The Christmas Tree (1996 TV Movie) User Reviews

Gorgeous Christmas film from slim novel...

[Doylenf · 7/10 · 30 October 2006]

Sure, it's sentimental. Sure, it's schmaltzy. But isn't Christmas, when you get that warm glow from thinking about the holiday season--in a Norman Rockwell kind of setting--just as schmaltzy too? I read the beautifully illustrated book and thought it would make a wonderful present for my sister who lives in Maine. After this made-for-TV film came out, I contacted her to find out how she liked the film--which I thought was wonderful. She just found it empty, not saying much, a disappointment.

But I think it was a very slender story to begin with and Sally Field has directed it with an eye for warm details and, yes, sentiment. And JULIE HARRIS gives the kind of performance she's famous for--simple, earnest, truthful. The tree had become something so close to her that she was reluctant to see it torn down to serve as New York City's famous tree at Rockefeller Center.

Unfortunately, the story details escape me now, having seen it only once the night it made its debut in '96 and expecting that it would become a rerun the way IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE did. No way. All of the performances were fine and although many would find it a bit hokey to make such a fuss over a tree that ends up in Rockefeller Center, it was done in a way that had a magic sort of appeal. Beautifully photographed with lush vistas of New England landscapes, it had a certain charm that tried to capture the warmth of the book.

Summing up: By all means worth seeing, if you can. I have no idea why it has simply disappeared from sight.

You can watch it

[zdarov · 8/10 · 29 December 2021]

Almost all of the other reviews are a few years old and are hankering for it, I just ran across it for the first time. You can find it on ..you..tube. Only part-way through, I can tell this is my kind of movie! Fun to see A. McCarthy in something so sweet and tame. Julie Harris has such a beautiful voice to listen to.

Where's the soundtrack score?

[imhd-936-240370 · 8/10 · 9 November 2019]

After Stars Fall in Henrietta, this was great. Needs a release. David Benoit!

Tree - Where do I begin?

[karenschriver · 10/10 · 22 November 2005]

When "The Christmas Tree" was on, the phone rang. It was my mother. I had picked up the phone without really thinking. All I said was that the best Christmas movie ever was on and I could not talk right then and hung up the phone, not answering again, until the show ended. I have a big flowering crab that grows in front of my house that gives me so much pleasure during every season and I sometimes think of it as "Tree". I agree with others, why do they not replay this movie on TV? Release it, let us buy it. I would so love the opportunity to see it again. I have bought the book and it is nice, but Sally Field really brought the story to life.

Lovely.

[wind-22 · 10/10 · 3 December 2006]

A feel good Christmas Tale. What a wonderful adaptation of a true story.

Anyone who's ever made the trek (or dreamed of) to see the tree in Rockefeller Centre will love this movie.

The charm of the need to feel close and loved by the lost child, and how the mystery of her life come together in this magical tale. The corporate search and it's attempt to walk all over anyone in it's pass is squashed by the lovely endearing nun.

I would love to see it every year but sadly it's been tucked away like so many of the wonderful Christmas values we had years ago.

If you're looking for a special movie, contact your local TV station and request the movie....maybe, just maybe... we can bring back the true meaning of Christmas.

Happy Holidays, Everyone...and every day of the year!

Xmas fun

[mpino · 29 January 2002]

This is just one of those movies that words can't explain. All I have to say is that this has to be one of the best Xmas movies I have seen for a long time. The music is great the location is lovely. Watching the movie you can see a lot of Sally field comming out of the main actor. Watch this movie with a loved one next Christmas.

Let the music play

[PeterJackson · 4/10 · 23 December 2001]

This could have been quite a charming tale, though it really has very little to say. It's about a nun and a tree, and a guy who befriends them both. Not much more to it than that. But what's really a shame is the overly sentimental approach of directing actress Sally Field. Each and every scene works its way to a certain climax, the music swelling in the background, enter the violins, etc. Really quite amateuristic and not a great directorial effort by Sally Field. The performances are nothing special too. Forgettable fare. 4/10

The best Christmas movie ever!

