ROCKIN' AROUND THAT CHRISTMAS TREE

After 27 years of marriage, the pride and stubborn sense of responsibility that first attracted Denise to her husband, Edward, now stifle her efforts to rewrite her role as dependable, quiet housewife in their upper-class, African-American Atlanta home. When Edward, a self-made construction company owner, commands her to quit her dream of opening a sewing and design shop, Denise decides to shake things up by announcing her plans for divorce during Thanksgiving dinner, hoping her husband won't call her bluff. Edward enlists the entire family—including his loony, doting Uncle Eddie and Aunt Etta—to reteach him the basics of loving and honoring his wife. While Edward tempts her with chocolates, surprises her with home-cooked meals and learns the mysteries of operating a washer and dryer, Denise throws herself into resolving her newly wed daughter's own matrimonial malaise. Slowly they dance back together—partners once again, but taking all the steps on their own. (Nov.)