The Thanksgiving Promise (1986)

Introduction
"The Thanksgiving Promise" is a heartwarming television movie that aired in 1986 as part of Disney's Sunday Film. Directed by Beau Bridges, the movie is a captivating household drama written by Blanche Hanalis, hinging on the themes of dedication, friendship, generosity, and regard for all living beings.

Plot
The film orbits around the life of a 14-year-old kid, Travis Tilby, depicted by Jordan Bridges. Travis aims to raise his pet goose, Promise, for the Thanksgiving Parade to impress his far-off daddy (Beau Bridges), who is constantly busy with his movie career.

In addition, Travis has a hard time to discover balance with his school life, as a bully named Scooter is regularly giving him a bumpy ride. Nevertheless, his supportive household, comprising his grandparents (Lloyd Bridges and Dorothy McGuire), stands by him, providing him guidance and love.

Travis's Challenges
The holiday season techniques, and obstacles develop for Travis. He is caught in a predicament when his Science instructor, played by actor Edward Hermann, informs the class that he expects them to dissect frogs. Travis, being an animal enthusiast, is distressed by this and declines to participate, believing it to be cruel.

More obstacles occur as Scooter dares Travis to take Mr. Snyder's rare, valuable collection of stamps but includes an uncommon twist by demanding Travis needs to return the stamps prior to they are observed missing out on. Engulfed by these obstacles, Travis learns valuable lessons about friendship, commitment, love, and justice.

Animals, Pledges, and Promise
Travis's bond with Promise the goose is central to the motion picture. As he supports and trains Promise, Travis learns about commitment, obligation, and love. Initially, his intent is to train Promise for the Thanksgiving Parade, however as their bond deepens, he can't bear the thought of somebody buying Promise for a Thanksgiving banquet.

When offered the opportunity to offer Promise, Travis is in turmoil. On one hand, benevolent Mrs. Datweiler (Anne Haney) aspires to purchase Promise to conserve her from becoming a feast meal. On the other, his dad is delighted about the parade, and Travis does not wish to dissatisfy him.

Climax and Conclusion
In a surprising turn of occasions, Travis decides to totally free Promise. Rather of being dissatisfied, his Father appreciates his empathy, saying that at any time you can conserve a life, it is a cause for celebration, teaching a valuable lesson about the sanctity of life.

The film concludes with Travis and his competitive swimmer girlfriend (Amanda Peterson) signing up with the grandparents and Mr. Snyder to commemorate a stunning and meaningful Thanksgiving. It shows how knowledge, love, and regard for all living beings highlight the genuine spirit of Thanksgiving.

Tradition
With outstanding efficiencies from its ensemble cast and relatable styles of compassion and stability, "The Thanksgiving Promise" is an extraordinary watch. The film highlights that the essence of Thanksgiving is not about feasting however about being happy for loved ones, making it a perfect household movie for the holiday.

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