[zippysden · 10/10 · 20 January 2006]

This movie has become a traditional part of my Christmas season along with the movie All Mine to Give. I was lucky enough to have taped it when it was shown just once the following year and then never again. Of course I have all the advertisements, etc. to skip over but it is still worth it. This is a movie that stays with you forever. No matter how many times I see it I am still left with the same haunting feeling. I can't understand why it is not rerun or sold on DVD. Every year I search for a store copy of this beautiful movie showing how the greatest joy can be had with just the simplest things -- a tree and a beat up old satchel.

I cried and I cried and I cried.

[j89434 · 10/10 · 24 January 2004]

This is a great tear-jerker. I cried and I cried and I cried. I am old-fashioned and sentimental and this filled the spot. Possibly a "woman's movie"? I would highly recommend this to people who are loving, thoughtful, and sensitive.

The Christmas Tree

[mdpjp · 9/10 · 12 February 2005]

This was a charming TV movie. One I wish were available on VHS or DVD. It was a thoughtful and seasonally appropriate movie demonstrating the love one has for nature's gifts and learning to let go of those cherished gifts, to make way for something new. Think about giving up something as an adult, which you have cherished since childhood. I imagine it would be very difficult. That's one part of what this movie allows the viewer to be aware of. Of course there are other story lines about growth and love and giving. All very much a part of the meaning of Christmas. While an uncomplicated plot overall, the movie encourages the basics of the Christmas season and the basics one usually encounters in life. A simple story with several valuable lessons.

A story that should become a Christmas tradition..

[baccaridj50 · 10/10 · 29 January 2007]

simply put I am a huge fan of Christmas stories, GOOD Christmas stories. the year the Christmas tree was aired I was sick to death with the flu...... as i watched this beautiful movie with one of our most revered actresses Julie Harris it was so refreshing to finally see something different about one of the most popular Christmas events-we have ,the Christmas tree in Rockefeller square. What gives with not releasing this movie. I am so tired of the same old same old ridiculous Christmas stories that are being produced, silly...too romantic.....overly sappy... AND I LOVE SAP..... please please please....try to get this movie released,it should become a Christmas tradition. Sorry for the length of this, but I have been searching for this movie for years..... Thank you so much...David

Sentimental? Well, YEAH!

[scarlettudor · 10/10 · 13 November 2005]

Some movies just stick with you. You continue thinking of them, being reminded of them, for years to come.

'The Christmas Tree,' directed by Sally Field, starring Julie Harris, is one of those movies.

Why it has not been re-shown on TV since its 1996 debut, I do not understand. Why is it not available for sale or rent anywhere, I do not know.

Tree is about a young girl who is an orphan, living in a convent. Her special friend is a tree, to whom she takes all her joys and sorrows. During the course of the movie, her early history is revealed, as well as a glorious future for Tree.

Some might call it sentimental, but isn't that a lot of what Christmas is about? I haven't looked at a tree quite the same way since.

The Christmas Tree 1996 Julie Harris

[pegglesstar · 10/10 · 14 December 2006]

This movie was one of the best movies I have ever seen, and should be available to view every year, its a classic!! The center of the movie is focused on Nun played by Julie Harris, and how one of the greatest trees are searched out , found, then placed on display in New York.. Julie Harris made a special bond , one that started when she was a little girl, with "Tree", a bond so different , yet unique. You almost feel the tree is alive and you feel, the part "Tree" played in the mind of a young child, giving her comfort as she grew to adulthood. I would indeed buy this movie I look every year for it, its really a good movie and should be viewed every Christmas.

Love is a many splendor-ed tree!

