I first watched "A House Without A Christmas Tree" as a 15 year old when it originally aired in 1972. Years later, around the holidays I thought about this TV movie and wondered if it would ever be aired again. I had not seen it in over 35 years! I was happily surprised when I saw it on a late night broadcast. Jason Robards played the role beautifully, and Lisa Lucas plays his impetuous daughter. What ever happen to her? I have not recognized her in any other role. Anyway, this is a hidden gem of a movie. It moves at a steady pace, and has many moments that reminds me of my childhood in a small town.
32 Reviews
Memories for Baby Boomers
lesinger0427 December 2006
This is one of my Christmas favorites. It has great details of Christmas and school in the 40s and 50s, bringing back many familiar memories to those Baby Boomers whose fathers went off to work with a lunch pail. Despite the title, it's not a sappy show. Addie looks and acts like a real kid, and the show received good reviews when it was broadcast. Mildred Natwick is wonderful as Addie's grandmother. It isn't really a kid's show, in that it is written from the point of view of the grown Addie looking back at her relationship with her father. If you like this kind of bittersweet story, you would probably like Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory," and the short "Christmas Snows, Christmas Winds." They are childhood memories from the same era.
Ten-year-old Addie's father won't allow a Christmas tree in the house.
Gail_Rock9 August 2007
As the writer of the original autobiographical material for "The House Without a Christmas Tree," I wanted to thank others for their kind remarks. The writer of the teleplay based on my book was the late Eleanor Perry who won an Emmy for her script. The show also won a Peabody Award. I'm told that it will soon be available on DVD. The book is still in print as a paperback at Scholastic Press. Lisa Lucas, (Addie) continued acting through her teenage years, doing guest appearances on TV and appearing in several features. She then studied at the Cordon Bleu in France and opened a French restaurant in New York City.
A Touching Story For The Christmas Season
gitrich10 December 1999
One must wonder why an outstanding production like House Without A Christmas Tree, is never shown during the Christmas holidays. It is one of televisions finest moments starring Jason Robards, Lisa Lucas as "Addie" and Mildred Natwick as Grandma. It takes place in a small town in Nebraska in 1946. Robards plays a father who, without his wife, can not seem to communicate with his daughter. We can only hope that this fine presentation of 1972 is brought back for all of us to enjoy again.
Superb rendition of a classic story
Marta19 December 1999
CBS was known, in the old days, for it's quality adaptations of literature, be it classic or contemporary. As a child of the 60's and 70's, I remember all of these with great warmth, but none more than "The House Without a Christmas Tree" (except possibly for "J.T.", the story of the little boy and his cat). This is a simply told story, but it shines with an inner light. Lisa Lucas plays Addie, a 10 year old girl who lives with her widowed father and his mother in Clear River, Nebraska during the late 40's. Her father is still terribly torn apart over the death of his wife, so torn apart that he can't stand to celebrate Christmas and remember how happy he was when she was alive. To this end, he won't allow a Christmas tree in the house. Addie is determined that she will have a tree this year, and tries every minute she can to weedle him into getting one.
There are true emotions in this film; Addie is hurt by her father's seeming indifference to her, and doesn't understand why he won't buy a tree. He can't bring himself to explain, so these two headstrong people continually clash. Addie's grandmother softens what she can, but her son won't listen to her. He is sometimes cruel to his daughter, to hide his own wounded feelings. He and Addie come to a truce of sorts at the end, but it's not a neatly wrapped up conclusion, and it feels just like a real father-daughter relationship. Jason Robards is devastating as the father. His eyes are so expressive; the pain bleeds out of them, and just as conversely the love he truly does feel for Addie also shows in them. Mildred Natwick is just fine as the grandmother. She is the warm, comfy composite of every grandmother who ever lived, but she also adds a bite to the character that is refreshing. The Nebraska setting does just as much to enhance the story.
This was broadcast in 1972 on CBS, and not shown again till Disney picked it up in the very early 80's, along with the other two movies taken from Gail Rock's wonderful reminiscences of growing up in rural Nebraska, "The Thanksgiving Treasure" and "Addie and the King of Hearts". This film is available on VHS tape, and is highly recommended for the whole family. My own children always adored it.
There are true emotions in this film; Addie is hurt by her father's seeming indifference to her, and doesn't understand why he won't buy a tree. He can't bring himself to explain, so these two headstrong people continually clash. Addie's grandmother softens what she can, but her son won't listen to her. He is sometimes cruel to his daughter, to hide his own wounded feelings. He and Addie come to a truce of sorts at the end, but it's not a neatly wrapped up conclusion, and it feels just like a real father-daughter relationship. Jason Robards is devastating as the father. His eyes are so expressive; the pain bleeds out of them, and just as conversely the love he truly does feel for Addie also shows in them. Mildred Natwick is just fine as the grandmother. She is the warm, comfy composite of every grandmother who ever lived, but she also adds a bite to the character that is refreshing. The Nebraska setting does just as much to enhance the story.
