"House without a Christmas Tree" actually works so well because of it's setting in 1940s Nebraska.Back at a time when children actually respected their elders and there was no such thing as a single parent!Which brings us to Addie Mills.She's 10 years old,spunky,and lives with her older,gruff,hardworking,no-nonsense father and her loving grandma.We learn that Addie's mother died when she was a baby and her father has been unable to enjoy Christmas ever since!Nowadays of course Addie's teacher's would probably have reccommended old dad to spend time in counseling while Addie spent Christmas with her new foster family visiting grandma at the local assisted-living condo devolopement! But,putting humor aside, this story works because Addie so desperately wants not just her first Christmas tree BUT her dad's love and affection!With the help of her loving yet patient grandma young Addie manages to break through dad's wall of coldness by her act of doing good for somebody less fortunate! This could NEVER be tolerated in the new Mellenium,but in 1940s Nebraska a family's love and devotion shines through the holidays once more!!!
Review of The House Without a Christmas Tree
The House Without a Christmas Tree
(1972 TV Movie)
A fine and warmhearted Christmas tale of family love!
5 December 2003