[lfowden84 · 10/10 · 25 December 2006]

Saw this on TV. A simple and beautifully told story of an young girl searching for love and her father. Like most children she has her "security blanket" which in her case happens to be a tree...... That beautiful tree is her confidant,her confort,her everything. So you can image her reaction when she is asked to give up this constant source of joy to be cut down and become the Christmas tree in the Rockefeller center. The story unfolds with such emotions by letting us know the life of the sister who adopted the Tree. Right until the end her roller coaster of emotions keeps us fixed and transfixed to the chair. Loved it and loved Julie Harris controlled acting.The sententially story of Cristmas without the usual HO HO HO. Recommended. Millie

A Wonderful Family Christmas Movie

[LLAN454 · 10/10 · 9 November 2003]

I saw this television movie in 1996. I thought is was wonderful. Have waited 6 1/2 years (6 Christmas seasons), for it to return; so that my children could enjoy it. Beautiful movie, with a lot of heart! A wonderful movie to watch during the Christmas season.

Tree!

[rampbjr · 10/10 · 4 March 2003]

How sad to see a friend pass on. Especially if that friend meant so much to you that they practically saved your life. To most other people who drive by hundreds of trees each day, going to work or picking up their children, they don't give those trees a second thought. To her, her tree was her world. How wonderful that someone who felt so alone could find such beauty, companionship and love from one tree. How easily we buy trees each Christmas just to discard them after the season passes. The only concern being, when will the garbage men cart it away from "our" habitat. Perhaps that's why I bought a good strong fake tree when I needed one for my home.

looking for The Christmas Tree (1996)

[dorisaikenda · 10/10 · 30 August 2016]

I loved This movie,The Christmas Tree (1996) starring Julie Harris,Trint Alvarado,Andrew McCarty. Director Sally Field,writer Julie Salamon. I have really been looking for a long time thank u to anyone who can help me find and buy this Story about a N.Y. gardener befriending a elderly nun.Wanting a tree she been growing for decades,and move it to N.Y. for Christmas. I remember watching this each year with my mom,as of 2010 she passed away. I love love, to be able to share this with my sons and their children,my grandchildren. A beautiful story,and a spiritual,wholesome story. If u can help me I'd love this and it would be a true blessing for myself and family,Thanks My email is [e-mail]

Excellent Movie

[fjohnsto · 10/10 · 25 September 2002]

OK, so I must love the smaltzy Christmas movies! I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and wish that it would be on every year as I didn't tape it back in 1996 and I haven't been able to find it on since then.

Julie Harris was excellent and Andrew McCarthy was great too. Great plot line - excellent, feel-good Christmas movie.

A great movie for the whole family

[gayled1 · 10/10 · 16 November 2006]

I found this to be a great "Christmas Story," for the whole family. On my way home from work yesterday I was telling the ladies on my van-pool about it and how surprised that I really never saw it again on TV. Two of them stated that they will go on line to see if they can find it. I thought it had a good story line. Having a sister in the convent for forty years I was able to relate to the nuns in the story. The locations where they filmed the scenes were beautiful. The movie was easy to follow as they went back and forth about Sister Anthony's childhood and what why she had this relationship with this tree. I saw a special awhile back on how they search to find the tree in Rockefeller Center. This morning I decided to go online to see if I can find the movie on DVD or VHS. I also read the book.

wow

[conchur-mckeown · 10/10 · 24 December 2009]

Wow this is such an excellent film.. i just bought it of amazon really cheap.......... sound and picture quality 10/10 great film got my mother it for Christmas its only $39.99 dollars on amazon or 29.99 GBP on Ebay Search it Very cheap rather than being ripped off. Cheap Affordable Brilliant Film. You wont find it anywhere else. the other thing is it only took 8 days to come to me from America and i am in the uk good luck and enjoy the film guys. Such a rare and old film. so hard to find yet so dear. Its an excellent film about a nun who likes her Christmas tree and a guy wants to buy it off her. They stop and talk for a while. this film has stuck with me over the years.

Please Bring back to TV or DVD

[coolusamom · 10/10 · 31 October 2018]

I loved this movie. It was such a touching movie and the ending was well planned. My girls would always watch it and we had a huge tree and they named it Mr. Tree. I so wish my older grandkids could see this movie.