This was broadcast in 1972 on CBS, and not shown again till Disney picked it up in the very early 80's, along with the other two movies taken from Gail Rock's wonderful reminiscences of growing up in rural Nebraska, "The Thanksgiving Treasure" and "Addie and the King of Hearts". This film is available on VHS tape, and is highly recommended for the whole family. My own children always adored it.
excellent television special
thomandybish10 May 2001
I first became acquainted with this special not through its television airing but through a novelization of story checked out of my school library when I was in the sixth grade. I loved the story and wished to see the tv special, but it seemed to be one of those holiday specials that aired infrequently(if at all)since its 1972 premiere. I finally caught it about 25 years after its first airing(and about fifteen year since I read the book)one Saturday morning during the Christmas season. The story of a precocious ten-year old girl's struggle to persuade her aloof father to give her a Christmas tree and their mutual growth towards understanding each other is quality entertainment that is seldom seen nowdays. Deserves to be a classic.
a wonderful story
laurajaykay16 December 2005
This is the story of the relationship between a 10 year old girl and her bitter stern father and one special Christmas when they were able to see through each other' eyes. It should be shown every year on TV. We have a copy and my daughter and I watch it once or twice every December. None of the kids are smart mouthed like kids in movies are so often today. They are not too sweet or babyish either.They act like real 10 year old kids. The story moves along at a good pace. The setting of 1940's Nebraska adds to the story. Lisa Lucas as 10 year old Addie was excellent. The supporting characters enhance the story and are very realistic. I especially like the character of the grandmother. This movie will be enjoyed by all ages who like good quality entertainment.
A Christmas Story You Will Long Remember
gitrich29 December 1999
I first saw The House Without A Christmas Tree in 1972 when it aired on CBS. I have always felt that it was the best Christmas story ever filmed. It stars Jason Robards as a father who is bitter after the loss of his wife ten years earlier. He can't seem to communicate with his young daughter Addie played by Lisa Lucas. Her character will touch your heart as this little 10 year old struggles with the fact that her father doesn't seem to love her. Her grandmother is played by, verteran actress, Mildred Natwick and gives an excellent performance. Now available on video. Check it out.
A Christmas Classic
csread615 August 2006
I first saw this on television when I was in elementary school back in the '70s. I actually found it on VHS video years ago and enjoy watching it regularly. It's an unusual role for Jason Robards, but he's excellent in it. And the actress who plays Addie is certainly homely by today's standards, but very authentic in the role and for the times, which are the 1940's in the Midwest. In fact all the actors and actresses are refreshingly real. If this movie were re-made today (which I hope it never is) it would undoubtedly be filled with "beautiful people." I think that is part of the appeal of this movie. It speaks to another time - not just the '40's, but to the 70's when it wasn't necessary to be Barbie doll perfect to be on television or in the movies. Times have changed, but this movie is a classic.
Not a good movie at all!!
tallguy6229 November 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I trusted people here who had done reviews on this movie and I was really disappointed. The movie itself was just re-released in October or November on DVD, so it is now back in print. I promptly ordered it from Borders.
I found the script to be lame and uninteresting. The girl who played Addie did have quite a bit of personality, but that did not "save" this from being a bad movie. It was not just the script -- the story really did not have enough substance to it to make it interesting. It was extremely boring and unimaginative. I'm sure the book probably portrayed the story much better than the movie did.
I love Mildred Natwick to death, but she didn't have a good script to work with, so her character was very shallow. The only really interesting part was when she confronts her son near the end, and that only lasts for a good 2 minutes at best. The rest of the film was just bad.
There MUST be better Christmas movies out there than this one!
I found the script to be lame and uninteresting. The girl who played Addie did have quite a bit of personality, but that did not "save" this from being a bad movie. It was not just the script -- the story really did not have enough substance to it to make it interesting. It was extremely boring and unimaginative. I'm sure the book probably portrayed the story much better than the movie did.
I love Mildred Natwick to death, but she didn't have a good script to work with, so her character was very shallow. The only really interesting part was when she confronts her son near the end, and that only lasts for a good 2 minutes at best. The rest of the film was just bad.
There MUST be better Christmas movies out there than this one!
Excellent for kids to see!
