The Christmas Box

"The Christmas Box" is the first story by best-selling author Richard Paul Evans to be made into a movie. The story of the book is interesting in itself. Evans wrote the story for his children and self-published it in 1993. When it became popular in his home state of Utah, a major publisher put the book out. It's the first book ever to reach The New York Times No. 1 spot in both the hardback and the paperback editions.

The TV movie was made the same year the story was published for mass distribution. The story differs considerably from the usual type of Christmas time films. It's a combination drama and fantasy. The box has very little to do with the story, but it's different enough to raise one's curiosity. The movie has a good cast with Maureen O'Hara, Richard Thomas and Annette O'Toole. O'Hara was 75 at the time and appeared in only two more TV movies before she retired at age 80.

The movie holds one's interest with a sense of mystery about O'Hara's character, Mrs. Mary Parkin. That mystery extends to her late husband who apparently became quite wealthy but was often away from home. A third mystery was the Parkin house. A fourth is gradually revealed, but it's not too hard to guess what it is early on.

This is a more serious film for the Christmas season. It provides a refreshing break from the frequent fare of fluffy, light-hearted romances sprinkled with humor or syrup.

This film for some reason I did not care for. I love the cast. I thought the story was over reaching.

Recurring dreams and a discovery follow when a businessman (Richard Thomas), his wife (Annette O'Toole) and daughter move in with an elderly widow (Maureen O'Hara) who needs help. The couple see the woman in different ways. He sees her as a (Rhymes with Witch) and she sees the lady as "Sad and alone".

Clues about the old woman past are nowhere to be found in the home but as a friendships grow the woman's guard comes down

I can not fault the actors performances in this movie. They are excellent. Maybe I was tired when I watched this I will give it another try next year. If my mind changes so will the review. The reason why I will watch this again is because so many people like this film that I think I might of missed something.

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.

This movie was very enjoyable. It was a sweet story with great actors & a very good script. Richard Thomas & Maureen O'Hara always do a wonderful job, as did Annette O'Toole. The script & dialog were not predictable or boring & the ending was not disappointing & had an excellent message. It is a story of love and lesson, without being overdone or boring. At times, it was very funny, also. One of our favorite holiday movies is "One Special Night" with Julie Andrews & James Garner. We will add this movie to our list, as well. We would recommend seeing this movie for a wonderful, heartwarming Christmas story.

Mrs.O'Hara has truly aged gracefully, I saw her on Larry King Live when she turned 80 and she quoted " I don't feel like it". Her looks haven't faded a bit , she is just older, and something that really shocked me was her voice, her vocals are still as strong and compelling from her films of the golden age. This film caught my attention when I saw it on the HALLMARK channel 12/13/06, once I saw the cast credit I had stay and watch and Im very glad I did. The film almost made me cry it. She as very strict and to admit quite dynamic portrayal of a sad,wealthy and compassionate widow. This for me has been one of the best Christams films I've ever seen. Im looking forward to seeing MRS.MAUREEN in future upcoming films, because she STILL GOT IT !!!!!!!!