The Christmas Box

"The Christmas Box" is the first story by best-selling author Richard Paul Evans to be made into a movie. The story of the book is interesting in itself. Evans wrote the story for his children and self-published it in 1993. When it became popular in his home state of Utah, a major publisher put the book out. It's the first book ever to reach The New York Times No. 1 spot in both the hardback and the paperback editions.

The TV movie was made the same year the story was published for mass distribution. The story differs considerably from the usual type of Christmas time films. It's a combination drama and fantasy. The box has very little to do with the story, but it's different enough to raise one's curiosity. The movie has a good cast with Maureen O'Hara, Richard Thomas and Annette O'Toole. O'Hara was 75 at the time and appeared in only two more TV movies before she retired at age 80.

The movie holds one's interest with a sense of mystery about O'Hara's character, Mrs. Mary Parkin. That mystery extends to her late husband who apparently became quite wealthy but was often away from home. A third mystery was the Parkin house. A fourth is gradually revealed, but it's not too hard to guess what it is early on.

This is a more serious film for the Christmas season. It provides a refreshing break from the frequent fare of fluffy, light-hearted romances sprinkled with humor or syrup.

Richard (Richard Thomas) and Keri (Annette O'Toole) have moved to a new city near ski country. They sold their house in order to get Richard's ski shop off the ground, instead living in a cramped apartment with their daughter, Jenna. Keri sees an ad for a couple needed to take care of an older lady in her home. The home turns out to be a mansion and the lady chooses Richard's family to be her caretakers. Keri is ecstatic, as they are given a complete wing of the large home for their quarters and her duties are not very taxing. But, the lady of the house is sad and lonely and harbors many secrets. Also, there is a mysterious music box in the attic that plays music on its own, at times. Richard begins to have strange dreams as well. What is going on here? This is a lovely story about love, family, and friendship. Thomas, O'Toole, and Maureen O'Hara are excellent as the key players, who learn valuable lessons in giving and receiving love. The script is humorous and heart warming, although far-fetched at times. If you would like a new tradition in film at holiday times, this movie is a great choice. It upholds the values everyone should hold dear.

This is a made-for-TV Christmas movie starring Hollywood legend Maureen O'Hara as Mary Parkin, a widow who is being cared for by ski-shop owner Richard Evans (Richard Thomas) and his wife, Keri (Annette O'Toole). They moved into Mary's estate after Richard struggles to balance his family and career life.

As with many families, there is a husband or wife who seem to put work over family. This movie beautifully depicts Mary giving the career-oriented Richard several lectures in having a healthy family life and has him guessing what the greatest gift one could have is - as it is revealed by the end of the film.

There are quite a few sappy moments, but the characters were well-acted for the most part and the plot was quite solid, giving us a pretty captivating film with many heartfelt dramatic moments. In addition to the drama, there is also a touch of fantasy elements that give the film a bit of suspense and intrigue.

Overall, a good one to watch during Christmas time.

Grade B

This movie was very enjoyable. It was a sweet story with great actors & a very good script. Richard Thomas & Maureen O'Hara always do a wonderful job, as did Annette O'Toole. The script & dialog were not predictable or boring & the ending was not disappointing & had an excellent message. It is a story of love and lesson, without being overdone or boring. At times, it was very funny, also. One of our favorite holiday movies is "One Special Night" with Julie Andrews & James Garner. We will add this movie to our list, as well. We would recommend seeing this movie for a wonderful, heartwarming Christmas story.

This is a handsomely produced tear-jerker, nicely played by MAUREEN O'HARA, RICHARD THOMAS and ANNETTE O'TOOLE and obviously aimed toward the Christmas market with a sweet tale about a mysterious Christmas BOX residing in the attic of an old lady's mansion.

Maureen O'Hara is still a pleasure to look at and listen to in the role of a rather crotchety, firm-minded elderly lady who is in need of household help and accepts Thomas and O'Toole, along with their young daughter, when they apply for the job. Thomas needs the extra money to run a ski shop but is not exactly fond of O'Hara and her ways. It's his daughter, Jenna, who eventually does establish a bond with the woman and more revelations soon come about with respect to the mysterious Christmas box in the attic and O'Hara's past.

It's strictly sentimental stuff, so be advised that the pace is on the slow side as the character revelations are gradually made clear. But if you like warm-hearted tales of Christmas (or any of the holidays for that matter), you can't go wrong with this one.

Summing up: Handsomely produced with fine performances, well worth viewing.