Branzea, Lisa Richards, Tom Melissis, Frank Crudelle, Edward Quinlan, Bill Dow, Danielle Fraser, Veena Sood, Dave Hurtubise, Roger Cross, Ann Warn Pegg, Scott McNeil, Paul Carson, Russell Hamilton.

Filmed in Vancouver by Joseph Feury Prods. in association with RHI Entertainment Inc. Executive producer, Robert Halmi Jr.; producer, Joseph Feury; director, Lee Grant; writer, Robbyn Burger; "Seasons of the Heart" treads on familiar territory, but stellar performances and all the polish one expects from a Robert Halmi Jr. ("Lonesome Dove," "Return to Lonesome Dove") production make it better than most of the movies of its genre.

Vivian Levinson (Carol Burnett) is a successful publisher who is left to raise her grandson, David (Eric Lloyd), after he is abandoned by Vivian's drug-using daughter, Ellen (Jill Teed). At first resentful and angry and afraid of how David's presence will affect her new marriage to longtime lover Ezra (George Segal), she ultimately rises to the occasion, and the three end up being one small happy family.

Both writer Robbyn Burger and director Lee Grant are to be commended for not making this a sentimental, tear-jerking, manipulative piece. If anything, Grant could have occasionally lightened up a bit. Where Burger's script is less satisfactory is in the exposition of Vivian and Ezra's complicated romantic history. As presented, it's not germane to the story or even credible.

Both Segal and Burnett are excellent; Lloyd is affecting as the confused, lonely child. Malcolm McDowell is a joy to watch as a tortured alcoholic writer; somehow he avoids being a cliche.

Abrupt changes in camera angle are disconcerting and disruptive. Production designer Glenda Ganis did a fine job of creating both the glamour of Vivian's home and office and the squalor of Ellen's life.

Camera, Doug Milsome; editor, David Ray; production designer, Glenda Ganis; sound, Rob Young; music, Marvin Hamlisch.120 MIN.

Variety is striving to present the most thorough review database. To report inaccuracies in review credits, please click here. We do not currently list below-the-line credits, although we hope to include them in the future. Please note we may not respond to every suggestion. Your assistance is appreciated.