About Sarah (1998)

A young girl (Kellie Martin) has her heart set on medical school. But when her grandmother (Marion Ross) suddenly dies and she must take responsibility for her mentally challenged mother (Mary Steenburgen), she must decide whether to commit her mother to a home or give up medical school and take care of her at home. Directed by Susan Rohrer, this is your standard made for TV movie about the handicapped though it has a couple of twists and turns that make for some interesting drama. The film's strongest asset are the performances especially Steenburgen, who doesn't overplay the mental handicap that can often turn into scenery chewing by lesser actors. She's matched by Diane Baker as the Aunt who takes matters into her own hands by attempting to wrest control of the situation from the daughter, even if it means taking her to court. The weakest portion of the movie are scenes with Kellie Martin and her boyfriend (Chad Christ) which are stagnant. With Nick Searcy and Steven Gilborn.