Abc Sunday Night Movie Not in My Family

Publish date: 2023-12-22

Achurning, worrisome drama surfaces, as a woman who has buried a grim childhood memory feels it starting to surface. Writers Michael Love & Martin Salinas and Joe Cacaci know how to still the turbulent waters: Pour soap suds on them.

Veronica Ricci, played earnestly by Joanna Kerns, has the happy life: loving hubby Ted (Michael Brandon), a brand new baby girl, her work as a designer, a beautiful home, plenty of dough. It isn’t until her father, Malcolm (George Grizzard), gives the baby a stuffed horse and Veronica turns edgy that her world starts unraveling.

Her sister Becky (Shelley Hack) reveals that their dad raped her when they were young. Veronica starts worrying about brother Tom’s (Richard Gilliland) small daughter, whom Malcolm spends lots of time with.

Veronica starts acting odd, says “Ted, I’m sorry!” a couple of times, and strolls out into moving traffic; armchair watchers who’ve logged any time in TV eyeballing know what’s nagging at Veronica.

Going to a therapist (Tony Roberts) after almost 40 minutes of vid disturbances, Veronica realizes she was a victim, too. Why she and Becky don’t confront their dad at this point doesn’t make much sense. Their mother (played elegantly by Dina Merrill) is upset with her daughters’ accusations, and Tom doesn’t believe them. Ah, prolonged drama …

Brandon plays the incredibly patient, confused husband with considerable spirit. Gilliland presents another of his dependable characterizations, and Hack gives neurotic Becky some depth.

Linda Otto’s direction is deliberate if not inspired. Philip Kleinbart’s production design is rich with detail, and the location sites in Charlotte, N.C. , are lovely.

Mike Fash’s lensing measures up to his usual high standards, and Robin Wilson’s editing is pro.