Christmas Eve

When I was stationed in Belgium my sister-in-law recorded this excellent movie from the TV for us. Along with those stationed with us who watched this movie will agree it is one of the best Christmas movies ever produced for television. This will be a gift that will be remembered Christmas after Christmas. Enchanting as she was, Loretta Young brought the character of Mrs. Amanda Kinglsey to life. Her caring not only for her family, but those around her is a movie that will mist the eyes as she rescues a homeless street lady from dying in a county hospital to be rewarded with a private room and flowers to make her feel she was somebody. I can't believe of all the movies that have been re-released this one has not been re-released for DVD. If a vote counts there is one here in addition to my family of 30. This would be the greatest gift any distributor good give the American people to re-release this movie. If you've never seen a miracle at Christmas before, find and watch Christmas Eve. You'll find Christmas is about family and -- make you believe -- it is Christmas!!

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

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.

A heart warming story line that most can relate to. Loretta Young brings her strength, intelligence and charm to this role. My regret is that I can't find this film on VHS to add to my collection. I would love to be able to enjoy it over and over and over again.

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.