GRANDPA FOR CHRISTMAS, A

An estranged family discovers that to understand the past, they first have to face it. For a dear old man on Christmas, the reward is being called Grandpa for the first time in his life.

Eighty-year-old Bert Riley (Oscar and Golden Globe winner Ernest Borgnine, The Wild Bunch) is a former movie tough guy living comfortably and surrounded by good friends—all vets from Hollywood’s Golden Age. With a scrapbook full of memories, life has been pretty good to him. But he never expected any more surprises out of it. That’s before he receives word on Thanksgiving that Marie, the estranged daughter he hasn’t seen in decades, is in the hospital following a car accident. What’s more, Becca (Juliette Goglia, Joan of Arcadia), the ten-year-old granddaughter he’s never even met, is moving in with him—a temporary arrangement courtesy of social services.

All Becca knows of her grandfather is what her mother and grandmother told her—that he abandoned his family years ago. All Bert knows of his granddaughter is that she’s smart, loaded with talent, and curious about a past that the adults won’t face. With Christmas coming—a season for family—it might be about time. But it’s not going to be easy. For Bert, as well as Marie, the holidays stir the kind of memories they’d just as soon forget. Yet Becca’s inspiring solo turn at her school’s Christmas pageant could be the key to bring her family together—in forgiveness and in a season of surprises.

Also starring Golden Globe winner Katherine Helmond (Who’s the Boss) and Jamie Farr (MASH), this is one holiday gift for viewers of all ages.