Ajtlawyer James Garner made a bit of a cottage industry out of appearing in Hallmark Hall of Fame TV-movies. Hallmark productions were always noted for their high quality and portrayal of solid community values.In "Decoration Day" Garner plays a retired Southern judge who is somewhat of a recluse. He is pulled back into the community when a young man gets into trouble, Garner finds a new chance to connect with an interesting woman, and he has to persuade a childhood friend to reconsider his refusal to accept a belated Medal of Honor.Bill Cobbs plays Gee, Garner's childhood friend and a tenant farmer who has had to deal with racial injustice all of his life while his educated white friend Garner has had a much easier and successful path. Both men served in WWII, Gee in a segregated Negro unit. When the Army determines that Gee should receive the Medal of Honor the community is disrupted and people have to re-examine racial attitudes when Gee refuses to accept this most prestigious honor. As you'd expect in a Hallmark production, the topics are dealt with in a quiet, responsible, non-histrionic way. Garner and the cast all deliver.

heresbigmike Although James Garner Is one of my favorites,Bill Cobbs, as In the movie, Is not given the glory he deserves ! This passionate actor deserves accolades ! I don't know how many awards he has received, but he deserves many more ! I've seen him In many second-fiddle roles, Where he could have actually been the leader ! I'm going to follow-up, I need to see more of this great actor's accomplishments. I reiterate, this passionate and compassionate Individual needs to have a script written around him , I bet the right one would raise him over the brim ! I know that he Is an Exceptional Individual, How? Sometimes everyone can tell !

nabor7 The cast and the setting of this movie was enough for me. When you add the plot and sub-stories it turns into an extremely well made and thought out movie. I enjoyed every minute and can't express in words the magnificent job the cast did. I really enjoyed the interaction between Rowena and Judge Finch. You could tell from the beginning there was quite a past between the two. I can't find any fault in Decoration Day. It's amazing how with the correct script and cast, that violence, profanity, and sex would seem out of place. The sub-plots were sufficient to keep the viewer guessing and the story of Billy and Loreen fit in perfectly. I would encourage everyone to see this to see what a real story and great actors can do when they are combined

harry-76 Late in his life when Robert Mitchum was finally receiving accolades for his career work, a reporter asked him why it took so long for such recognition. Mitchum replied, "Because there's nobody else left." The same might be said for James Garner, as people increasingly acknowledge his skill. Like Henry Fonda, Garner makes it look so easy and effortless that one tends to take his work for granted.In "Decoration Day" his character is similar to his laid-back hero in "Murphy's Romance." Garner can play wide emotional ranges as the script may call for, yet smoothly blend nuances to achieve a finely tuned product.Here the entire cast works in fine ensemble fashion, with Bill Cobbs being particularly strong as Gee. Perhaps real-life Purple Heart-winner Garner felt a special connection to this touching story about the aftermath of war.This was another worthy Hallmark production made especially for television.