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Along with "All Mine to Give", this is the other film my wife and view each Christmas Eve, and although I disagree in a small way with some of the commentators who precede me, if you can catch this one at Christmas time, watch and tape it--This is a film you should suspend your disbelief, and immerse your self in the story--There are few examples of great acting, except, I hasten to add, that of Maureen Stapleton--Her character has the goodness of "Miss Mellie" in GWTW, but has an era appropriate anger--The writing is equal to the acting, so maybe the actors are doing the best they can with the material given, and if viewing critically, one might think a few more rewrites wouldn't be amiss--But as I stated above, don't view it critically-(after 10+ viewings, some critique does creep in)--This notwithstanding, when viewed as a whole, especially with John Barry's evocative score throughout(I have been unable to track down a copy of the soundtrack},it's a moving tribute to the type of family Christmas some may have had, and all wish they had, but nevertheless evoke nostalgia for Christmas past--The impending death leitmotif, although essential, is not a "downing" factor--One is left with a pleasant melancholy, and an appreciation for one's family, however they define it--Merry Christmas, Everyone--

My wife and I have made it a tradition for the last ten years to watch "All Mine to Give" each Christmas Eve--Although the film has it's flaws, (Hell, let's be honest, it's not far from dreck},but if you suspend your disbelief as we must for any movie (eg. DiCaprio as Howard Hughes), your left with a bitter-sweet story perfectly suited for Christmas Eve--This film should not be viewed by a critical eye, but rather immerse your self in the story--It is then a tear-jerker that re-affirms one's connection to all humanity and the sadness therein--In an era where we doubt the truth of those who say they alone tell the truth regarding the the state of the human state, to reconnect to the emotional regard we all once had to one another at one time or another is refreshing--(In the same tradition, we also watch "The Gathering"}--Almost dreck, does have it's place--