A Christmas Memory (1997)

In the 1930s South, a lonely young boy (Eric Lloyd) sent to live with relatives by his mother, bonds with his elderly cousin (Patty Duke) who has an annual Christmas ritual of making fruitcakes for friends and public figures (Franklin Roosevelt, Jean Harlow) they admire. The film focuses on their last Christmas together before he is sent to military school against his wishes. Based on Truman Capote's short story and directed by Glenn Jordan (ONLY WHEN I LAUGH), this is a lovely rendition of Capote's memories and his affectionate valentine to the elderly woman who loved him and was his friend. Particularly notable is the underrated Duke's wonderful performance which only calls attention to how Hollywood wasted her talents. A perfect movie for the seasonal Holiday viewing which eschews the usual sentimentality of such fare as IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE or MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. With Piper Laurie, Anita Gillette, Jeffrey DeMunn and Esther Scott.