Frohe Weihnachten, Mrs. Kingsley

When I was stationed in Belgium my sister-in-law recorded this excellent movie from the TV for us. Along with those stationed with us who watched this movie will agree it is one of the best Christmas movies ever produced for television. This will be a gift that will be remembered Christmas after Christmas. Enchanting as she was, Loretta Young brought the character of Mrs. Amanda Kinglsey to life. Her caring not only for her family, but those around her is a movie that will mist the eyes as she rescues a homeless street lady from dying in a county hospital to be rewarded with a private room and flowers to make her feel she was somebody. I can't believe of all the movies that have been re-released this one has not been re-released for DVD. If a vote counts there is one here in addition to my family of 30. This would be the greatest gift any distributor good give the American people to re-release this movie. If you've never seen a miracle at Christmas before, find and watch Christmas Eve. You'll find Christmas is about family and -- make you believe -- it is Christmas!!

Rich widow Loretta Young has learned she's dying and that it's only a matter of time. She wants to see her grown-up grandchildren, despite the fact that her son and them don't get along. Her son Arthur Hill is very selfish and mercenary, and is rather a cold fish when it comes to emotions. He lives and breathes money, status and more, more, and more. When Loretta wants to change her will, he's outraged. He says father wouldn't like it, but really that's just something to say. He isn't going to have it and his only recourse is to accuse her of not being of sound mind. That's a nice way to put it. By the way, another thing he doesn't like is her giving money to bums, cash, in person -not deductible. Meanwhile, she hired a p.i. to find her grandchildren, but it seems the wounds are too deep for them to consider coming home, even to see their grandmother. They are not told she is dying. This very fulfilling Christmastime TV-movie features one of Hollywood's most gracious, special, and beautiful actresses, Loretta Young; in fact I think she is even more beautiful here than in her earlier years and that's saying something. She adds much elegance to this rather predictable movie, but the performances by all actors are so genuine that we don't feel a false note or emotion from this tale. It all comes together very realistically and this has to be one of the best Christmas movies ever shown on TV. Maybe even better than The Gathering Part I. If you love Christmas movies and you love Loretta Young, you must find this right away. Unfortunately, that will be hard, since it hasn't been on TV since the late 1990s. I taped it then and that is why I have a copy now. I am hoping someday some way others will discover and enjoy this treasure!

I just saw that movie and recorded it on DVD. It is sweet and has a wonderful music by johnny mandel. I personally enjoyed Ron Leibmans appearance, since this one is close to the kaz and co serials, he did in the 70s, which are just nowhere to find. The trombone player in the soundtrack seems to be Dick Nash. He is a master of the so called "sweet style" trombone. His solos fit in here very well. It is a little far fetched, that the detective could really find the grandchildren in different countries, and it's not really well explained, how he did that.But anyway the movie is nice and it is worth seeing it.

Loretta Young shows what a Golden Age movie star can do with a juicy role. Trevor Howard, Ron Liebman and Arthur Hill provide ample support. I think I like this film so much because it focuses on what the holidays are all about -- family. Loretta Young's character wants just one thing for Christmas -- to gather all her family around her. It's not easy because the family (like many families) has grown apart due to a rift between her son and his children. Young's unshakably belief that the family will reunite for Christmas drives the movie. Young is simply radiant in the role. Liebman is marvelous as the private detective she hires to find her grandchildren. Despite the conventional nature of the plot, the end is unexpectedly poignant.

This is another Christmas tale about an elderly woman who befriends the homeless and volunteers her time with children. She learns she has an incurable illness and, therefore, hires a private investigator to locate her family around the country to reunite with her during Christmas Eve.

I caught this movie on TV a few times when I was a teenager and, though dramatic films weren't my cup of tea back then, I enjoy watching meaningful Christmas movies and this one was no exception. While the plot is slow at times, the movie captures the essence and spirit of the season, as I remember seeing the woman talking to another with an elegant Christmas tree bath in golden lights in the backdrop. And, this movie gives you an uplifting message about being together with family.

Overall, it's a good one to watch during Christmas time.

Grade B