I just saw that movie and recorded it on DVD. It is sweet and has a wonderful music by johnny mandel. I personally enjoyed Ron Leibmans appearance, since this one is close to the kaz and co serials, he did in the 70s, which are just nowhere to find. The trombone player in the soundtrack seems to be Dick Nash. He is a master of the so called "sweet style" trombone. His solos fit in here very well. It is a little far fetched, that the detective could really find the grandchildren in different countries, and it's not really well explained, how he did that.But anyway the movie is nice and it is worth seeing it.
13 Reviews
Another heartwarming Christmas tale!
OllieSuave-00714 December 2014
This is another Christmas tale about an elderly woman who befriends the homeless and volunteers her time with children. She learns she has an incurable illness and, therefore, hires a private investigator to locate her family around the country to reunite with her during Christmas Eve.
I caught this movie on TV a few times when I was a teenager and, though dramatic films weren't my cup of tea back then, I enjoy watching meaningful Christmas movies and this one was no exception. While the plot is slow at times, the movie captures the essence and spirit of the season, as I remember seeing the woman talking to another with an elegant Christmas tree bath in golden lights in the backdrop. And, this movie gives you an uplifting message about being together with family.
Overall, it's a good one to watch during Christmas time.
Grade B
I caught this movie on TV a few times when I was a teenager and, though dramatic films weren't my cup of tea back then, I enjoy watching meaningful Christmas movies and this one was no exception. While the plot is slow at times, the movie captures the essence and spirit of the season, as I remember seeing the woman talking to another with an elegant Christmas tree bath in golden lights in the backdrop. And, this movie gives you an uplifting message about being together with family.
Overall, it's a good one to watch during Christmas time.
Grade B
One of the finest Christmas movies!
barryrd27 December 2019
Christmas movies are meant to be soft-hearted and this one certainly fits the bill but more important, it leaves you feeling uplifted. An elegant, philanthropic widow Amanda Kingsley (Loretta Young), who befriends the homeless and hands out cash, is pitted against her business tycoon son Andrew Kingsley (Arthur Hill), who wants to demolish a tenement and displace the residents to make way for a development.
Trevor Howard is Maitland, the dutiful butler, chauffeur and companion to Mrs. Kingsley. Ron Leibman is the private investigator Morris Huffner, who locates missing members of the family Mrs. Kingsley attempts to bring together for a Christmas reconciliation. The initial conflict is over the inheritance and putting money towards a shelter for the homeless in her neighbourhood. For her own family, her deepest wish is to heal the relationship between her son Andrew and his children.
Loretta Young is the epitome of mature elegance and gentility. Trevor Howard fits the bill as the rock solid butler she has come to lean on. Ron Liebman, as the private eye, is sceptical about Mrs. Kingsley's efforts but stays the course until the tearful finale. Very sentimental for sure but one of my favourite Christmas movies.
Trevor Howard is Maitland, the dutiful butler, chauffeur and companion to Mrs. Kingsley. Ron Leibman is the private investigator Morris Huffner, who locates missing members of the family Mrs. Kingsley attempts to bring together for a Christmas reconciliation. The initial conflict is over the inheritance and putting money towards a shelter for the homeless in her neighbourhood. For her own family, her deepest wish is to heal the relationship between her son Andrew and his children.
Loretta Young is the epitome of mature elegance and gentility. Trevor Howard fits the bill as the rock solid butler she has come to lean on. Ron Liebman, as the private eye, is sceptical about Mrs. Kingsley's efforts but stays the course until the tearful finale. Very sentimental for sure but one of my favourite Christmas movies.
An Excellent Movie That Needs to be Re-Released on DVD
paultheburch11 November 2005
When I was stationed in Belgium my sister-in-law recorded this excellent movie from the TV for us. Along with those stationed with us who watched this movie will agree it is one of the best Christmas movies ever produced for television. This will be a gift that will be remembered Christmas after Christmas. Enchanting as she was, Loretta Young brought the character of Mrs. Amanda Kinglsey to life. Her caring not only for her family, but those around her is a movie that will mist the eyes as she rescues a homeless street lady from dying in a county hospital to be rewarded with a private room and flowers to make her feel she was somebody. I can't believe of all the movies that have been re-released this one has not been re-released for DVD. If a vote counts there is one here in addition to my family of 30. This would be the greatest gift any distributor good give the American people to re-release this movie. If you've never seen a miracle at Christmas before, find and watch Christmas Eve. You'll find Christmas is about family and -- make you believe -- it is Christmas!!
