Der Ruf des Engels

This is a made-for-TV Christmas movie starring Hollywood legend Maureen O'Hara as Mary Parkin, a widow who is being cared for by ski-shop owner Richard Evans (Richard Thomas) and his wife, Keri (Annette O'Toole). They moved into Mary's estate after Richard struggles to balance his family and career life.

As with many families, there is a husband or wife who seem to put work over family. This movie beautifully depicts Mary giving the career-oriented Richard several lectures in having a healthy family life and has him guessing what the greatest gift one could have is - as it is revealed by the end of the film.

There are quite a few sappy moments, but the characters were well-acted for the most part and the plot was quite solid, giving us a pretty captivating film with many heartfelt dramatic moments. In addition to the drama, there is also a touch of fantasy elements that give the film a bit of suspense and intrigue.

Overall, a good one to watch during Christmas time.

Grade B

I didn't plan to see this. Instead I just sat down while my wife was watching it and ended up seeing it all the way through. It was difficult not to get emotionally involved, mostly because of the acting of Maureen O'Hara. Yes, some of the plot mechanisms are clichés. Yes, the overall message of knowing what to truly value most has been done many times by Hollywood. But the understated performances from O'Hara and Richard Thomas along with a good story really make this movie well worth watching. I ended up being so affected that it drove me to write this review in the hope that it might influence someone else to see it. And perhaps enjoy it as much as I did. Merry Christmas everyone...

I recently watched The Christmas Box and loved it! Maureen O'Hara gave a great performance, the story truly had me interested, and the overall mystery of the movie kept me guessing.

Maureen O'Hara, now in her older years, gave a great performance as a stern, sensible woman. She plays her character so convincing that I now have a hard time watching Miracle on 34th Street the same way! The story is not like a Hallmark movie where something goes wrong, someone fixes it, and everybody lives happily ever after. This movie keeps you on your toes and will eventually teach you something that you can carry with you for the rest of your life.

The Christmas Box is most often referred to as a Christmas story, but I think that it is more than that. It has a bit of mystery mixed in, and just when you think you have the "question answered", the story takes a little twist.

This is a family fun movie with a great theme. Although younger children will more than likely not understand it, it is a fine way to spend quality time with your older kids.

Mrs.O'Hara has truly aged gracefully, I saw her on Larry King Live when she turned 80 and she quoted " I don't feel like it". Her looks haven't faded a bit , she is just older, and something that really shocked me was her voice, her vocals are still as strong and compelling from her films of the golden age. This film caught my attention when I saw it on the HALLMARK channel 12/13/06, once I saw the cast credit I had stay and watch and Im very glad I did. The film almost made me cry it. She as very strict and to admit quite dynamic portrayal of a sad,wealthy and compassionate widow. This for me has been one of the best Christams films I've ever seen. Im looking forward to seeing MRS.MAUREEN in future upcoming films, because she STILL GOT IT !!!!!!!!

This movie was very enjoyable. It was a sweet story with great actors & a very good script. Richard Thomas & Maureen O'Hara always do a wonderful job, as did Annette O'Toole. The script & dialog were not predictable or boring & the ending was not disappointing & had an excellent message. It is a story of love and lesson, without being overdone or boring. At times, it was very funny, also. One of our favorite holiday movies is "One Special Night" with Julie Andrews & James Garner. We will add this movie to our list, as well. We would recommend seeing this movie for a wonderful, heartwarming Christmas story.