A Holiday Spectacular

This is an excellent production, with sets, costumes, and dialogue that really captures the late 1950's era. I have paid to see movies at the cinema that do not have the richness of the look of this film. Hallmark and the producers are to be credited with hiring Director John Putch to bring this story to life. He has done a really fine job here. It is hard to single out cast members because they all are excellent and have their terrific moments, but Ginna Marie Mason has the chore of carrying the film's story and she does so very effectively as Maggie, a young, well-to-do woman who realizes her dream of being a dancer. I am surprised at some of the negative reviews here that focus on the fact that the Rockettes had no black dancers in the 1950's. Does everything have to be turned around and focus on race nowadays ? Why can't an actress or actor be hired for a part whether they are black, white, red, or green? As nicely written by Julie Sherman Wolfe, this story is about women in an era where they had to struggle for independence. The script does not deal with racial issues that existed at the time. The part of Alice is about a seasoned Rockette who is feeling that her time as a dancer is coming to an end. The producers hired a black actress to play the part and Tiffany Denise Hobbs is just wonderful in it. I can remember reading articles in the Hollywood Reporter and other journals during the last 10 years that bemoaned the fact that actors of color were not hired enough for parts that could be played by any race. Well, here you have it. Alice just so happens to be played by a really fine black actress. Some other movie can explore the history of women of color breaking into the Rockettes. That is not what this movie is meant to do. It's meant to entertain us and tell us about women of any color who are realizing their dreams in the late 1950's.

The only disappointment here is the limited use of Ann-Margret. She is not given much to do, but, still, it is always a pleasure to see her charming presence in any movie, no matter how limited. Maybe next time.

As for the Rockettes, Director Putch filmed their routines very effectively here and they are pretty amazing. A joy to watch. We saw them in the real Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall about 20 years ago and were sort of disappointed with the show. The Rockettes were only on stage for about 20 minutes, and the rest of the show is a silly play for children that, to tell the truth, our kids were bored with. But, the Rockettes had their full attention and they were wide-eyed with wonder, so it was worth the price of admission. So, if you can't get to Radio City, this movie is a wonderful way to see the Rockettes - up close to boot.

In 1977, my wife and I had our first trip to Las Vegas. I can't remember the casino, but I think it may have been seizures. Ann Margaret was performing. We ordered two tickets, and then got to the show only a few minutes before it was supposed to start. We were guided down to the very front, and sat at a table right in front of the stage. So we got to watch Ann Margaret up close and personal. She is a singular talent and it was a pleasure to watch her in this movie.

The chemistry of the two main characters was terrific and believable. And watching the Rockettes was fun. I don't think enough people understand how incredibly talented these women are. The competition for each spot is intense. Loved it.

What a spectacular movie! Ginna and Derek had a natural warmth and chemistry-and are a very talented duo! I loved the story and the full circle beautiful movie ending. It's hard to beat a New York City movie setting, the real Rockettes, multi-talented Broadway stars, Ann Margaret, and a well-written story from start to finish. I also loved the message this movie delivered to little girls watching from home-don't settle. Go after your dreams and dream big!

This movie made me think of the magic I experienced when my parents took me to NYC for the first time to see the Rockettes. This movie really is a love letter to all the hard work, talent, and passion that goes into delivering the magic to Radio City Music Hall visitors every single holiday season.

I admitt, I was seduced by this very special, some different Hallmark movie. The first, great, precious and rare virtue is the atmosphere, admirable crafted, from costumes to the dialogue . Second, no doubts, the frame, a venerable lady telling her first steps in dance career to her granddaughter. Not the last, the beautiful acting, offering a sort of innocence of a generation not far by post war idealism , the dreams coming true, the relation with family and the honesty to themselves. And Ginna Marie Mason, like.derek Klena are perfects in their roles.

The accuracy ? Is it real - real important in this case , the story , touching at whole being more significant, for me, than a pledge agains racism ?

Hallmark hit the mark again with this holiday movie. A much different story line than the usual Hallmark plot. Focusing on the Rockettes really was a nice change while still developing the relationship between the two lead actors. Both Ginna and Derek were excellent in the movie as were the supporting actors. It was great to see Ann-Margaret, who one could actually believe, was a Rockette! She really looks great. Adding in Eve Plumb from the Brady Bunch was another nice touch. Carolyn McCormick as Maggie's mother was wonderful as well.

Personally, I remember as a child in the '50's seeing the Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes at Radio City. I know some reviewers pointed out some historical inaccuracies, which you can do in most Hallmark movies that take place in the path, but that didn't detract from this wonderful movie. Hallmark has had some winners this season. Three Wise Men and a Baby, Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas and Ghosts of Christmas Always come to mind. I'll add this movie to my list!