Excellent holiday movie that deserves to be on DVD
bfarowl29 November 2006
This is my favorite Christmas movie of all time and I am very disappointed I cannot find it on DVD. I do have it on video, but it is lacking the fade in and out to drawings at the beginning of a segment and at the end of a segment. Loretta Young is superb as the matriarch who will not stop giving to those that are in need. This includes cats/kittens. Ron Leibman is excellent as the private investigator who will stop at nothing to find her grandchildren. He is as stubborn in locating them as she is determined that they will show up for Christmas. This is a movie recommended for everyone. It will become your favorite too.
Great Story
lamonte124 November 2001
This is one of the best Christmas Movies ever and I am saddened but it hasn't been aired at least in my area of the country for some years. Very heartwarming and thought provoking. Does anyone know where I can get a copy? Stan
Loretta Young at her finest.
dbiggins13 August 2001
A heart warming story line that most can relate to. Loretta Young brings her strength, intelligence and charm to this role. My regret is that I can't find this film on VHS to add to my collection. I would love to be able to enjoy it over and over and over again.
The Best Christmas Movie Ever!
dfortier54 November 2005
Loretta Young plays Amanda Kingsley, who is a rags to riches older widow. Even though Amanda is very wealthy and eccentric, she never forgot the poor people of the world. She is a lady who is very classy, and very charitable. Amanda spends her nights giving out food and cash to homeless people, along with her loyal English butler, Maitland.
Amanda finds out she has an aneurysm and will die soon, but she keeps it a secret from her son Andrew. She only tells Maitland who is always by her side. Because the end is near Amanda sets out to hire a down-and-out private investigator, Morris Huffner and pays him a large amount in cash for him to find her three estranged grandchildren. They left home many years ago because they were at odds with their father, Amanda's unemotional, straight-laced, business man son, Andrew.
Andrew is constantly at odds with his mother too and he especially doesn't like the way Amanda spends her money. When Amanda changes her will to ensure her son only gets 49% of the family business stocks, Andrew tries to declare her incompetent.
P.I. Morris Huffner doesn't have much to go on to find Harley, Melissa and Josh. But knowing he gets a bonus for every grandchild he finds before Christmas motivates him. He doesn't realize how emotionally attached he will become to this family and how much this case will change his life.
Will Morris find the grandchildren, who don't want to be found, before Christmas? If they are found, will the grandchildren be willing to come back home and face their father? Will Amanda be found incompetent by the courts? Will Amanda die before Christmas? Why is Andrew such a hard person when his mother is so kind? Will Andrew finally see the light?
The way the conclusion is played out makes everyone in my family either cry or get choked up. We know the ending. We've watched it every year for nearly 20 years, but it never fails to make us emotional! This movie is worth watching, if only for the ending that hits you hard emotionally. A real tear jerker! Every year Christmas Eve never fails to put us in the Christmas spirit! This is the best Christmas movie ever!
Amanda finds out she has an aneurysm and will die soon, but she keeps it a secret from her son Andrew. She only tells Maitland who is always by her side. Because the end is near Amanda sets out to hire a down-and-out private investigator, Morris Huffner and pays him a large amount in cash for him to find her three estranged grandchildren. They left home many years ago because they were at odds with their father, Amanda's unemotional, straight-laced, business man son, Andrew.
Andrew is constantly at odds with his mother too and he especially doesn't like the way Amanda spends her money. When Amanda changes her will to ensure her son only gets 49% of the family business stocks, Andrew tries to declare her incompetent.
P.I. Morris Huffner doesn't have much to go on to find Harley, Melissa and Josh. But knowing he gets a bonus for every grandchild he finds before Christmas motivates him. He doesn't realize how emotionally attached he will become to this family and how much this case will change his life.
Will Morris find the grandchildren, who don't want to be found, before Christmas? If they are found, will the grandchildren be willing to come back home and face their father? Will Amanda be found incompetent by the courts? Will Amanda die before Christmas? Why is Andrew such a hard person when his mother is so kind? Will Andrew finally see the light?
The way the conclusion is played out makes everyone in my family either cry or get choked up. We know the ending. We've watched it every year for nearly 20 years, but it never fails to make us emotional! This movie is worth watching, if only for the ending that hits you hard emotionally. A real tear jerker! Every year Christmas Eve never fails to put us in the Christmas spirit! This is the best Christmas movie ever!