TCMUSK2 September 2002
As a kid in the 70`s, I watched this program and throughly enjoyed it. This same cast also did a thanksgiving special called "The Thanksgiving Treasure" and neither are shown anymore. I thought that I saw them more than once, however, I never see them anymore.I sure would like my kids to see these. Lisa Lucas did an excellent job as Addie Mills. Why did they discontinue airing these two specials? Are these available to rent? Please contact me on availability, as I surely am interested.
Yep, this one is worth a 10 out of 10.
mark.waltz18 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This beautiful TV Christmas movie is absolutely perfect from start to finish, even better than the family period piece "A Christmas Story" which is still re-run every year while this one is pretty much forgotten. Divided into acts with what looks like children's pieces of art, this tars young Lisa Lucas as a 5th grader who longs to have a Christmas tree. However, her father (Jason Robards), embittered by years of widowhood and hard work refuses to bend to get her one. Lucas's grandmother, Mildred Natwick , does her best to try to persuade her son to bend, but even her love can't make Robards change his stubborn mind.
There are also a series of terrific sequences involving Lucas's 5th grade teacher, Kathryn Walker, who is so beloved by her class that they go out of their way to get her a unique Christmas gift. It is a simple story of what the holidays really mean to children outside of receiving presents, as well as Lucas's desire to connect with her father and Natwick's desire to see her son come out of his lengthy depression and begin to show love to his daughter.
The film shows a different side of children and how they connected with each other anymore innocent era. The film deservedly won an Emmy Award for best script, and director Paul Bogart was also acclaimed as well. The film does not overstay its welcome, and shows that even underneath the shell of a curmudgeon like Robards lies a sensitive man who only needs to see the light to really bring a gift to his family that can't be bought. Finding classic Christmas movies like this previously unknown to me is a better Christmas gift than I could ever hope to receive.
There are also a series of terrific sequences involving Lucas's 5th grade teacher, Kathryn Walker, who is so beloved by her class that they go out of their way to get her a unique Christmas gift. It is a simple story of what the holidays really mean to children outside of receiving presents, as well as Lucas's desire to connect with her father and Natwick's desire to see her son come out of his lengthy depression and begin to show love to his daughter.
The film shows a different side of children and how they connected with each other anymore innocent era. The film deservedly won an Emmy Award for best script, and director Paul Bogart was also acclaimed as well. The film does not overstay its welcome, and shows that even underneath the shell of a curmudgeon like Robards lies a sensitive man who only needs to see the light to really bring a gift to his family that can't be bought. Finding classic Christmas movies like this previously unknown to me is a better Christmas gift than I could ever hope to receive.
So glad this special FINALLY made it to DVD!
Moax4292 January 2007
I was only 10 years old when "The House Without a Christmas Tree" was shown for the first time on CBS on Christmas Day in 1972.
I have some rather vivid, but pleasant, memories of when I first saw this TV movie. That year, what Christmas presents I do remember receiving included a model car kit (which my father spent most of the day helping me build), three record albums, and a cassette tape recorder (which I wanted most of all). Later that evening, we all gathered around the TV and watched "The House Without a Christmas Tree;" needless to say, it was an excellent story (I also remember the librarian at our elementary school highly recommended this special, as well as encouraging us to also read the book). The following year, my family got their first color console TV (we had only a small 17-inch black-and-white set before that), so we were able to see "The House Without a Christmas Tree" again, in color - and that was the last I ever saw of the movie (which CBS recorded on videotape rather than film) until December 1987, when CBS reran "The House Without a Christmas Tree" for the very last time. Unfortunately, that final airing was the victim of a "hatchet job," as the network had to chop out about 10 minutes in order for the movie to fit the time slot.
After that last airing, I remember writing to CBS/Fox Video (which has since become 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment) and asking them if they would ever release "The House Without a Christmas Tree," uncut, on VHS tape, to which they blithely (and somewhat smugly) replied, "At this time we do not own the rights to distribute it on videocassette." Mercifully, after five years elapsed, Fox finally came to their senses and released the movie on VHS tape; I bought a copy of the tape in December 1992, and now every time I visit my family up in Davison, Michigan for the holidays I've instituted a new tradition - my mother and I watch "The House Without a Christmas Tree" each year, on Christmas night, together. (Unfortunately, my father went to his final reward at the outset of 1992.)
On December 1, 2007, I was shopping at a local Kmart and was perusing through the holiday DVDs when what should I happen to see but a DVD copy of "The House Without a Christmas Tree," and it was the last copy on the shelf! I'm really glad I bought it (the disc having been on sale that week also helped); I wondered when Paramount, which now distributes all of CBS' DVD product, was ever going to release it on disc, and that videotape I had of the show was beginning to deteriorate after 16 years. "The House" looks and sounds as good as the first time I saw it in color in 1973, and now I won't have to worry - at least, for the next decade - about the DVD wearing out soon.
