Mr. Krueger's Christmas (1980 TV Movie) User Reviews

Fills me with nostalgia

[Tug-3 · 8/10 · 3 November 2000]

I must have watched way too much TV growing up, because today I associate nearly every special event of my childhood with one program or another. On Christmas Eves when I was a wee lad, my family would return home from the seven o'clock service, my mother would begin cooking desserts for the next day's festivities, and we would turn on WPIX New York to watch the "Yule Log," a two-hour loop of a burning log accompanied by yuletide music. (Sounds kind of strange, I know, but it was a holiday tradition for many New Yorkers.)

After the yearly Yule Log broadcast ceased at 11:30 or so, WPIX would air this gem of a Christmas special. By this time of the evening, I would be drowsy, but filled with anticipation for the morning. Watching "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" meant that the holiday, around which the entire kid year revolved (to quote Jean Shepard), had finally arrived.

Jimmy Stewart is wonderful in this understated and poignant show. It's impossible to describe without using the word "heartwarming." It has been years since WPIX broadcast the Yule Log or this special (though the Yule Log is now available for downloading on their website [!]), so when I watch my old videotaped copy it really takes me back. Folks who are looking for a copy of this show should know that even though it has not been widely released on video, it is available for purchase through the Jimmy Stewart museum (www.jimmy.org).

New 25th anniversary edition DVD

[leezurligen · 9/10 · 28 November 2005]

I just watched the 25th anniversary edition DVD of Mr. Krueger's Christmas. A previous reviewer was right--this Jimmy Stewart classic is the definition of "heartwarming" and on the digitally remastered DVD, Stewart's touching performance comes across better than ever. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has also re-recorded its music for the new release, so this DVD sounds great, too. The disc also includes seven Christmas carols performed by the Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square in the beautifully decorated LDS Conference Center, as well as two short films. If you have a hard time finding this DVD, try asking a Mormon friend or neighbor how you can get a copy--they'll probably give you one for Christmas!

Christmas For the Old and Lonely

[bkoganbing · 9/10 · 29 December 2006]

Unlike so many stars James Stewart was careful and choosy with the material he did when he became a senior citizen. No slasher flicks, no self caricatures capitalizing on his image for Mr. Stewart. This film that Stewart did for the Church of Latter Day Saints is a perfect example of his good taste.

Jimmy Stewart is Willie Krueger, senior citizen and widower, who works as an apartment building janitor and lives alone except for his cat named George. With his wife dead and children scattered if any, Christmas is a lonely time for the elderly and particular this elderly. But he's a man content with the life he's led, it was a good if obscure one.

He still would like some human company though and in his imaginings he finds himself directing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in their Christmas holiday show and then in the presence of the baby Jesus in a nativity scene. Viewers will find that a most moving scene as he thanks the Babe for his life and the faith that he had to sustain him.

Stewart's performance reminded me very much of Tyrone Power in The Long Gray Line. In that one Power aged almost fifty years and the scenes in that basement apartment reminded a lot of Power as an old man after the death of Maureen O'Hara. Of course Stewart did not need any aging makeup at this point in his career. I really believe that the folks at the LDS church who produced Mr. Krueger's Christmas were influenced by that John Ford classic.

Mr. Krueger's Christmas has become a minor holiday classic in the tradition of that most famous of Jimmy Stewart films, It's A Wonderful Life. It's a simple and profound story and a great tribute to that most beloved of American players.

Excellent Christmas movie

[mtmansfield · 10/10 · 4 December 2005]

I have seen this movie every year for the past 25 years and I still get very emotional when I see it. It helps me and my family remember what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. My children really enjoyed it and they want to make it a tradition of watching this along with all of our other Christmas movies. Jimmy Stewart did such a good job in this movie. I could tell that he really liked directing the Choir and also how the choir responded to him. I remember reading in an article years ago, that Jimmy Stewart had always wanted to direct the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He did a good job and you can see that by the way that the choir members responded to him. Thanks for a great movie.

A Heartfelt and Touching Story

[SaintLewi · 17 September 1999]

"Mr. Krueger's Christmas" is a movie that I see every Christmas. Ironically enough, I have yet to see "It's a Wonderful Life", but give me time. James Stewart's acting is wonderful, as you feel for him throughout the entire show. The musical accompaniment by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is amazing. Although it is not readily available in most video stores, ask any Mormon friend, and they will probably be able to provide a copy. It will add smiles and happy times to that most wonderful time of the year. See this movie!

Excellent Christmas treasure!

[dollface007 · 10/10 · 29 September 2000]

This is such a wonderful, feel good movie! Jimmy did a brilliant job in it. I could watch it everyday until I die and I would still cry at certain parts. There are two scenes in the movie that were completely unscripted: the reaction of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to Jimmy was real, and Jimmy's lines in the cave were his own emotions. This is such a good movie and radiates the love of Christ.

Powerfully impacts viewer's life through participation in the emotion of the hero.

