The Last Leaf

This excellent short film is my favorite adaptation of O. Henry's short story. Art Carney does a great job, although his character is French in this version, as opposed to the German character in the book. (Maybe he was better at French accents?) Anyway, it is fun to see a great actress like Hermoine Baddeley in a small, but significant role. I had to take a double-take, since this is probably what you call an independent film, by early 80's standards, and she had been in a lot of big productions for many years. (It was made for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by their media arm, Bonneville Media.) Also, it is interesting to see then-unknowns Sydney Penny & Jane Kaczmarek in the lead roles. However, as good as Sydney was in this film, I still liked her best in Pale Rider.

Unfortunately, it is doubtful it will be on DVD anytime soon. It shares that unfortunate fate with another great LDS-produced film from that same time period. Mr. Krueger's Christmas also had a "brand-name" star, namely Jimmy Stewart. Sadly, neither are widely available, even in VHS format.

The other day, my family pulled out one of those boxes of conversation starter cards. One card asked us...what movie had the most emotional impact on you? So many wonderful movies we have loved, but narrowing it down to one with an emotional impact was a challenge. Being in my 60s, I remember watching this movie as a child and I still remember the power of this movie- the selfless act of a friend, and the power of how believing can change one's path in life. I don't recall it being a religious movie, but more the a power of belief in making a change of your own destiny.

I am pleased to report that "The Last Leaf" with Art Carney can be purchased at any LDS Distribution Center (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in DVD at $4.50 without any tax charge. You can also purchase "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" in DVD with James Stewart at the LDS Distribution Center and I believe it is at the same price. It is in stock as I purchased "The Last Leaf" on January 29, 2009 and they were several copies of both at that time. Why do you have to have at least ten lines? What more can I say? I am an author myself and published "I'll Die Before You're Born" It is a time travel love story and historical book. You can check it out on my website at Koalaroopub.com It is hard bound with dust cover jacket for $19.95. It is without smut and I am writing the screenplay of it now. I published 3000 books and have sold over 600 books. It won't be in bookstores until the second printing. It is published by Koalaroo Publications in Salt Lake City. Call them at 801-910-0714 or write to them at 3359 South Main Street #284 Salt Lake City, Utah 84115. All of them are signed and numbered by me. They are sent to you postage free anywhere in the USA.