Now if only Paramount would consider putting "The Holiday Treasure" and "Addie and the King of Hearts" (the other two specials in the series) on DVD next, that would really be great!
I have some rather vivid, but pleasant, memories of when I first saw this TV movie. That year, what Christmas presents I do remember receiving included a model car kit (which my father spent most of the day helping me build), three record albums, and a cassette tape recorder (which I wanted most of all). Later that evening, we all gathered around the TV and watched "The House Without a Christmas Tree;" needless to say, it was an excellent story (I also remember the librarian at our elementary school highly recommended this special, as well as encouraging us to also read the book). The following year, my family got their first color console TV (we had only a small 17-inch black-and-white set before that), so we were able to see "The House Without a Christmas Tree" again, in color - and that was the last I ever saw of the movie (which CBS recorded on videotape rather than film) until December 1987, when CBS reran "The House Without a Christmas Tree" for the very last time. Unfortunately, that final airing was the victim of a "hatchet job," as the network had to chop out about 10 minutes in order for the movie to fit the time slot.
After that last airing, I remember writing to CBS/Fox Video (which has since become 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment) and asking them if they would ever release "The House Without a Christmas Tree," uncut, on VHS tape, to which they blithely (and somewhat smugly) replied, "At this time we do not own the rights to distribute it on videocassette." Mercifully, after five years elapsed, Fox finally came to their senses and released the movie on VHS tape; I bought a copy of the tape in December 1992, and now every time I visit my family up in Davison, Michigan for the holidays I've instituted a new tradition - my mother and I watch "The House Without a Christmas Tree" each year, on Christmas night, together. (Unfortunately, my father went to his final reward at the outset of 1992.)
On December 1, 2007, I was shopping at a local Kmart and was perusing through the holiday DVDs when what should I happen to see but a DVD copy of "The House Without a Christmas Tree," and it was the last copy on the shelf! I'm really glad I bought it (the disc having been on sale that week also helped); I wondered when Paramount, which now distributes all of CBS' DVD product, was ever going to release it on disc, and that videotape I had of the show was beginning to deteriorate after 16 years. "The House" looks and sounds as good as the first time I saw it in color in 1973, and now I won't have to worry - at least, for the next decade - about the DVD wearing out soon.
Now if only Paramount would consider putting "The Holiday Treasure" and "Addie and the King of Hearts" (the other two specials in the series) on DVD next, that would really be great!
Sharing book with kids
thefetherolfs9 December 2006
I had watched this movie when I was a young girl and loved it, too! I was so excited when I recently ordered the book from Amazon for a very reasonable price and received it within 48 hours. I am reading it to students at the school where I work. Also, I found the video at the library! I just hope I can finish the book before break and show the video before we break for Christmas. I'm determined to do it come hell or...I am working in the library so I am sharing it with several classes. The kids laugh at some of the funny slang terms in the book and really enjoy the feisty nature of the main character, Addie. I enjoy the historical nature of the book and reliving my childhood and how I felt as a child watching the television special. What a gem!
A sweet, simple Christmas tale from 1972
zakbo29 December 2006
If this had been produced on film instead of tape, it would no doubt be on TV every year. It is a thoroughly enjoyable, sweet, nostalgic, heartfelt story along the lines of The Waltons (particularly "The Homecoming" pilot for that series), Little House OTP and A Christmas Story. Highly recommended for families, and touches gently on the theme of feelings of loss and grief that often come up for many people during the holidays, when departed loved ones are most missed. I always come away from this movie with a renewed appreciation for all the opportunities we have at Christmastime to truly honour and share its meaning and message of love and giving with the people in our lives.
A gem! Don't miss it!
BrentCarleton23 September 2008
Those of us fortunate enough to have seen this in its original network broadcast, (as a "Hallmark Hall of Fame" presentation I believe) were I'm sure deeply touched by its deft balance between genuine sentiment and the non demonstrative (and hence never cloying) depth of its emotional honesty.
There is a quiet dignity here--missing from many Christmas programs, a dignity bolstered by the superb mise en scene of a mid west Christmas in 1946, a time in America of self sufficiency, a time when the body politic did not blame the government for natural disasters or acts of God, and a time when people still presumably were able to save "six thousand dollars" on a limited income.
