While the ultra talented Jill Eikenberry never hit superstardom (like a supporting player way down the list in the actors credits of the TV movie would years later), she has always maintained a flawless reputation with credits, and is the heart and soul of this moving epic, strong and big hearted and commanding. As a New York socialite disgusted by the plight of homeless orphans in the city, she strives to find homes for everyone of them, but finances for that journey are difficult to grab onto.
Enter in a small role (and in her first onscreen appearance) Glenn Close as a wealthy married woman whose philanthropy aides Eikenberry in her time of need, impacted when Eikenberry must spend the money to get underage Linda Marc away from a grasping madam, reluctant to loose her primary money maker. Kevin Dobson is the conductor of the orphan train, taking Eikenberry and her young charges on a cross country exodus where they face all sorts of obstacles, including being turned away in one town for community prejudices stirred up by one man. Of course Dobson falls in love with her,. How could he not?
The beautiful Eikenberry is award worthy as the determined Emma whose works aided the founding of the NYC children's aid society, as is the beautiful cross country location photography. One intense scene has them forced to walk across an old fashioned train trestle, quite high up and not without danger. Close may only have two brief scenes, but she's the character responsible for getting the train going. The shocking opening (showing a young teen boy pleading not to be hung) is horrifying as is the followup of old wealthy women basically saying that these children don't deserve help. Special mention to the unknown actress playing the stern madam, certainly not a nice person, but unforgettably played.
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