Wonderful holiday movie

[dodgedart-57373 · 10/10 · 30 November 2017]

I saw this movie quite a few years ago and cannot say enough about it. What a moving story about how even the most uncommon things people would think is of no value to anyone, the sister has taken care of her beloved pine tree for decades and loves it like she would love a person. Her gardener has come to her wanting to fell her beloved tree for Rockefeller Center in New York. She finally gives in and the emotion that wells over you seeing the tree being cut is quite overwhelming. Great movie, I bought my CD on eBay from a gentleman that recorded it without the commercials, only way I found to purchase.

Tree!! Great movie! I would love to see this become an annual tradition!

[isail_dp · 10/10 · 2 December 2007]

I did record it in 1996 when it aired, and watched it with my husband faithfully every year. We both looked forward to watching it with great anticipation. I lent it out to a number of friends, and now I can't find my copy. It is one of the best Christmas movies ever made. I would love to see it aired or better yet available on DVD. I'd buy it in a minute! Andrew McCarthy does an excellent job in the part and I agree that Julie Harris is superb. I loved the friendship between the young man and the middle aged nun. Her expectations and his surrender to her wishes was spellbinding. I used to think the name of the movie was "Tree", it made such a strong impression.

She's not impressed by Rockefeller Center, and I don't blame her.

[mark.waltz · 8/10 · 25 December 2021]

Basically this comes down to "find your tree elsewhere", that is why the message to Rockefeller Center landscaping manager Andrew McCarthy who is searching for the annual Christmas tree and tries to manipulate none Julie Harris in allowing him to cut down her favorite tree, one that has been a comfort to her ever since she was an orphaned girl brought there. She was a quiet child who basically didn't speak until she saw the tree for the first time, and that tree helped through many obstacles in her life including a brief romance with a wonderful young man who was in love with her but being taken away elsewhere by his father. Having dealt with the death of a nun who had left the convent only to be killed in the London Blitz, Sister Anthony certainly has felt her share of pain.

This film is best when it deals with situations outside of McCarthy's professional life and spends time either in flashbacks of young Anna or in the present day with her life as Sister Anthony. To see Anna go from young girl to idealistic teen to a maturing and loving nun, you get to see every aspect of her, and why she ended up devoting her life to God and found comfort with this gorgeous pine. Anyone who has lived in the country will relate to the comfort one gets from a particular tree or piece of land, in my case the gorgeous orchards of a fruit farm I spent my early life on. Anna/Sister Anthony expresses her fear of abandonment, something that started when she was taken away from her protector, a young boy named Tom, when she was at an orphanage before going to the content.

One place where the characters Anna is lucky is the convent of nuns she was raised by, treating her as if she were their daughter. They are a variety of temperaments, many of them sweet and truly Godly, others stubborn and feisty, particularly the aging nun whom McCarthy encounters when he first arrives to meet Sister Anthony. I also love their in deference to the outside world, which includes modern technology and the commercialism of Christmas especially. This is Julie Harris at her most warm-hearted, seriously someone you would want to have as a best friend and confidant. McCarthy is basically the listener in this, and you pray that he truly is grasping the message that she's trying to teach him. No way should such a gorgeous tree be taken out of the ground before its time, and ultimately, he has to face the fact that the decision is up to her. The direction of Sally Field might seem overly sentimental to some, but in the case of the story, that is an absolute necessity.

The Christmas Tree named Tree

[waynesavage-909-12906 · 9/10 · 27 December 2014]

This movie was a very pleasant surprise that we stumbled across on YouTube. Although this film was eighteen years old as we saw it for the first time today, it was new to us. The Christmas Tree starred Julia Harris from The Christmas Wife along with Andrew McCarthy. It was directed by Sally Field who was not in the movie.

Sister Anthony came to an orphanage as a little girl and every day throughout her life she found solace underneath this very special tree that she named 'Tree.' It had become a place of prayer and comfort. One day Richard Reilly, the man in charge of finding the annual Christmas Tree for Rockefeller Center (played by McCarthy) came along wanting Tree. No spoilers here but this is a must see Christmas movie, my new favorite, great story telling and brilliant directing from Sally Field. This is a truly touching Christmas movie and the first movie I've rated on IMDb giving as many as nine stars.