Christmas on Division Street

I haven't seen such an emotional and warm-hearted film for a long time. This is a GOOD movie.

The Atwood family has just moved to Philadelphia, but Trevor Atwood (Fred Savage), a high school student, is not very happy about it. One day, while Trevor is searching for books in a library for his school assignment on American History, he meets a homeless old man, Cleve (Hume Cronyn). Cleve has a detailed knowledge of history and a good sense of humor. However, Trevor doesn't like Cleve at first. When Cleve tries to talk to Trevor, Trevor says "Mister, haven't people told you not to talk to strangers?" Cleve replies "If you never talk to strangers, how can you ever get to know anybody?"

Cleve helps Trevor collect information for Trevor's report and gradually they become good friends. Looking at Cleve reminds Trevor of his late grandfather. And to Cleve, being with Trevor is comfort, too.

On Christmas Eve there comes a storm, it snows so hard and there are no electricity and no heating downtown. It is difficult for people on the streets to get through the night. Trevor takes a blanket and goes out looking for Cleve, trying to help him...

Eventually Trevor makes his parents see those homeless people differently, in a more sympathetic way.

Watching this film is an enlightening experience. "Christmas on Division Street" is a story about love, friendship and compassion. The actors' performances are marvelous. I hope this movie will be aired on TV again and again so more people can have the opportunity to see this wonderful film.

This movie is not just a "tear jerker," it is an honest depiction of the homeless plight in America (right in our own home towns). People, some who are young children, are starving and dying. And, even those who are surviving become "invisible" (quote from the film). 'Paul Newmannites' continually teach me, more and more, about what real charity is (Paul Newman was a master of the acting craft--and a person, for charity, who 'put his money where his mouth is').

The most important lesson I learned from this film was Fred Savage openly and proudly declaring "He's not a bum. He's my friend!" Not surprisingly, Hume Cronyn (a great and legendary actor), gives a magnificent portrayal of an "invisible" homeless man who gives love and gets love. The end of the film sums up the plight of those who are homeless. We must trust some strangers, or we will never get to know anybody. To do this, I am required to come out of my "comfort zone," and share with others less fortunate than myself.

I am a physically-disabled man, living on a fixed budget, but I give every spare dollar to the homeless. And, I give to Westport Country Playhouse (one of Paul Newman's many causes), so that the poor can enjoy live theater at its best (Paul Newman once said that "theater is a sacred place").

This movie should be a classic, and shown on television every year, just like "The Wizard of Oz".

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

Fred Savage stars as a 14-year-old shy boy named Trevor Atwood who befriends a homeless man named Cleveland Meriwether, played by Hume Cronyn. The film is loosely based on actual events in the life of Trevor Ferrell.

The film is is very enjoyable. The plot moves along at a nice place. Most of all the message of compassion is not lost and you are not hit over the head with it. Worth watching

An made for TV movie with wonderful performances by Hume Cronyn and Fred Savage. Trevor(Savage) moves to a new city and has trouble with the adjustment. When visiting the libary for some research work, he meets a homeless man(Cronyn)and reacts the way most act towards the homeless. But soon the memory of Trevor's grandfather surfaces and he looks at Cronyn differently. He disregards Clive's appearance and begins to appreciate the man for his knowledge. A friendship and bond soon forms. With Christmas fast approaching and a storm on the way, Trevor soon learns about the plight of the homeless and the hopelessness they face.

You know, they say Sundays are the best days to curl up on your sofa and watch a good movie..and not just any movie, a sort of feel-good film that matches a Sunday mood. So i got up this morning and did just that. So i scroll down my movie list and come across this film, a holiday piece about a adolescent who befriends a homeless man he meets in a public library. I wasn't interested at first, so i scroll down some more until i could find no other film i liked. So i go back to this one. I reluctantly select...

The movie ended 10 minutes ago and i am still in tears. I have never felt this good since i saw "It's a Wonderful Life" for the first time and i STILL cry at that one. Not only did Fred Savage and the rest of the cast give brilliant performances, but the film delivers an important life lesson: Love and companionship are two of the most greatest gifts you can give anyone...and they don't cost a thing.

I highly recommend this movie to people of all ages and parents should definitely sit down and enjoy this film with their children. I give you my personal guarantee you will love it!