Christmas Eve

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

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.

Christmas movies are meant to be soft-hearted and this one certainly fits the bill but more important, it leaves you feeling uplifted. An elegant, philanthropic widow Amanda Kingsley (Loretta Young), who befriends the homeless and hands out cash, is pitted against her business tycoon son Andrew Kingsley (Arthur Hill), who wants to demolish a tenement and displace the residents to make way for a development.

Trevor Howard is Maitland, the dutiful butler, chauffeur and companion to Mrs. Kingsley. Ron Leibman is the private investigator Morris Huffner, who locates missing members of the family Mrs. Kingsley attempts to bring together for a Christmas reconciliation. The initial conflict is over the inheritance and putting money towards a shelter for the homeless in her neighbourhood. For her own family, her deepest wish is to heal the relationship between her son Andrew and his children.

Loretta Young is the epitome of mature elegance and gentility. Trevor Howard fits the bill as the rock solid butler she has come to lean on. Ron Liebman, as the private eye, is sceptical about Mrs. Kingsley's efforts but stays the course until the tearful finale. Very sentimental for sure but one of my favourite Christmas movies.

This is one of the best Christmas Movies ever and I am saddened but it hasn't been aired at least in my area of the country for some years. Very heartwarming and thought provoking. Does anyone know where I can get a copy? Stan