[nbjcodd · 10/10 · 19 December 2002]

Marvelous movie - Clearly shows real meaning of Christmas. Impact of key scene, lovingly acted by Jimmy Stewart leaves viewer wanting it to last. Earnest prayer impacts viewer's life vicariously. This should be shown every year to everyone wanting a fresher look at the Christmas story through the eyes of a poor, devout and gentle man.

The reason for the season

[Jeremy12345 · 10/10 · 21 December 2014]

This is an absolutely amazing short little film that really touches my heart every time I watch it. It reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a reminder to be kind and serve one another. This reminds us that we should seek to do good to all mankind and treat them with love and respect and help them feel loved. This is the true spirit of Christmas and is the reason for the season. I really think Jimmy Stewart did an amazing job of his portrayal of Mr Krueger. I really loved the scene of him in the manger telling the baby Jesus of his gratitude for all that he did for him. It is such an inspiring and heart warming scene. I would highly recommend this to all people

"You remind me of everything good about Christmas"

[ackstasis · 7/10 · 26 December 2009]

My Christmas Eve viewing for this year consisted of Frank Capra's holiday favourite 'It's A Wonderful Life (1946),' preceded by 'Mr. Krueger's Christmas (1980).' The latter was clearly a very personal project for James Stewart, who had pretty much retired from acting by the close of the 1970s. In the film, which runs for 25 minutes, a lonely widower (Stewart) tries to share his Christmas spirit, but finds this difficult in a dingy underground apartment with no company. After imagining several dreamy sequences of holiday-themed harmony – including an affecting visit to baby Jesus in his barnyard manger – Mr. Krueger befriends a group of Christmas carolers, in particular a bright-eyed young girl (Kamee Aliessa) who represents everything that is pure and joyful about Christmas.

'Mr. Krueger's Christmas' was produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and unfortunately the film does end with the sour note of religious propaganda. Interrupting what might have been a touching moment of Christmas goodwill, a random voice-over interjects with "I love you. That's what Christmas is all about... Clarissa said it to Mr. Krueger; Mr. Krueger said it to Jesus; and Jesus in so many ways said it to all of us." Leave it to a religious institution to state the obvious. Luckily, James Stewart's incredibly-heartfelt performance manages to elevate the film above these syrupy foundations. Had the role of Mr. Krueger been in any other actor's hands, there'd be very little to recommend. However, behind Stewart's eyes, there lies the subtle mingling of love, sadness and joy, and an astonishing conviction in his film's message.

As long as I can remember you've been right by my side.

[utgard14 · 8/10 · 20 December 2013]

Beautiful and touching Christmas story about Mr. Krueger (James Stewart), who loves Christmas but has no one to share it with. The moments of Krueger reaching out to strangers, looking for anything from a simple "Merry Christmas" returned to someone to drink hot chocolate with him, were very sad. I really felt bad for this guy. Throughout the story, he drifts off into daydreams. These are all wonderfully done segments. Particularly the final one, where he finds himself at the manger with baby Jesus. This is the most powerful scene, with Stewart delivering his lines with such authentic emotion, I couldn't help but get weepy. Jimmy Stewart really was a one-of-a-kind actor and a very special man, as well. After this, he would only do a couple of more projects and some voicework. So this really was his last great performance in a career full of them. It's a true holiday classic and I would encourage everyone to see it.

Solid watch during the holidays

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 16 December 2015]

"Mr. Krueger's Christmas" is a 25-minute short film that has its 30th anniversary this year. The title character is played by James Stewart in one of his last performances, 40 years after his Oscar win. The director is Kieth Merrill, also an Academy award winner at this point already. I thought this was a decent little flick. No true greatness in here and a bit gooey (stranger girl says him she loves him) and predictable, but it's sweet, has nice emotions and tells a solid story. The music is nice too. Maybe there were slightly too many religious references for my taste, but I guess some people like it exactly because of that. I think that it's worth checking out during the holidays, especially by fans of James Stewart. All in all, I give this one a thumbs up.

Stunning Christmas movie

[jeffgintz · 10/10 · 25 December 2015]

This is an incredibly entertaining Christmas movie that has become a Christmas Eve family tradition. Mr. Krueger is a lonely old man prone to daydreaming. He gets the chance to make a connection with some carolers on Christmas Eve and invites them in for "chocolate". Mr. Krueger ends up going caroling with them and a little girl in the group of carolers captures his heart. Short, sweet, and entertaining, this movie touches you deeply and makes a lasting impact. If the scene where Mr. Krueger meets baby Jesus doesn't bring tears to your eyes then you must be a robot. The performance by Jimmy Stewart is a crowning accomplishment at the end of a legendary career. Watching this movie is one of the few times all year we can get our four hyper children to all sit down and focus.

What a drag it is being old.

[planktonrules · 5/10 · 23 December 2022]

"Mr. Krueger's Christmas" is a Christmas special that was produced by the Mormon Church. Amazingly, they were able to secure Jimmy Stewart for the title character. And, if you are interested in seeing it, it's now on YouTube.