The Spirit of Christmas
fterranella5 January 2006
Loretta Young shows what a Golden Age movie star can do with a juicy role. Trevor Howard, Ron Liebman and Arthur Hill provide ample support. I think I like this film so much because it focuses on what the holidays are all about -- family. Loretta Young's character wants just one thing for Christmas -- to gather all her family around her. It's not easy because the family (like many families) has grown apart due to a rift between her son and his children. Young's unshakably belief that the family will reunite for Christmas drives the movie. Young is simply radiant in the role. Liebman is marvelous as the private detective she hires to find her grandchildren. Despite the conventional nature of the plot, the end is unexpectedly poignant.
Loretta Young Still Beautiful and as Great as Ever
JLRMovieReviews24 December 2014
Rich widow Loretta Young has learned she's dying and that it's only a matter of time. She wants to see her grown-up grandchildren, despite the fact that her son and them don't get along. Her son Arthur Hill is very selfish and mercenary, and is rather a cold fish when it comes to emotions. He lives and breathes money, status and more, more, and more. When Loretta wants to change her will, he's outraged. He says father wouldn't like it, but really that's just something to say. He isn't going to have it and his only recourse is to accuse her of not being of sound mind. That's a nice way to put it. By the way, another thing he doesn't like is her giving money to bums, cash, in person -not deductible. Meanwhile, she hired a p.i. to find her grandchildren, but it seems the wounds are too deep for them to consider coming home, even to see their grandmother. They are not told she is dying. This very fulfilling Christmastime TV-movie features one of Hollywood's most gracious, special, and beautiful actresses, Loretta Young; in fact I think she is even more beautiful here than in her earlier years and that's saying something. She adds much elegance to this rather predictable movie, but the performances by all actors are so genuine that we don't feel a false note or emotion from this tale. It all comes together very realistically and this has to be one of the best Christmas movies ever shown on TV. Maybe even better than The Gathering Part I. If you love Christmas movies and you love Loretta Young, you must find this right away. Unfortunately, that will be hard, since it hasn't been on TV since the late 1990s. I taped it then and that is why I have a copy now. I am hoping someday some way others will discover and enjoy this treasure!
One of the best!!!!!!!!
lexus325-224 June 2009
I have this on tape and view it 3-4 times through the year. The last ten minutes never fail to make me cry. It becomes more and more meaningful as the years pass as you loss loved ones and friends. The cast was great; however she is the shining light of the film. She looked so youthful throughout the film and appeared so kindly that everyone would want to encounter her in their lifetime. I think Loretta was very underrated as an actress. It is a same that she took over 20 years off from the entertainment world; but she came back in a wonderful role. If you haven't see it, make this a must see, you won't regret it.
Some nice twists in this Christmas TV movie
SimonJack14 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This 1986 TV movie, "Christmas Eve," is a delight for two reasons. First, it has a somewhat different plot. As with most Christmas TV movies made in recent decades, it includes family reconciliation. But, a large part of the plot is about a very wealthy widow in her late years taking to the streets of New York City during the season to spread holiday cheer.
The second reason for my enjoyment of "Christmas Eve," was in its two senior stars. Loretta Young and Trevor Howard were both 73 years old when this film was made. Young came out of retirement of more than 20 years. She had retired at the end of her last TV series, "The New Loretta Young Show," in 1963. She would make one more TV movie in her career ("Lady in the Corner" in 1989) and live to 87 until she died Aug. 8, 2000. Trevor Howard had continued acting, playing senior roles in films, but a little over a year after this film came out, he died of flu complications at his home England (Jan. 7, 1988).
Young is impeccable as Amanda Kingsley, the matron of the family, who still has controlling interest in the Kingsley business empire. Howard plays her lifelong butler and companion on the daily rounds of the streets with a coffee and sandwich cart. Howard is wonderful as the steady and faithful, but dour Maitland.
Arthur Hill plays Amanda's son, Andrew. He is all business as the working head of the Kingsley empire. The estrangement in the film is between him and his three adult children. They all love their grandmother, but have not seen or talked to their father in a few years. But things are different this Christmas because Amanda finds out that she is dying. Her last wish is that her son and grandchildren will reconcile. So, she hires a detective to find the three siblings and ask them to come home for Christmas.
