Der Klang der Schlittenglöckchen

What otherwise might have been a decent but routine plan-an-event type of ROM-COM, warranting a "6" review score, becomes elevated to a "7" because of the lead characters' interplay around their respective, and partially shared, backstories. Tracy and Hepburn its not, but this adds spice to the story. Then the movie rises to become a very memorable "8" by the addition of the most charming Santa look-alike since Edmund Gwenn's portrayal in 1947's "Miracle on 34th Street". The Sleigh, itself, gets an honorable mention in a supporting role. I agree with several other User Reviewers who recommended hanging in there through a slow start and some awkward dialogue early on. I think you'll be glad you did.

I've thought about this film a number of times since I first saw it years ago, and it grows on you with time. That qualifies it to be included as a "Hidden Gem" on my IMDB "Christmas Movie Favorites" list.

I watched "Christmas in the Smokies" the day before and realized that this movie has a similar story. A guy leaves town and a young love for fame and fortune then returns many years later. The story did not quite work in either movie. The two leads here were nice to watch. The guy reminds me of a young Gregory Peck. This was a pleasant movie but not a memorable one. The movie lagged in spots and I even dozed somewhere in the middle for a few scenes. I rate this one about the same as Matchmaker Santa in which the Santa Claus used that same finger on the nose for a magic thing- which I also saw at the end of this movie. Many scenes shot in an antique shop and a town office building were not inspiring. Why put anything about friend's husband restoring a car? Would not watch again.

Although we've liked the leads in other movies ... David Alpay in The Mistletoe Inn and Erin Cahill in A Timeless Christmas (among others) ... I found this movie falling a little flat.

David Alpay's performance here is exactly the same as in The Mistletoe Inn, which is sort of an issue with "Hallmark casts". They just don't get a lot of character definition out of many of their actors and actresses).

This is another of the disgruntled former lovers coming back together stories, this time assisted by Santa's magic sleigh that keeps moving around to put them in the same place.

These stories work best when they give the viewer a compelling reason to root for the romance. This story doesn't. We've just supposed to root for the romance, because that's the two people presented, not because the story makes it clear they're a real match to overcome the antithetical romance elements, which last a remarkably short time. One blah apology seems to heal the separation wound.

There is some slopping editing. While painting the sleigh, David has painted a small area, then the area widens, then it's back to the small area again, with some paint having disappeared. Plus, the paint seems to dry just a little too fast. If you've painted, you know how long it stays tacky, especially in cool weather. The two stop painting and lean on the sleigh. Nope.

Today marks our third viewing, and I think because I failed to remind us, by reviewing the movie before, just how drab and unconvincing it really is. Writers should not merely assume the viewer shares their goal, they should sell the story and the relationship, and that simply doesn't happen here.

First review I guess! This movie was beautiful! I think that these Christmas movies have to deliver a lot of things, plot, good characters, but specially that feeling like when we used to open the presents on Christmas morning. That feeling of magic and happiness. And this movie accomplished it!

The characters were great, the child, fortunately, wasn't annoying. And even though there were a few things that I was like "Really?" I actually enjoyed this movie. This won't go into my favorite Hallmark movies list, but it is definitely worth the watch, while having a hot cocoa in hand and snuggling in the couch.

One of the more enjoyable Christmas films from the Hallmark pantheon. This premise is based on current single mom reunites with former flame in hometown. They must plan and execute holiday festivities for the town including a parade with a SLEIGH. Don't you know one of their more memorable dates was on a sleigh ride! The sleigh disappears and reappears frequently and Santa look-a-like Mr. Winter comes to the rescue more than once. Cute premise, good acting, enjoyable holiday flick!