norise

Possibly people who were not here at the beginning of the Cold War have difficulty appreciating this film. The film deserves at least an 8 for its skillful grappling with the issues which were to consume us for over forty years. The direction and script are tightly spun and intelligent; two characteristics which many later Cold War film lack. The Russian general is perhaps more caricatured than real, but this flaw is more than compensated for with sterling performances by Ethyl Barrymore and Walter Pigeon. It's also a great Christmas movie with the beautiful subplot of the little girl working the black market to survive. I wish the script were a little less rough on Angela Lansberry's character, but she somehow was able to pull it off. A good show. Recommended to be seen with "The Third Man"

Please, please, somebody get this superb movie on North American DVD or VHS. We need this film at Christmas time and always. Straight from the heart to the heart. To add even greater meaning to this fabulous treat, do some research about the symbolism of the holly and the ivy and consider the lyrics and tune of the Christmas carol. Personally, I've always thought of the two wonderful aunts as representing the holly and ivy of Christmas lore, probably with the priest's sister being the holly and his sister-in-law the ivy. Of course, they represent much more than the masculine and feminine principles: poorness vs richness, bitterness vs gratitude, disappointment vs hope, negative vs positive, pessimism vs optimism. All of these oppositions are worked out beautifully by the perfectly cast and capable actresses playing the aunts. A masterpiece!

Really love this movie. David Niven just sparkles and has some of the best lines of his illustrious career, especially the ending one. Supporting cast is superlative too. Everyone really seemed to enjoy making the movie. In addition the perfect song to set the mood. Please, someone put it one DVD or VHS.