TV Show spotlight
Thicker than Water
Sensible Nellie Paine and her womanizing brother Ernie were promised $75,000 each if they moved back home to live with their elderly father Jonas and run the family business, Paine's Pure Pickles, for five years. The only thing the siblings have in common is they both hate pickles. Jonas shows no signs of dying soon, and enjoys seeing his grown children squabbling.
Insights
Plot Summary
A former Vietnam POW, now a successful attorney, struggles to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter after her mother dies. He finds her withdrawn and rebellious, and their attempts to bond are further complicated by the daughter's burgeoning relationship with an older man and the father's lingering trauma from his wartime experiences.
Critical Reception
This made-for-television drama received a mixed reception, with praise for its attempts to tackle complex family dynamics and the psychological impact of war, but some criticism for its pacing and predictable plot points. It is often remembered for its performances, particularly Robert Culp's portrayal of a haunted veteran.
What Reviewers Say
The film effectively explores the emotional toll of war and its aftermath on family relationships.
Robert Culp delivers a compelling performance as a troubled protagonist.
While touching on important themes, the narrative occasionally suffers from melodrama and a lack of originality.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific television film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a successful anthology series for ABC, often featuring prominent actors and tackling socially relevant themes for the era.
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