 The characters of Ma Bailey (played by Doris Roberts), Violet Bick (played by Karen Carlson), and Sam Wainwright (played by an uncredited Jim Lovelett) are practically reduced to bit parts, in contrast to the more full-bodied performances interpreted by Beulah Bondi, Gloria Grahame, and Frank Albertson, respectively, in the 1946 film.The musical score is by Stephen Lawrence and the cinematography by Conrad Hall.The film premiered on Sunday, December 11, 1977, and was a rare instance when "The ABC Sunday Night Movie" showcased a made-for-television film rather than one that had been shown in theatres.