Editorial Product Review:Amazon.com:Grace Bradley (Loretta Swit) is called in to direct the community church's child production of the Christmas play. Unfortunately, this is the year the six Herdman children--the dirtiest, most feared neighborhood kids--decide to bully themselves into the lead roles. Barbra Johnson wrote the teleplay based on her novel for this 1978 TV broadcast that has become a favorite over the years. A 9-year-old Fairuza Balk makes her debut as Grace's daughter and narrates the story centering on the seemingly parentless troupe of ragtag ruffians. Of course, the town believes the play is hopelessly lost, but this is Christmas Eve and miracles do happen. Kids can find meaning in the Bible's tale and the Herdmans certainly can bring a fresh take on the age-old story. Not as rambunctious or preachy as later modern-day Christmas tales, the less-than-an-hour production stays away from giving anyone his or her comeuppance and is easily digestible for the whole family.
--Doug Thomas
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Buyer Reviews
Average Buyer Rating:
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Great movie
This movie really shows whats important. To accept children as they are, A great laugh and those pesky kids!!!!
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Reality check for those involved with Christmas Pageants
This is the best story ever. Anyone who has particiapated in the Christmas pageant chaos will find it reassuring that their activity is not the only one with problems.
I saw this video many years ago and hoped it was out on DVD. It is still not out. I am willing to wait but hope it is out before next year.
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Best Christmas Pageant Ever
I grew up watching this movie and was thrilled when I finally found it once again. People today forget what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. But to me this movie shows that no matter where you come from or who you are that Jesus and his birth can reach out and touch you and change your life forever. Thank you for this movie it will forever be treasured.
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A nice story, but...
This movie probably should be added to everyone's Christmas Season library. Certainly not at the same level as 'A Christmas Carol' (Alistar Sim), 'Miracle on 34th St.' (John Payne, Maureen O'Hara), 'A Christmas Story', and other well-produced movies. The story-line is nice; the only problem- it's not developed enough. I would certainly recommend reading the book first- it is BEAUTIFUL! The characters are described in-depth, whereas the movie just 'skims' the personalities of the actors. Loretta Switt (of the TV series M*A*S*H*) does a credible job, but I think if the producers would have tried to delve into the characters more, as well as alloted more time for the movie, it very well COULD have become a modern classic. Still, a nice edition to one's Christmas collection. But, be sure to read the book!