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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

  • TV Movie
  • 1983
  • Not Rated
  • 48m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
1K
YOUR RATING
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983)
ComedyFamily

A teacher puts on a Christmas pageant and puts the worst children in school as the stars.A teacher puts on a Christmas pageant and puts the worst children in school as the stars.A teacher puts on a Christmas pageant and puts the worst children in school as the stars.

  • Director
    • George Schaefer
  • Writer
    • Barbara Robinson
  • Stars
    • Loretta Swit
    • Jackson Davies
    • Antony Holland
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • George Schaefer
    • Writer
      • Barbara Robinson
    • Stars
      • Loretta Swit
      • Jackson Davies
      • Antony Holland
    • 17User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 1 nomination total

    Photos6

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    Top cast21

    Edit
    Loretta Swit
    Loretta Swit
    • Grace Bradley
    Jackson Davies
    • Bob Bradley
    Antony Holland
    Antony Holland
    • Rev. Hopkins
    • (as Anthony Holland)
    David Alexander
    • Charlie Bradley
    Fairuza Balk
    Fairuza Balk
    • Beth Bradley
    Ocean Hellman
    • Alice
    Janet Wright
    Janet Wright
    • Helen Armstrong
    Teri Dean
    • Gladys Herdman
    Beau Heaton
    • Claude Herdman
    Megan Hunt
    • Imogene Herdman
    Jason Michas
    Jason Michas
    • Leroy Herdman
    • (as a different name)
    Shane Punt
    • Ollie Herdman
    Glen Reid
    • Ralph Herdman
    Lynne Gorman
    Lynne Gorman
    • Mrs. Clausing
    • (as Lynn Gorman)
    Anna Hagan
    Anna Hagan
    • Mrs. Clark
    Doreen Ramus
    • Mrs. McCarthy
    Deborah Tennant
    Deborah Tennant
    • Mrs. Slocum
    Jennifer Yip
    • Maxine
    • Director
      • George Schaefer
    • Writer
      • Barbara Robinson
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews17

    7.21K
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    Featured reviews

    10Cobbler

    Excellent Adaptation of Classic Book

    I never thought any tv movie could do justice to the classic novel on which this Christmas special is based. But this flick succeeds brilliantly. All the classic lines & situations from the book are here, along with some added surprises. (The ham, and the surprise visitor at the pageant!) The Herdmans are exactly how I pictured them, and their "house" is completely realistic as well- love the factories in the background! The supporting characters (especially Charlie, Alice Wendelken, and (I think his name is) Hobie Carmichael), are all perfectly cast. And the message of the book is perfectly preserved-- there's a pretty amazing moment with the young actress who plays Imogene Herdman, when she's looking at a picture of Mary & Jesus and starts to cry. For anyone who hasn't read the book (which is a masterpiece & one of the most hilarious books I've ever read), I at least recommend you getting a hold of this movie. It will help you remember the "true" meaning of Christmas.
    tjac&rene

    Cherished christmas memories for my family

    This movie was such so touching to my daughter (who was approx 5 when she saw the show) My Best friend has 4 daughters who then ranged in ages 11 down to twins 6 yrs old. This had to be one of the most touching movies for these girls to ever view on t.v. The girls today are in their 20's and most have children of their own now and they all still bring up this movie at Christmas asking if its on this year? each year their mother and myself search around for it, we have written tv guide, asked every video rental store, no such luck. This year we are on the "MISSION" once again. We need your help in telling us where to buy the movie... The movie Family was so real and even at the young age of our girls back then they still bring up the movie and want it on.. I feel they could really relate to the Family at that time and Mary's tears when holding Baby Jesus, or when the boys stole the ham.. just too funny .. please any info on this great movie? could it be on television this year? Thank you for your time

    best wishes to you all rene
    8Christmas-Reviewer

    Great Little Special

    BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.

    In this film you meet There the nastiest, dirtiest kids you could ever meet and they've just decided to be in this year's pageant. But the town thinks they belong in the care of the local police. When the curtain finally goes up, a miracle begins.

    What is great about this film is that it shows that all of us judge others. It does not however preach that. I love the fact that it shows that "All of us are born with certain cards" and "That you play the hand you were dealt".

    Nice family Safe Film.
    10shirleyb

    Thoughts of a 66 year old mother of six, grandmother of three.

    Such a wonderful story it's a shame that it isn't being aired anymore. Why not? I was a teacher's assistant in an elementary library for several years and I know many teachers keep this story alive, I don't know why the networks haven't.
    10laurajaykay

    one of the best ever

    This movie should be shown on TV every year. It tells the true meaning of Christmas. It was funny in parts and touching in others. I only saw it on TV once or twice. I found a copy at the library and watched it with my daughter and her friend (age 10).They both loved it.

    I thought the characters acted very realistically. The children were neither too cute and sweet nor too smart mouthed. In fact none of the children were smart mouthed or talked back. The characters consisted of people we all know. The dresses that the girls wore were very pretty and cute. It was nice to see girls wearing dresses instead of old jeans to church.

    I can't say much more without giving too much away. This is a great movie and suitable for all ages. If you can't find it in the video store try your local library.

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    Related interests

    Will Ferrell in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
    Comedy
    Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
    Family

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Acting debut of Fairuza Balk.
    • Goofs
      When Grace checks the sanctuary to see if people are filling it, Mrs. Clausing can be seen in the center of the shot in a brown blouse, waiting for the pageant to begin. A few shots after this she is greeted by the minister as she enters the sanctuary, with coat on, just ahead of Mrs. Herdman.
    • Quotes

      Hobie: I don't know what shepherds wear.

      Charlie Bradley: You have to wear your father's robe. That's what I have to do.

      Hobie: He doesn't have a robe.

      Charlie Bradley: What does he hang around the house in?

      Hobie: His underwear.

    • Connections
      Remade as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)

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    FAQ1

    • This was a great Christmas show but as I recall it was shown one season and the disappeared. It is hard if not impossible to find each season. Is/was there some sort of copyright or ownership issue that prevents it from being shown?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 5, 1983 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Canada
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Лучшее Рождественское представление
    • Filming locations
      • Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada(Ryerson United Church)
    • Production companies
      • Comworld Productions
      • Schaefer/Karpf Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 48m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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