''The Angel of Pennsylvania Avenue'' is an American 1996 television film directed by Robert Ellis Miller, the last film Miller directed before his death on January 27, 2017. The film was completed days before actor Robert Urich had surgery for cancer.

Plot

During the

Great Depression The Great Depression (19291939) was an economic shock that impacted most countries across the world. It was a period of economic depression that became evident after a major fall in stock prices in the United States. The economic contagio ...

, an unemployed Detroit man is arrested for a crime he didn't commit, prompting his three children to travel over 500 miles to the

White House The White House is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., and has been the residence of every U.S. president since John Adams in ...

in search of help from President

Herbert Hoover Herbert Clark Hoover (August 10, 1874 – October 20, 1964) was an American politician who served as the 31st president of the United States from 1929 to 1933 and a member of the Republican Party, holding office during the onset of the Gre ...

in order to have their father home for Christmas.

Cast

* Diana Scarwid as Annie Feagan * Robert Urich as Angus Feagan * Tegan Moss as Bernice Feagan * Britt Irvin as Lily Feagan *

Alexander Pollock Alexander Pollock is a Canadian realtor and former actor. He is best known for his roles as Corky in ''Big Bully'', Scotty Brody in ''Cats & Dogs'', and Richie/Elf Tight End in ''The Santa Clause 2''. Career He made his debut in 1996 as Corky ...

as Jack Feagan * Camille Mitchell as Margaret * Thomas Peacocke as President

Production

Filming took place in Vancouver, British Columbia during October and November 1996. Robert Urich had been diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in August 1996 and received treatments while filming was taking place; Ulrich had also completed a chemotherapy course just before he was approached to perform as Angus. Days after filming was completed Ulrich had surgery for the cancer.

Release

''The Angel of Pennsylvania Avenue'' premiered on The Family Channel on December 15, 1996. It was a co-production between the channel and Hallmark Entertainment.

Reception

''Radio Times'' gave it 2 stars, saying "Cheesy dialogue and general overacting don't help matters, though it still warms the heart when the trio are finally given their audience with President Hoover."

References

External links

* 1996 television films 1996 films 1990s Christmas drama films ABC Family original films American Christmas drama films Films about presidents of the United States Films directed by Robert Ellis Miller Great Depression films Christmas television films Cultural depictions of Herbert Hoover 1990s English-language films 1990s American films {{Christmas-tv-film-stub