The film doesn't have a lot of story...and it's only a half hour long. Mr. Krueger (Stewart) is a lonely old widower who seems to have no friends or family. So, during the Christmas season, he daydreams a lot...about friends, directing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, celebrating Christmas and meeting the baby Jesus. However, he's quite alone and his only friend is his cat. Even the carolers who come by seem to feel awkward about being there and beat a hasty retreat from the old man's meager apartment.

I guess the point of this film might be that we should take care of our elderly and forgotten. But it's also incredibly depressing to watch instead of being heartwarming....though by the end it did improve considerably. You might like it...I just felt disappointed and depressed as I watched despite Stewart's fine acting and the happy ending.

Great!

[lnweisert · 3 December 2003]

I watch this every year after I decorate my tree. It is a little tradition. It is one of the warmest moments of the Holidays for me. Jimmy Stewart was never more "real". The video is available from the "Mormons". I had recorded it off the TV and one of my former students who was a Mormon gave me a fresh copy one Christmas. Get it. It is touching and will help you to remember what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas to the Aged and Lonely

[vernac · 10/10 · 15 November 2019]

This short movie reminds us that Christmas is for all to enjoy from the smallest babe to the lonely aged people. Jimmy Stewart, although not Mormon himself, recognized the importance of the message by the babe in a manger. He portrays what is all to familiar when we age and lose someone important. Being alone. But are we really alone? Not after you see the scene of Jimmy with the babe in the manger. This tearful exchange gives us hope when we feel alone and abandoned. Excellent movie with the most important message of all. To love each other as Jesus has loved us. You can no longer get this video for free but when you can find it and well worth the money and effort.

My favorite Christmas movie

[burn4580 · 10/10 · 27 December 2016]

My wife had ordered this movie as a free gift off of the TV several years ago. It sat on my movie shelf for years. Finally, three years ago, I watched it, not knowing anything about it. While only 25 minutes long, I was blown away by the story and Jimmy Stewart's acting. He's always been one of my favorites, but this was exceptional. A lot of us know people like his character, alone (because his wife had died), lonely and craving company. Stewart plays the part beautifully. What some reviewers miss is not only his fantasizing, but the fact that when he is on the street, he is saying, "Merry Christmas" to everyone he sees, but no one responds, as if they're too busy, which only adds to his loneliness. At one point, someone drops money into Mr. Krueger's hat thinking him to be a beggar. Mr. Krueger promptly puts the money into a Salvation Army bucket. The music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is fantastic, but the scene where Mr. Krueger goes to the manger is dynamite. He talks to the baby Jesus with a love that is unmistakable. At the end, he develops a very special relationship with a young caroler. This movie is a 'must watch' for everyone's Christmas season and will help you remember what Christmas is REALLY all about. BTW, there is a special feature on the DVD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir beautifully singing various songs.

Where to purchase "Mr. Krueger's Christmas"

[RoNeBa-1 · 10/10 · 31 January 2009]

I am pleased to report that "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" can be purchased at any LDS Distribution Center (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in DVD for under $5.00 without any tax charge. You can also purchase "The Last Leaf" in DVD with Art Carney at the LDS Distribution Center and I believe it is at the same price. It is in stock as when I purchased "The Last Leaf" on January 29, 2009 there were several copies of both at that time. Why do you have to have at least ten lines? What more can I say? I am an author myself and published "I'll Die Before You're Born" It is a time travel love story and historical book. You can check it out on my website at Koalaroopub.com It is hard bound with dust cover jacket for $19.95. It is without smut and I am writing the screenplay of it now. I published 3000 books and have sold over 600 books. It won't be in bookstores until the second printing. It is published by Koalaroo Publications in Salt Lake City. Call them at 801-910-0714 or write to them at 3359 South Main Street #284 Salt Lake City, Utah 84115. All of them are signed and numbered by me. They are sent to you postage free anywhere in the USA.

Irreplaceable short by Stewart

[brucew22 · 10/10 · 24 November 2020]

James Stewart hadn't lost a thing in his later years. Here is a touching portrayal of a lonely widower, struggling to connect with and be of service to others in a world that passes by his basement apartment with hardly a notice. The climax is so heartfelt that Mr. Stewart insisted it had to be filmed in one take.

The story by Michael McLean is simple and and yet plumbs such depth that you know all about this man's heart, challenges and faith before the short story is over. Most 2 hour movies don't flesh out their characters as well.

Very high imdb ratings are and should be very rare. This one deserves it for doing what it does to perfection. It works well as an annual holiday treat to be seen right alongside Stewart's earlier classic "It's a Wonderful Life".

An Unknown Christmas Classic

[aphillipsdakota · 10/10 · 8 June 2021]

I'm a huge fan of Jimmy Stewart and of Christmas movies so when I found out my all time favorite actor was in another Christmas movies I went out and bought a copy. The film is heartwarming and "Everything good about Christmas." I enjoy watching it year after year.

Jimmy Stewarts Best

[ggnichols-278-324449 · 10/10 · 22 December 2021]

Jimmy Stewart was not acting in this movie. It was his real beliefs. And he gave his belief and relationship to Jesus to us to see. This short made for TV movie is a must see for us all.