Christmas Mountain

I could write a 1000-word diatribe detailing why this movie is so bad but I don't feel like it. just trust me this is bottom of the barrel filmmaking. Bad writing bad directing bad acting bad musical score. Horrible

Cowboys, Christmas, ghosts, human kindness, all in the early 80s: my subconscious could have concocted this just for me. It's Scrooge-esque (Slim Pickens appears a like some gentle Jacob Marley) but our lead guy aint so bad. Good-hearted cowboy sent on a mission to deliver goods by grizzly townsfolk (more like the real Scrooges) to a poor family expecting a baby. They're sheep people but he's a cowboy so never the twain should meet? Thus unfolds a message of harmony between those who are different. 'Little House On The Prairie' feeling of morals and tender emotions (somehow I got wet eyed at his church speech). Carols and folksy Christmas music abounds. Snowy scenes, mellow vibe. Can't think of a more Christmassy western than this.

For many years John Wayne's "3 Godfathers" was my favorite Christmas western. I think "Christmas Mountain: The Story of a Cowboy Angel" might have ended its decades long reign. "Christmas Mountain" is terrific. Now with Slim Pickens getting top billing is a bit of a stretch since he's only in a couple of minutes of the movie but who really cares. Pickens does a nice job while he's there. The rest of the cast is just what the doctor ordered. I don't know what to say about their performances except to say that they are perfect for this movie. The only demerit I would give "Christmas Mountain" is that the prison window looked ridiculous. A small complaint but an otherwise great movie.

Christmas Mountain (1981) is a movie I watched on Tubi. The story follows a cattleman down on his luck who is wrongfully accused of a crime and found guilty. The townspeople offer to set him free if he agrees to make a Christmas run up the local mountain to deliver donated supplies to a poor family in need. He accepts and sets out on the journey, eventually meeting a proud family who could use both help and resources.

Directed by Pierre De Moro (Hellhole), the film stars Slim Pickens (Blazing Saddles), Mark Miller (A Walk in the Clouds), Tina Menard (The Nevada), Fran Ryan (Pale Rider), and Barbara Stanger (The Streets of San Francisco).

One surprising element was the unusual "crazy foreigners" conversation, which caught me off guard. The settings and backdrops are beautiful, and I enjoyed the characters' depiction and delivery. The opening dinner scene is particularly strong, as are the dialogue and overall premise. Although the "Cowboy Angel" character didn't quite work for me, I still found the movie enjoyable.

Overall, this is far from a Christmas classic, but it's a unique holiday film. I'd rate it 6/10 and recommend it if you're looking for something a bit different.

This is actually a heart warming and well written movie. Quite enjoyable to watch. I watched it in June 90 degree weather so it would keep me cool. The portrayal of the selfish human heart by the town's people was very close to reality and can make the relatable viewer uncomfortable, but rightly so. The only negative aspect was the over emphasis on the Catholicism. I wish the Christmas theme was more theologically generic. But this was certainly a fun film to enjoy and well acted. 7.3/10.