Watch this with a tissue in your hand

October 27, 2007 By Elizabeth

Sigh. This is one of those movies that I remember being a CBS Special Event, when it was on only once a year, and my family gathered in front of the TV to watch it. I also read the book many times. “The House Without A Christmas Tree” is based on the autobiography by Gail Rock, and it tells the story of ten year old Addie Mills (played by Lisa Lucas), who is growing up in Nebraska in the 40s, with her father (Jason Robards) and grandmother (Mildred Natwick). What Addie wants more than anything is to have a tree in the house for Christmas, but her father, newly widowed, can’t bear to celebrate the holidays at all. It’s up to Addie’s grandmother to get Addie and her father to get past their stubbornness and see that they still have each other, and can celebrate Christmas together.

This movie was made in 1972, so there are no fancy extras on the DVD. But there’s something about the simplicity of it, the absence of special effects and such that makes it even more special to me. It’s just a good, heartwarming, bittersweet story that the whole family can enjoy. There is exactly one curse word in it (the father says “hell”), but I hope that won’t stop you from showing this classic Christmas movie to your children. The House Without A Christmas Tree is available on Amazon.com for $9.49 plus shipping for a new copy, and less for a used one. Add it to your family’s holiday movie collection or give it as a gift!