#116 THE COLLAPSE               (Original air date: 02/11/97)
 

Story by:	Jim Johnston and E.F. Wallengren & William Schwartz
Teleplay by:	William Schwartz & E.F. Wallengren
Directed by:	Jim Johnston
Produced by:	Martha Williamson, Jon Andersen & R.J. Visciglia, Jr.

Guest Cast:

Tony Markovich	James Handy
Sam Markovich	Marisa Ryan
Painter	Bill Osborn
Navarre	Curley Green
Harrison	Jeremy Hoop
Alan Collier	Jonathan Emerson
Leo C. Greene	R. Lee Ermy

In spite of Hattie's protest, Russell picks up day labor working in a mine. Concerned for her son's safety, Hattie makes it perfectly clear that she doesn't approve. Fighting to stay on top of their orders and meet deadlines and low on manpower, taxed to the limit, it's a crisis waiting to happen. A support beam gives way, causing the mine to collapse, trapping twelve miners, including Russell. Her worst fears confirmed, Hattie is beside herself with worry–as are the rest of the family. Meanwhile, Russell struggles to keep the crew in the right frame of mind to weather the crisis. (Harrison, young scared; Markovich, trapped under one of the beams as water level rises). While in the mine, fighting for survival Russell is visited by his deceased father. Somewhere between dream and reality, Russell has a chance to clear away some unfinished business between he and his father. Finally, the rescue teams break through to the other side. The men (and woman) emerge weary survivors singing the inspirational song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."

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