The House Without a Christmas Tree (1972)

like live theater

I agree with the last reviewer.This film was not intended to look polished and well funded.The story is a simple family tale of love and loss and a little girl who believes in Christmas.She lives with her Grandmother and Father during the depression.It's a raw time in America and there are still raw emotions of loss haunting this family.But love and faith are triumphant in this story.The raw almost home video quality is exactly what worked to make this story more realistic.It's as though your right there with the family.I too grew up in the 70's and watched many after school specials that were written so well they captivated children without special effects.
January 5, 2009

An American classic!

This 1972 children's film is an American classic. Both the Amazon review
and the product description contain inaccuracies. The story takes place
in 1946, not 1964 (probably a typo). Addie's mother did not die giving birth to her; she dies of pneumonia when Addie is a baby. All the actors give superb performances, and the feel of a stage play adds to the charm of this wonderful Christmas story. Mildred Natwick (catch her as the rich widow in "The Quiet Man") and Jason Robards are both great American actors. Lisa Lucas as ten year old Addie is incredibly talented. Alexa Kenin as best friend Carla Mae is very sweet. The set, the costumes, and even the background music all fit together perfectly. Addie's relationship with her father is not easy, but after a family argument over the Christmas tree that Addie won at school, her father relents and buys her a tree, facing his own pain over the death of his wife and the memory of happier Christmases. Charming. I saw this as
a teen, bought my own copy, and watch it every year. I made sure my young nieces had their own copy as well. Read the book by Gail Rock if
you have a chance (I'm a librarian!). erb January 2, 2009

Great movie

This movie is very touching. Of course it isn't like today's movie, maybe that is why I love it so. I saw this movie when I was a little girl every Christmas. This movie hit home as I too was a little girl without her mother. I didn't watch this movie for a very long time as it did make me upset. When I found it available on Amazon.com, I purchased it right away. SO glad I did.

I hope you enjoy this wonderful wholesome movie as much as I did. Remember it was made before all the computer and updated technology. But made at a time when the world was a little more simple and kids could click on the TV without such violence in their lives.
January 2, 2009

Brings back memories

This was a favorite movie of mine and my sisters as we grew up. She managed to find it on VHS a few years ago and gave me one for christmas. I no longer have a VHS player, so wanted it on DVD. I will say, as much as we love it, my mother asked me to bring it to a Christmas party, and it is kind of a party stopper. Not meant for fun entertainment, but a great old fashion movie filled with great memories. December 28, 2008

Awesome Christmas Movie

This is such an incredible movie. I was Addie's age when it came out
and we were not allowed a Christmas tree, either (though for a different reason), so it really pulled at me. It still does. I feel like I am in 1946 and a silent witness to their lives. I am sorry for those who cannot see the magic of this film, and the simple beauty of it. No, it is not a slick Hollywood flick. It is a lovely story, told in a charming manner. It is one of my top 2 Christmas movies. Buy this and treasure it.
(for the reviewer wondering about the Pledge of Allegiance: it did not contain the words "under God" until the mid-1950's) December 23, 2008

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