The Thanksgiving Promise

The Thanksgiving Promise is a 1986 American drama television film starring and directed by Beau Bridges, based on the 1983 young adult novel Chester, I Love You by Blaine Yorgason and Brenton Yorgason. It was produced by Walt Disney Television, and originally aired November 23, 1986 as a presentation of The Disney Sunday Movie on ABC.^[1]

The Thanksgiving Promise
Genre	Drama
Based on	Chester, I Love You by Blaine Yorgason Brenton Yorgason
Written by	Glen L. Anderson Peter N. Johnson Blaine Yorgason Craig Holyoak
Directed by	Beau Bridges
Starring	Beau Bridges Millie Perkins Courtney Thorne-Smith Ed Lauter Anne Haney Jason Bateman
Music by	Bruce Broughton
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
Production
Executive producer	Mel Ferrer
Producer	Mark H. Ovitz
Cinematography	Fred J. Koenekamp
Editor	James T. Heckert
Running time	90 minutes
Production companies	Walt Disney Television Mark H. Ovitz Productions
Original release
Network	ABC
Release	November 23, 1986 (1986-11-23)

Plot

Travis Tilby leaps into action when neighbor Stewart Larson asks him to mind an ailing goose slated to be part of Thanksgiving dinner. A gentle animal lover, Travis dotes on the bird, feeding it by hand and speaking to it in soothing tones. However, as Thanksgiving nears, Travis has second thoughts about seeing the bird slaughtered, and he appeals to his father, Hank, and others in the community for help in saving the goose.

Cast

• Beau Bridges as Hank Tilby
• Millie Perkins as Lois Tilby
• Courtney Thorne-Smith as Sheryl
• Ed Lauter as Coach Gruniger
• Anne Haney as Mrs. Sudsup
• Beau Dremann as Alec
• Bill Calvert as Jason Tilby
• Jordan Bridges as Travis Tilby
• Jason Bateman as Steve Tilby
• Lloyd Bridges as Stewart Larson
• Jason Naylor as Arnold
• Jessica Puscas as Jenni Tilby
• Joshua Bryant as Sam the Vet
• Zero Hubbard as Jeff
• Tina Caspary as 1st Girl
• Scott Nemes as 1st Boy
• Kiblena Peace as Emily
• Mark Clayman as Tommy
• Dorothy Dean Bridges as Aggie Larson
• Allan Dietrich as Square Dance Caller
• Lucinda Jany as Neighbor Lady
• Leonard P. Geer as Old Man
• Jeff Bridges as Neighbor (uncredited)