The Littlest Angel

Although this TV special, probably quite imaginative for 1969, now looks like an under-dressed, blue-screen relic from years past, it still has enough musical flair, talented players and soft-hearted sentiment to make it a passable holiday entertainment. Johnny Whitaker, as the shepherd boy who follows a white dove off a cliff and winds up in the Hereafter, isn't an accomplished vocalist yet is still a most efficient child-actor, carrying most of this show along with his youthful enthusiasm; Whitaker is quite adept at picking up his musical cues, and is comfortably at-home sharing the screen with heavyweights such as Fred Gwynne (sporting a thick crop of dark hair!), Tony Randall, Connie Stevens, James Coco, and E. G. Marshall. The costumes are fairly unflattering on everybody (Whitaker's shepherd's skirt is far too brief--exposing his knobby knees), and the primitive effects are an eyesore, however the songs are rather tuneful and everyone involved proves to be a good sport and pulls this off with sheer professionalism.

Like newscat, I was so taken by this film as a small child, that I asked my Dad to make me a wooden box for my treasures.

I found it to be such a moving story;the angel's giving his most treasured possessions to Jesus made a deep impression.

I don't think he knew why I wanted it, but I'm 43 and still have it.

After many years, I'm hoping to find a copy so I can see it again. and to share it with my husband who would be seeing it for the first time.

Yes, I'm sure the production values aren't up to today's standards and that it may look really cheesy. But I'm looking forward to seeing it to relive happy childhood memories.

I saw this show in 1969 as a wide eyed little girl anxiously awaiting Christmas. I loved it then and never forgot it as I grew up. Last year I discovered it was available and spared no time or expense in ordering it. What a disappointment! It was painful to watch how cheesy it really is and how little money Hallmark spent on the production. I guess at the age of 8 you are watching through a different set of eyes. I am so sad. I wish I had never ordered it so that my memories of it would still be fond ones. Please, if you enjoyed this show as a child do not watch it now as a grown up. I guess it's true - you can't go back.

aloha

This show really sent shivers up and down my spine. I remember seeing this as a child, and it just left such an impression on me. The part when he went fell off the cliff and went to heaven was just wonderful. When he went to return to his house to get a gift for God, played by E.G.Marshall, and his mom was crying and couldn't see him right there was just sad. The end of the show where his gift was the most special gift of all will always stay with me. It also taught me the value of a gift when it comes from the heart. I really want to see it again. I know its on video tape somewhere.

Its a Christmas treat! I hope people will show this show their kids. I think it should go down as a holiday classic.

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM HONEST

This 1969 Hallmark Hall of Fame as an adaption of the beloved children's story. This stars Johnny Whitaker who was best known at the time for playing Jody in the television show "Family Affair". This was most likely shot when "Family Affair" was on hiatus.

In this film an 8 year boy finds out he is now an angel and he isn't too happy about it. He wants to go back home. He misses his mom and dad. He also misses being a shepherd and his little box of treasures he kept under his bed.

This adaption suffers because most of the musical numbers drag it down. The songs are not memorable. There is a minor highlight. We get to see the legendary Cab Calloway leading a heavenly choir.

This film however would have been much better had they just stuck to the story and not turned into a musical. If they wanted a musical then they should of cast a better singer in the lead role. I like JW but his singing is terrible in this film.

Johnny Whitaker however would go in to co-star with Jodie Foster in 2 films. "Napoleon and Samantha" & "Tom Sawyer" which also happens to be a musical and perhaps the film adaption of the classic American Novel.

If you look past the bad songs in this then you will enjoy this. It is however fun to watch to see all the familiar faces in this cast. This is family safe but, most people might get bored watch. Running 79 minutes the film seems to run much longer.