kenkuhl

I love this story! It is so simple but strikingly true at the same time. With all the classic holiday movie elements such as estrangement of family, pride, humility, sadness, joy and love in every form. I believe the actors are real and the life of a hobo, the "traveling homeless", is something that my children were unaware of. The scenery of Salt Lake City in winter is beautiful and feels as cold on the screen as I'm sure it is. This was a TV movie and thus the levels of excellence that some people expect from every film is unrealistic. My test of good Holiday fare is does it make you feel good or inspired after you've watched it? This cute little movie does both for me!

My family watches this film every Holiday Season without fail. I think the "catch" for our children is the bickering Walton children. The scene in the barn when they are cracking walnuts and talking about not growing up or the youngest saying she is not going to have babies but "puppies" when she grows up is precious. The oldest Mary Ellen calling one of the others a "piss ant" is one of our favorite scenes. The only scene that has always caused us some concern is the Missionary Lady's gift that is broken and the way the children leave it lying on the road. The story is so deep, at so many levels and introduces all the Walton Mountain characters so well, it is not surprising the TV show had such a long run...