The film switches between scenes in New York with Amanda and Andrew, Amanda and Maitland on the street, and the search for and finding of the Kingsley siblings. Ron Leibman plays the detective, Morris Huffner, very well. One can guess how the film ends, but there are some nice twists yet in the plot, which I'll not describe.
I might have rated this film a notch higher but for a general weakness in the screenplay and the so-so acting of all three siblings. Amanda explained to Morris when she hired him that she didn't know where the siblings were. She just had some ideas. She said she didn't want to know their addresses for fear their father would find out and go after them. So, there has been absolutely no contact between Amanda and any of her grandkids – all of whom supposedly loved her immensely. That situation is quite hard to believe. Also, with very little to go on, Morris has remarkable success in finding the siblings. That's especially so, considering that none of them knew any of the others' addresses or whereabouts. That is also hard to believe – that a brother and two sisters weren't close enough to want to stay in touch with one another. Apparently, they didn't even exchange greetings at Christmas over the years?
These are things that a better screenplay could have resolved to make the story more believable. But, these weaknesses aside, "Christmas Eve" still is an enjoyable and heart-warming film to watch. It has a good message for the holidays about sharing. I watched a recording from a TV broadcast. I would think it would be a film more people would buy if it were out on DVD. Especially as the American, and world populations continue to advance in age with smaller families and fewer children since the end of the 20th century.
The second reason for my enjoyment of "Christmas Eve," was in its two senior stars. Loretta Young and Trevor Howard were both 73 years old when this film was made. Young came out of retirement of more than 20 years. She had retired at the end of her last TV series, "The New Loretta Young Show," in 1963. She would make one more TV movie in her career ("Lady in the Corner" in 1989) and live to 87 until she died Aug. 8, 2000. Trevor Howard had continued acting, playing senior roles in films, but a little over a year after this film came out, he died of flu complications at his home England (Jan. 7, 1988).
Young is impeccable as Amanda Kingsley, the matron of the family, who still has controlling interest in the Kingsley business empire. Howard plays her lifelong butler and companion on the daily rounds of the streets with a coffee and sandwich cart. Howard is wonderful as the steady and faithful, but dour Maitland.
Arthur Hill plays Amanda's son, Andrew. He is all business as the working head of the Kingsley empire. The estrangement in the film is between him and his three adult children. They all love their grandmother, but have not seen or talked to their father in a few years. But things are different this Christmas because Amanda finds out that she is dying. Her last wish is that her son and grandchildren will reconcile. So, she hires a detective to find the three siblings and ask them to come home for Christmas.
The film switches between scenes in New York with Amanda and Andrew, Amanda and Maitland on the street, and the search for and finding of the Kingsley siblings. Ron Leibman plays the detective, Morris Huffner, very well. One can guess how the film ends, but there are some nice twists yet in the plot, which I'll not describe.
I might have rated this film a notch higher but for a general weakness in the screenplay and the so-so acting of all three siblings. Amanda explained to Morris when she hired him that she didn't know where the siblings were. She just had some ideas. She said she didn't want to know their addresses for fear their father would find out and go after them. So, there has been absolutely no contact between Amanda and any of her grandkids – all of whom supposedly loved her immensely. That situation is quite hard to believe. Also, with very little to go on, Morris has remarkable success in finding the siblings. That's especially so, considering that none of them knew any of the others' addresses or whereabouts. That is also hard to believe – that a brother and two sisters weren't close enough to want to stay in touch with one another. Apparently, they didn't even exchange greetings at Christmas over the years?
These are things that a better screenplay could have resolved to make the story more believable. But, these weaknesses aside, "Christmas Eve" still is an enjoyable and heart-warming film to watch. It has a good message for the holidays about sharing. I watched a recording from a TV broadcast. I would think it would be a film more people would buy if it were out on DVD. Especially as the American, and world populations continue to advance in age with smaller families and fewer children since the end of the 20th century.
What a Perfectly Beautiful Movie!
matuszakdonna19 September 2019
Such a lovely vehicle for Loretta Young, that everyone should see. I am so grateful to her family for releasing this movie on Youtube for all of Loretta's fans to see it free of charge. It is such an inspiring picture. A wonderful family movie to share.
I would dearly love to have this movie on DVD to share with my family. I wish it were available. How about it, family of Loretta Young??? So many of us who love her would be lining up to buy it. Perhaps for Christmas 2019?
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