Evergreen (1985)
Based on the novel by Belva Plain, covering a time span from 1909 to 1959. The story begins in New York's Lower East Side with the arrival of Polish-Jewish immigrant Anna (Lesley Ann Warren). At first employed as a humble seamstress, Anna is whisked into a whole new world when she becomes the wife of the enterprising Joseph Friedman (Armand Assante), who eventually becomes a wealthy Westchester contractor. Even so, Anna's heart belongs to Paul Lerner (Ian Shane), the son of the prosperous Fifth Avenue family which employs her relatives. In 1918, Anna gives birth to Paul's daughter, allowing Joseph to believe that he is the father. The secret surrounding Anna's child will lead to a daunting and frequently heartbreaking chain of events, culminating decades later in the newly formed state of Israel, where Anna's grandson Eric hopes to "find himself" -- and ends up finding more than he bargained for.
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Marvelous recounting of this wonderful heartbreaking story in a television movie.Armand Assante is absolutely magnificent in the role of an Orthodox Jewish man, Joseph Friedman. Kudos to the people who worked with him in depicting such orthodoxy. Equally good is Lesley Ann Warren as his long-suffering wife.The film deals with the Friedmans life in America. They suffer 2 tragedies that no family should ever be made to bear. In addition, Mrs. Friedman (Warren) harbors a secret too outrageous to mention in an orthodox community.A definite story of the human spirit, intermarriage when the orthodox are affected, and adversity beyond human belief. Truly outstanding and fabulously done. This film should be shown again.
I saw Evergreen on TV one time about ten years ago and never forgot it. I have been looking for it everywhere so I can buy it. It is beautifully written, beautifully photographed, and amazingly acted out. Get your coffee or tea, something to eat, and settle in. It takes you to another place and time...especially considering it is now 2005 and rare for a movie to tell a thoroughly moving story that remains consistent and true to itself.This is a movie worth giving to someone who loves romance. It is worth giving to yourself. I am glad I have finally found someplace to get Evergreen. It is a treasure and worth every minute you spend watching it. Hopefully, one day, it will be re-run here in the United States so others may discover it.
This film is a classic, and hard to obtain. I would recommend viewing to anyone who likes good movies. I hope that it will soon become available for viewing once again. The characters are wonderful, the story line is one that makes you appreciate the writer. All the actors are marvelous in their roles. This movie is a treasure.
I loved Evergreen. Enjoyed the story line and much work went into choosing the actors for the characters they played. There were quite a few new faces at the time Evergreen was made who went on to make bigger and better movies. Ian McShane was one. He is so handsome and one look from him, makes you melt. A very versatile actor. Armand Assante played a brilliant part as Joseph Friedman with such powerful acting and Lesley Ann Warren also as a relatively newcomer to the screen. I wish they would replay this mini series in Australia again. It has been too long.