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House Without A Christmas Tree (The) (TV)
R1 - America - Paramount Home Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak and Stevie McCleary (10th November 2007). |
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The Film
 In this TV-movie from 1972, and set in 1946, Jason Robards plays a bitter widower who lives with his mother (Mildred Natwick) and refuses to let his daughter Addie (Lisa Lucas) have a Christmas tree. Hence the title; "The House Without A Christmas Tree". He then lets her have a Christmas tree. The end. Now, to be honest, people that are interested in this type of film comprise a very small market. The people who aren't interested in this type of film have already stopped reading, wondering why they started in the first place. It's a pity that many of my comments won't really endear me to the people who have been waiting with bated breath for their fix of this film on DVD. But then, why would those people be reading a review about it? 90% of people interested in this film are the ones who have already seen it and probably saw the title of the review and went "That movie is out? Excellent, I'll go pick it up". Anyone that wandered in here curious about what this film was actually all about have almost certainly left by now. So I could pretty much just repeat the word 'poop' over and over until I get bored or distracted. Anyways, in the small instance that someone is hardcore jonesing for more information on a 35 year old TV-movie; the plot is rather...what way to put this...simple. In fact the whole production is entirely without sarcasm, irony, cynicism, or a budget. This might be endearing to certain people searching for a safe holiday film for their children because "Jingle All The Way" (1996) was all sold out at the store. And it does have a few important life lessons to be learnt...like the difference between someone who is a character and someone who is a nut. And that 25 cents could buy you just about anything in 1946. Jason Robards is the glue that holds this little heart-warming tale together. He brings a weight to what would otherwise be more on the side of shallow rather than whimsical. While not let down by the other cast, they are more than capable in their limited roles, it is Robards who brings the serious acting chops that will endeavor to keep the viewer awake for the duration. Although he does this mainly be eating, smoking, reading and acting generally very pissy. On further reflection, I'm not certain he's acting at all. I think the filmmakers merely moved into his home for a week and bothered him a lot. The character of Addie comes from the autobiographical book by Gail Rock (incidentally this is the first of four TV-movies based on her writing, each with a holiday theme. Sadly, no Halloween slasher chapter made the cut). The character is smart and outgoing, while verging on abrasive and loudmouthed. But she has a good heart. Except when she chooses to win a Christmas tree rather than letting the little poor girl have it. But hey, going to Heaven is over-rated. A dead plant is far more important in the long-term. Okay, I'm being pretty unfair, considering how that situation actually winds up in the movie, but at the time it's kind of jarring. I'd explain more but there's so little that happens in the story that, in the spirit of non-spoilage, I really shouldn't say anything else at all. Y'know...for those rushing out to rent/buy a copy right now. Which I wouldn't recommend doing. It's safe, pretty bland, and vaguely annoying at times. Your children would be taught a much better lesson if you set them on fire. For playing with matches? Sure, whatever justification you need.
Video
Presented in the film's original broadcast ratio of 1.33:1 this full screen transfer better than I expected but still very soft, considering this film was shot in the 1970's and was made for TV don't expect reference quality stuff here. The colors aren't as vivid or bold and the overall image is a bit on the dark side. There's some noise amid the black levels and some noticeable lines of damage than run through the frame a few times which was rather annoying. This film was never really going to get a whiz-bang treatment so be just be happy that this release is probably better than an VHS versions released in the past.
Audio
A single English Dolby Digital 2.0 mono track is included which appears to be the original broadcast audio and presents the film suitably although it's limited in depth and range. The film's dialogue does at times sound a bit low. All you can really ask for with a film like this is clear dialogue and we don't really get that consistent sound quality all the way through and considering there isn't much that would really warrant a 5.1 mix this sub-par mono mix is all that was realistically ever going to be available. This release does not feature any subtitles.
Extras
None!
Overall
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