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O'Donnell showcases her talent in CBS' new Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "Riding the Bus With My Sister." As with most of these Hall of Fame movies, "Riding the Bus" offers a sensitive portrait of people discovering the true meaning of life and love.

Inspired by a true story, "Riding the Bus" describes the life of Beth Simon, a mentally challenged woman who lives on her own. Despite her limited abilities, Beth has a tremendous impact on the lives of those around her.

She spends her days riding the bus, actually all the buses that traverse throughout her city. The bus becomes her conduit to life and family. She knows every bus driver and most of the passengers. They replace her real family, who are mostly embarrassed by Beth's loud nature.

"I'm not stupid," says Beth. "I'm just different."

Beth says what is on her mind all the time. She is brutally honest, not knowing the social grace of telling little white lies. She loves lots of color and comfortable T-shirts. Her passion for riding the bus may be surpassed only by her love of doughnuts and soft drinks. Beth loves life and greets each day with a smile.

O'Donnell's own penchant for loudness and honesty make her perfect for the role. She captures the essence of Beth without making her a caricature. O'Donnell sports Beth's mismatched shoes, jersey shorts and oversized T-shirts with an innate naturalness. She maintains Beth's quirks -- such as swinging her feet, playing with her hair and grimacing in certain situations -- throughout the movie. O'Donnell becomes Beth, which adds a charm and realism to the movie.

Following her father's death, Beth rediscovers the joys of having a sister. Rachel, portrayed by Andie MacDowell, is Beth's polar opposite. Rachel is a successful photographer used to temperamental models on exotic locations. Rachel's life is sterile. She lives in a neat loft apartment with an equally perfect boyfriend. Her wardrobe consists of black clothing and gold jewelry. There is never a hair or a pillow out of place in Rachel's life. She soon learns that perfection can be suffocating.

After their father's death, there is no one left to care for Beth. Rachel finds herself pushed into staying with Beth for three months to ensure that Beth can handle the changes in her life.

"It's just you and me now, Rachel," says Beth. "That's just the way it is."

Beth seems to handle change far better than the uptight Rachel. Rachel has always felt pressure to be the responsible one. She begins remembering her childhood, when her mother would always yell at her to take care of Beth.

"I'm trapped," says Rachel. "Beth is just a dead weight."

Rachel may feel more sophisticated, but she has a lot to learn from Beth who teaches Rachel to let go of her expectations and arrogance. Rachel soon realizes that riding a bus is not demeaning, not when the people are like family. She also realizes that Beth's simplicity has more value than most people realize.

"Beth may not have as much to offer as other people, but she gives you all she's got," says Rick, one of Beth's favorite bus drivers, tells Rachel.

Academy Award winner Angelica Huston directs the movie, which is based on the autobiographical book by Rachel Simon, "Riding the Bus With My Sister: A True Life Journey."

"Riding the Bus" continues Hallmark's tradition of heartwarming storytelling. It is a reminder that love should come without expectations and the simple things in life are inspiring.

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