bobvonb

Sunday afternoon and we were looking for something to watch. I wasn't sure what this was about and when it started I thought 'Oh, no, a sappy chick movie.' Was I wrong! Visually stunning, musically delicious (and I don't care for jazz), a real treat. I loved it! As a Southern Californian there were scenes I know from real life. We'll have to make another trip to the Griffith Observatory now. And finally, maybe it was a 'chick' movie after all, a 'chick on a stick'!

Rant: when I read reviews I don't need a plot summary except as the plot point is necessary to the review itself. But...

I find it interesting to see early Columbo episodes when the character has not fully developed. This episode was well made and produced. Some of the outdoor scenes were just beautiful, more so than many other episodes that are sometimes more like stage plays. Ray Miland was excellent because he didn't come across as the 'star' and was understated even though he played a 'powerful' character. All of the actors were believable so kudos to director and the actors and the cinematographer too.

A good watch for sure and the story moved along.

I'm a bit surprised at the low rating compared to other Hallmark movies. What I liked was the variation in plot (as opposed to city person without Christmas spirit is changed by country person... sometimes magically is seems), the better chemistry between the leads, and better production values. I'll forgive the smart but goofy wife. I might note that this happens at Christmas but Christmas is not the main point, the problems of life could have happened at any time. On the down side, as others have pointed out the legal ethics portrayed stretched the boundaries some. I could imaging a tough boss but the outright meanness and lack of ethics was difficult to believe. Still, the refreshing match of the leads trumped all and hence the good rating.