A Christmas Wish
by Irving Pachel
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Frank Cady, Jimmy Durante, Queenie Smith, Terry Moore, Tom DrakeDirector: Irving Pachel
Brand: Legend Films
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, Live, NTSC, Surround Sound
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 88 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-07-01
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Model: LF00400
Studio: Legend Films Inc.
Product features:
- A Christmas Wish is a heartwarming holidayic about a family who is down on their luck at Christmas time. Shortly before Christmas, they move into an apartment where Rupert the squirrel lives in the attic rafters. Just when it seems that the holiday will come and go without so much as a Christmas tree, Rupert acts as the family's guardian angel - not only saving Christmas, but changing their li
Movie Reviews of A Christmas Wish
Movie Review: Uncover This Lovely Christmas Gem!
Summary: 5 Stars
Probably better known under the title, "The Great Rupert" (though I think "A Christmas Wish" would have been a better title), this is the sweet and simple story of a down-on-their-luck circus family who, just before Christmas, moves into a shoddy apartment attached to the home of a stingy family man (their new landlord) who has just come into some extra cash. Conveniently, stingy Mr. Dingle (Frank Orth) and his wife (Sara Haden) have a handsome and charming musician son, Peter (played by Tom Drake), who is a reasonable dating age for the impoverished family's only child, drop-dead-gorgeous daughter Rosalinda (played by the stunning Terry Moore of Mighty Joe Young). Even more conveniently, Rosalinda and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Amendola (played by the great Jimmy Durante and Queenie Smith), soon come into some money of their own when a trained squirrel left to live in the walls of the Dingle house begins tossing down Mr. Dingle's stashed cash from the ceiling after Mrs. Amendola prays for some divine financial help. The squirrel is the once title character of the film, "The Great Rupert", though this sometimes real, sometimes stop-motion-animated critter doesn't get as much screen time as the original title would imply. Truly, this film is about the romance between Rosalinda and Peter and what happens when a misunderstood holiday blessing takes place around them. And it's also a great showpiece for the talents of Jimmy Durante and (did I mention she was drop-dead-gorgeous?) Terry Moore.
Though public domain versions of this film abound, this 20th Century Fox release is the authentic version, colorized and retitled by Legend Films. Now, personally, I have no interest in colorized films. Thankfully, one of the two listed bonus features is the black and white version. The other bonus feature is an audio commentary with Terry Moore and family and some of the Legend Films folks. It's fascinating to be able to watch this film with Terry Moore's commentary, though it's a shame so much of the discussion is about praising the colorization. Frankly, I can barely stand to see it with those pastels and Christmas trees that are the wrong shade of green. Give me the black and white version any day. The film itself is a must have if you enjoy sweet, family friendly Christmas movies. Released in 1950, it feels more like a '40's film (well, I guess it WAS shot in the late '40's), which in my opinion is a good thing. Watch "A Christmas Wish" once, and it will likely become an instant holiday tradition for you and your family. Just try not to think about the fact that the stop-motion scenes of Rupert involved reanimating a dead squirrel, ha.
Summary of A Christmas Wish
A heartwarming holiday classic about a family who is down on their luck at Christmas time. Shortly before Christmas, they move into an apartment where Rupert the squirrel lives in the attic rafters and acts as the family's guardian angel not only saving Christmas, but changing their lives forever. Enlivened with an unforgettable love story between Terry Moore (Mighty Joe Young) and Tom Drake (Meet Me in St. Louis). Rupert the Squirrel (created using George Pal's Academy Award winning animation) will charm young and old alike. Jimmy Durante shines when he sings well-loved Christmas carols in the evocative voice that made him one of America's recording legends. Digitally restored and in color for the first time and includes a special audio commentary by star Terry Moore.Similar DVD Movies
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