OllieSuave-007 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

ncisabbyfan30 We've made it a tradition every Christmas to sit down and watch this movie. It's a heart-warming tale that teaches us all about life, death, family, and the love that God has for all of us. The only reason I did not give this film a perfect 10 is because it could have done without the dream sequences of the angel whispering Richard's name. To me, it was a little creepy but the meaning of the dreams is revealed near the end. Wonderful casting too, especially the legendary Maureen O'Hara as the elderly home owner who has a bad attitude about the family at first but as time goes on, she begins to adore them as if they were her own family. Richard Thomas was wonderful as Richard Evans, the owner of a ski company that did not like the thought of moving in to the old lady's house at the beginning but when he learns the truth about Mary's tragic past, he puts aside his reservations about her and stays with her in the hospital in her final moments of life. If you don't mind a tear-jerking Christmas film, this is the perfect one for you.

Neil Doyle 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.

Hollywood_Yoda Before I watched this movie, or read the book, I didn't think it would be very good. Look at what I would have missed if I hadn't done either. It was truly a wonderful, charming movie, as a small family moves in with an older lady. If you would like to know what happens, I advise you to watch the movie. I really enjoyed both the book and the movie, and you will too. I give it a 9 out of 10.