November 26, 1994

Page: 20

Television, Etc.

Bible Stories

...If you are looking for a Thanksgiving story for the family after the turkey has been demolished, you might try "Christy" (CBS, Nov. 24, 8 P.M. ET). Last April, CBS broadcast the first installment of this series, which will join the network's regular programming later this season.

The show is based on the long popular book of the same name by the late Catherine Marshall. It focuses on the life of a young missionary, Christy Huddleston (played by Kellie Martin of "Life Goes On"), who leaves her rather sheltered life to teach at a missionary school in a remote Appalachian community before World War I. During a surprise visit her father falls ill, which creates a dilemma for Christy: Should she stay with her students or return home to help care for her father? At the same time, the people with whom Christy works struggle to prepare for a long winter, with little money and fewer provisions.

Along the way, there are autumnal scenes like a turkey shoot, a children's reenactment of the first thanksgiving and plenty of shots of the Smoky Mountains in the fall. And, if that's not enough, Judy Collins shows up to sing "For the Beauty of the Earth" at a Thanksgiving dinner.

The cast makes the show quite pleasent. Tess Harper (Tender Mercies") is a strong-willed mother trying to make ends meet. Dixie Carter ("Designing Women") is Christy's well-bred mother, who dis- approves of her missionary lifestyle. And Taly Daly turns in a delight- ful performance as one of Christy's co-workers, a tough missionary who I assume is supposed to be a Quaker, since she says things like "We could use thy help if thee would care to join use."

This is definitely family fare -- like "The Waltons" with more re- ligion. But it is surprisingly affecting and portrays men and women of courage and faith as they struggle to make the gospel come alive. There aren't many television shows you can say that about. Happy Thinksgiving.

By: James Martin

PHOTO:

Captioned: The cast of CBS's "Christy"

Related pictures - promotional etc.