The Gathering (1977)

This rare live action film from Hanna-Barbera is a very lovely film. Joseph Barbera stated in his autobiography, My Life in Toons: From Flatbush to Bedrock, he wishes Hanna-Barbera had done more live action films and with a movie like this it is easy to see why. This made for TV movie would rightfully go on to win an Emmy. The director of this film was Randal Kleiser, who is most remembered for directing Grease. The writer was James Poe who had written for such films as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and They Shoot Horses Don't They. 

The story is about a man named Adam (played by Ed Asner) 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 (played by Maureen Stapleton) invite their four kids over for one last Christmas. However he is very nervous about seeing his son Bud (played by 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 film 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

Resources Used
My Life in Toons: From Flatbush to Bedrock by Joseph Barbera
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076067/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4