The Littlest Angel

I recall seeing most of this "Hallmark Hall of Fame" musical special on NBC, probably when it first aired in December 1969. Seeing it again almost 30 years later, I found this shot-on-tape production every bit as dreary and depressing as I'd remembered it. "The Littlest Angel" is the heartwarming story of a shepherd boy named Michael who dies on his eighth birthday, and ends up in Heaven. (To make matters worse, the white dove that lures Michael to his death turns out to have been sent by God Himself.) Michael, less than enthusiastic about being in Heaven, just wants to go home - and who can blame him? If you have any small kids who weren't sufficiently traumatized by the demise of Bambi's mother, they're bound to get a kick out of the scene in which Michael is allowed to return to Earth briefly to retrieve his treasure box; he can see his parents, but his parents, who don't even know yet that their son is dead, can't see him.

In this special, Heaven is a place where people wearing white gowns and metallic halos are badly chroma-keyed against vaguely psychedelic backgrounds. There's very little plot, and a bunch of pretty forgettable songs which run the gamut from pious to perky. The video effects are hopelessly crude (even, I think, by 1969 standards). Johnny Whitaker, who was still co-starring in "Family Affair" on CBS at the time, is one of the few genuinely delightful things about this production. Fred Gwynne, a few years after shaking off Herman Munster, does what he can as guardian angel Patience. You may be surprised at how well he sings (as he did in the much later "Ironweed"). Connie Stevens appears for one number as a "flying mistress"; Cab Calloway leads a heavenly choir; E.G. Marshall plays God.

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.

This production still stays with me after all these decades.Around that time television never openly addressed death.The censors would tell the characters of a show that the person who died simply WENT AWAY to visit a sister.Great cast and they all sang on key but the songs slowed down the continuity or flow to the performance.Sad ending seeing bewildered grief stricken parents, and of course that hug from the littlest Angel makes your eyes misty; no water.Nice to see Fred Gwuinn, Tony Randall and James Coco. Connie Stevens was a perfect angel herself trying to teach the new arrival how to fly.Special effects at that time could easily use improvement.A period piece for sure.

This film brings back a lot of great Christmas memories. Yes, the special effects are dated and the costumes a bit cheesy (it's from the 60's, for Pete's sake, give it a rest!). However, the music is actually good and is still worth listening to (anyone who thinks the music is sappy, perky, etc. probably didn't particularly like any of it in the first place).

I also think it would be great if this particular film could be redone with better special effects/costumes/etc. However, I wouldn't change the music (arrangements) as it really fits the overall mood and message.

I have to admit that looking at it again in later years (I've had a copy of the VHS tape for a long time) there are a few elements about the film that were rather morbid (like the child visiting his parents after his death to get his box and they had no idea that he had actually died).

I suppose everyone has their own take on the film. For me, the overall message and appeal is still there and has made it a Christmas staple for me; it's one of the elements that gets me "in the Christmas spirit". Time seems to go backward and, for a little while, I can remember what it was like to be a child.

For me, "The Littlest Angel" will always be a classic.

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.