It appears that the white dog that Hume Cronyn claims has appeared after the death of his wife Jessica Tandy is non-existent, but even though his family can't see it doesn't mean that it isn't there. The film opens on the celebration of Cronyn and Tandy's 50th wedding anniversary, and they are a couple that everybody in their Louisiana community truly respects.

It's seven years after that where Cronyn finds his wife on the floor, and the family (two daughters, two sons) stick close by in case he needs them. There's also Esther Rolle as the long time cook who was Tandy's best friend, now too old to be working full time, but refusing to retire. She's the one who knows the truth about the mysterious white dog.

At first when the dog appears, Cronyn wants no part of it, but when they force him to get a walker, the dog jumps on it, creating a little dance between the two. This gorgeous dog at times turns into the spirit of Tandy who continues to appear throughout the film in flashbacks. Cronyn may be a stubborn widower, but he's still loving with his family which also includes a grandson who helps him with his pecan trees.

Then there's the grown children, worried but not interfering extremely in Cronyn's life and allowing him his freedom. This is a good family. Christine Baranski is quite different than her usual uppity characters, and it's a nice change of pace for her. But the film belongs to Cronyn (who won an Emmy), Tandy and the loveable Rolle who is welcomed into the family picture in the opening scene and wouldn't have it any other way. A sweet and charming movie that only a real curmudgeon wouldn't like.