TV movie adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic 1961 novel of the same name, directed by Waris Hussein. Ethan Allen Hawkley (Donald Sutherland) used to be part of Long Island's aristocratic class, but lost his money and now works as a grocery clerk. He tries to be honorable, but his ambitious wife Mary (Teri Garr), his children, and friends encourage him to move up in the world by any means necessary. Ethan sets aside his scruples and betrays a friend in order to gain ownership of the store where he works. From there, he descends into corruption. Tuesday Weld plays Mary's friend Margie, who tries to seduce Ethan into an affair. Weld was nominated for an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Special for her role in the film.
