The Christmas Box

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

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 is a handsomely produced tear-jerker, nicely played by MAUREEN O'HARA, RICHARD THOMAS and ANNETTE O'TOOLE and obviously aimed toward the Christmas market with a sweet tale about a mysterious Christmas BOX residing in the attic of an old lady's mansion.

Maureen O'Hara is still a pleasure to look at and listen to in the role of a rather crotchety, firm-minded elderly lady who is in need of household help and accepts Thomas and O'Toole, along with their young daughter, when they apply for the job. Thomas needs the extra money to run a ski shop but is not exactly fond of O'Hara and her ways. It's his daughter, Jenna, who eventually does establish a bond with the woman and more revelations soon come about with respect to the mysterious Christmas box in the attic and O'Hara's past.

It's strictly sentimental stuff, so be advised that the pace is on the slow side as the character revelations are gradually made clear. But if you like warm-hearted tales of Christmas (or any of the holidays for that matter), you can't go wrong with this one.

Summing up: Handsomely produced with fine performances, well worth viewing.

Richard (Richard Thomas) and Keri (Annette O'Toole) have moved to a new city near ski country. They sold their house in order to get Richard's ski shop off the ground, instead living in a cramped apartment with their daughter, Jenna. Keri sees an ad for a couple needed to take care of an older lady in her home. The home turns out to be a mansion and the lady chooses Richard's family to be her caretakers. Keri is ecstatic, as they are given a complete wing of the large home for their quarters and her duties are not very taxing. But, the lady of the house is sad and lonely and harbors many secrets. Also, there is a mysterious music box in the attic that plays music on its own, at times. Richard begins to have strange dreams as well. What is going on here? This is a lovely story about love, family, and friendship. Thomas, O'Toole, and Maureen O'Hara are excellent as the key players, who learn valuable lessons in giving and receiving love. The script is humorous and heart warming, although far-fetched at times. If you would like a new tradition in film at holiday times, this movie is a great choice. It upholds the values everyone should hold dear.

The Christmas Box, is my favorite holiday movie. I have enjoyed The Christmas Box each year (since i first saw it) and believe it's a one of the those holiday movies you have to see each holiday season. Has a great cast with Maureen O'Hara and Richard Thomas leading the way. I highly recommend this movie, the best Hallmark movie i have ever seen. Don't miss it!