The unexpected mix of actors in the cast resulted in an outstanding telling (historical novel-style) of the true story it is based on. It also gives an 'in-your-face' view of what life was like in the northern US at that time, especially for Irish immigrants.
Personally, I found it better than any of the annual Christmas cartoons, and on par with the great classic Christmas movies. The acting was remarkable, especially Charles Bronson, Richard Thomas, Ed Asner, & Katherine Isabelle as Virginia. You could almost feel the deep emotions of grief, frustration, and experience their transformation. Wow.
There must be some really strange reason why it has not ever been released to the public. There are copies listed at iOffer.com, though I have yet to see what the quality is like.
Personally, I found it better than any of the annual Christmas cartoons, and on par with the great classic Christmas movies. The acting was remarkable, especially Charles Bronson, Richard Thomas, Ed Asner, & Katherine Isabelle as Virginia. You could almost feel the deep emotions of grief, frustration, and experience their transformation. Wow.
There must be some really strange reason why it has not ever been released to the public. There are copies listed at iOffer.com, though I have yet to see what the quality is like.