Christmas Oranges

This is the story of Rose, a young orphan who narrates some of the story. It takes place in the early years of the 20th century, when state-run orphanages were often little more than holding tanks for unwanted children.

Rose was one of the lucky ones. She lived at Greenwoods, where the kindly Mrs. Hartley (Nancy Stafford), treated all the girls as if they were her children. But then came the epidemic of 1918, and the death of Mrs. Hartley. The girls were scattered among local homes and some, like Rose, were taken in by other orphanages.

Her new home was called Irongates and was run by the stern Mr. Crampton (Edward Herrmann). There she finds both friends and enemies. She has difficulty adapting to the strict rules of Irongates. But Rose never loses her inner spirit.

The story finds comparison with "Annie" or "Heidi". Its main flaw is the dialogue of some children, which often feels unauthentic, too adult to be realistic. But Rose is an interesting character to watch.

I doubt that most viewers will know anyone other than Edward Herrmann and Nancy Stafford from Christmas Roses. Still it's a wonderful family film produced it looks like under Mormon auspices.

The two are the heads of a pair of orphanages the girl who grows up to be Bailee Michelle Johnson is placed. They couldn't be more opposite in their approach. Stafford kind of reminds me of Greer Garson when she played Edna Gladney in Blossoms In The Dust. The baby named Rose is just left on the door of her orphanage and she's just taken no questions asked. In fact Stafford because she came as an infant just regards her as her own.

But in what looks like an influenza epidemic many of the kids died and so does Stafford. The survivors are either adopted or scattered to other orphanages. And Johnson comes under the care of Edward Herrmann, a most strict man who is all about the rules.

Johnson who took her life lessons from Stafford turns out to be tougher than you would think. She not only takes a lot of buffeting, but she also softens a few hearts as well.

I agree with the other reviewer in that Christmas Oranges even under religious auspices never gets preachy. It's a nice family film and should be seen.

Little Women era (I think?) orphanage kids hopping around and settling in a militant style orphanage during Christmas time is the plot.

This was an odd movie to rate as there was lots of juxtaposition between great and cringey acting as well as driving plot points next to ones that didn't make much sense. I initially thought it was a Hallmark movie for some reason, but Hallmark doesn't allow their stories to get that dark. Hallmark movies don't make me want to go Lecter on certain characters behaving badly.

Edward Herrmann and Nancy Stafford deliver excellent performances as usual. The main child is also top notch. A few other decent actors mixed with a slew of average or worse ones. Kinda like playing fantasy sports and getting a couple of the best players then you are already out of points so dole it out amongst the scrubs.

Overall, it's a beautiful film and shows how being surrounded by love makes you able to combat and even convert the hate of others, while those spending too much time in the hate begin spreading it themselves. The overall message trumps the problems with the film.

Oh, and when you are poor and the scurvy is setting in, an orange for Christmas is the best gift ever.

I am not sure who did Rose's singing in the movie. If it was Bailee Michelle Johnson's real voice,she deserved to be recognized for her beautiful singing in the closing credits. If someone else's singing voice was dubbed in,then that person deserved recognition during the closing credits. The singing was spectacular,especially "All Through The Night" and "Silent Night". If that was Bailee's real singing voice,that voice alone should have made her a bigger star,but when you add in her very photogenic looks,incredible acting talent,and very expressive eyes,she has all the makings of a potential big-name star.

I just watched Christmas Oranges for the first time today! What an absolutely wonderful movie. It is now on my list of must watch films at Christmas! Another great Nancy Stafford film! Edward Herrmann was wonderful as usual.All the acting was great. I recommend this movie for all ages. Great movie of forgiveness that shows that it's never too late to change and that a kind word goes far!

Please get this film and share it with family and friends. Would also make a good movie to have at church for movie night! A great family film! Kudos all around! Don't wait a minute more....go out and get this movie and share!