Christmas for a Dollar

Watchable Christmas movie. These movies are supposed to be uplifting. But nothing seems to go right for these kids in a family struggling without their mother in the depression. So it's more serious than the usual Hallmark movie.

There is an injured horse and a missing dog and a bunch of bullies and an outspoken cute girl and a older nurse wannabe and a budding romance and a mean old horse owning woman. It's okay if you want a change from Hallmark fluff.

The acting wasn't that great and the homes as everyone else keeps mentioning are well kept for poor people during the depression. The home that the Kamps lived in was very nice and large for a poor family with 5 kids. However, the story line was the true meaning of Christmas. I am one that doesn't look for perfection in movies. I look at the meaning. I am very sappy.

My son is a literary agent and every since he went to Film School, I have learned more about what goes into rating films than I ever wanted to know. He would have not liked the poor quality or the acting of the film. I liked the film because of the substance. I look at all the Christmas movies on Hallmark and UP every year (over and over) and all the others I can catch on other channels and I like them because I am a sappy person. I gave it an 8 because of it's substance. Had the quality been better it would have rated a 10. That is just my sappy take on it.

This movie will probably never get two thumbs up or great reviews from critics. It has no big name stars, no eye dazzling special effects, no twisted, convoluted plot and no violence or nudity, What it does have is a story of a family that works together under bad circumstances to have a Christmas of love and caring for each other. Yes the plot is a little predictable and much can be guessed ahead of time but don't let that stop you from enjoying this unsung gem. If you want to sit the family down for a couple of hours of popcorn and hot chocolate with everyone from 4 to 94 having a good time without being insulted by foul language or risqué scenes then by all means watch Christmas For A Dollar. it will be worth the time you take and will boost your holiday spirit!

During the Great Depression, the Kamp family struggles to get by after Mrs. Kamp passes away. The children expect another Christmas without presents until their father brings home one dollar for them to spend on gifts.

The film is very enjoyable. It is one of those films you don't want to end. It reminds me on "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Waltons". If you like family safe films then please watch this film. Its so well made.

The film was made for "UP" cable channel. If you don't get that channel then buy it on DVD. After you are done loan it to friends.

I had the pleasure of watching this tonight for the first time. I decided I wanted to review it and as I came to the page, I read one from someone who said the cast was awful. OMG, the first thought that came to mind was just how amazing the entire cast was. You might find a movie here and there with a great young child actor; maybe one with even two; but this movie had at least 5; probably 8-10 when you think about all of the children in the movie. The grownups were great too. Some have criticized the direction but hey, this was a movie that takes place during the depression. I thought they did a wonderful job bringing that time period to life. I found the movie looking for films with Danielle C. Ryan (Danielle Chuchran) who may be one of the most beautiful young actresses I have ever seen. She is also very talented and always brings her characters to life. I would and will highly recommend this movie.