The domestic focus here, on a 10 year old bespectacled girl named Addie who lives with her widowed father and paternal grandmother amply demonstrates not only these characteristics but the small pleasures (which can dwarf expensive pleasures) of that day and time: of an extra quarter for the movies, sewing one's own costume for the Christmas pageant, baking cookies, buying a gift for the schoolteacher at the local pharmacy, and most importantly, erecting a Christmas tree to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.
What's refreshing here is the refusal of the script to sugar coat, and it is the undeniable sadness of a man bereft of his deceased wife, which casts a pall over the entire household that constitutes both the stories subtext and its principal conflict.
The cast is superb! The youngster playing Addie avoids the fatal cuteness that afflicts many child actors, and delineates a character of both gumption and vulnerability. Who can not smile over the way she conceals a crush on a school mate by claiming all she admires about him are his new cowboy boots? Jason Robards Jr. is just as good here as he was in a "Thousand Clowns," and his taciturnity does not prevent our more than once glimpsing into his broken heart.
And Mildred Natwick! What a treasure she was. It is her performance you may savor most of all, a woman of love and compassion, but one firmly grounded by the limitations of this life, who has that seasoning, that sense of recollection that the years bring to the best of us, and which is known as wisdom.
And a special accolade to the young actress playing the schoolteacher, who also contributes a memorable job (and who also does the voice over in the prologue, it sounds like).
The production design team does excellent work here, and is to be commended on snowy mid-Western exterior locations which beautifully match the school and domestic interiors, (with hook rugs, Eastlake settees, and cabinet radios) which will bring back warm memories of all those who shared in that place and time.
This is family entertainment in the best sense--genuinely moving without an ounce of schmaltz.
There is a quiet dignity here--missing from many Christmas programs, a dignity bolstered by the superb mise en scene of a mid west Christmas in 1946, a time in America of self sufficiency, a time when the body politic did not blame the government for natural disasters or acts of God, and a time when people still presumably were able to save "six thousand dollars" on a limited income.
The domestic focus here, on a 10 year old bespectacled girl named Addie who lives with her widowed father and paternal grandmother amply demonstrates not only these characteristics but the small pleasures (which can dwarf expensive pleasures) of that day and time: of an extra quarter for the movies, sewing one's own costume for the Christmas pageant, baking cookies, buying a gift for the schoolteacher at the local pharmacy, and most importantly, erecting a Christmas tree to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.
What's refreshing here is the refusal of the script to sugar coat, and it is the undeniable sadness of a man bereft of his deceased wife, which casts a pall over the entire household that constitutes both the stories subtext and its principal conflict.
The cast is superb! The youngster playing Addie avoids the fatal cuteness that afflicts many child actors, and delineates a character of both gumption and vulnerability. Who can not smile over the way she conceals a crush on a school mate by claiming all she admires about him are his new cowboy boots? Jason Robards Jr. is just as good here as he was in a "Thousand Clowns," and his taciturnity does not prevent our more than once glimpsing into his broken heart.
And Mildred Natwick! What a treasure she was. It is her performance you may savor most of all, a woman of love and compassion, but one firmly grounded by the limitations of this life, who has that seasoning, that sense of recollection that the years bring to the best of us, and which is known as wisdom.
And a special accolade to the young actress playing the schoolteacher, who also contributes a memorable job (and who also does the voice over in the prologue, it sounds like).
The production design team does excellent work here, and is to be commended on snowy mid-Western exterior locations which beautifully match the school and domestic interiors, (with hook rugs, Eastlake settees, and cabinet radios) which will bring back warm memories of all those who shared in that place and time.
This is family entertainment in the best sense--genuinely moving without an ounce of schmaltz.
one of the best Christmas movies of all time
planktonrules11 June 2005
I have shown this movie to some of my high school students and SOME felt it was a bit schmaltzy and syrupy. Perhaps some may find it that way in parts, but I can't recommend this movie enough. I have bought my family a copy of the movie and I have given several away as Christmas gifts.
The acting is superb--especially the gruff Jason Robards and Mildred Dunnock as his mother. Addie, Robards' daughter does a competent job as the child who wonders WHY they don't really celebrate Christmas in their home--why no tree? The answer is slowly revealed in the movie and your attention will be kept throughout. And, because it's so well written and directed, the payoff is well worth the wait.
If you like this film, there were follow-up films with the same cast THE HOLIDAY TREASURE, THE EASTER PROMISE and ADDIE AND THE KING OF HEARTS. Find them, too, if you can.
The acting is superb--especially the gruff Jason Robards and Mildred Dunnock as his mother. Addie, Robards' daughter does a competent job as the child who wonders WHY they don't really celebrate Christmas in their home--why no tree? The answer is slowly revealed in the movie and your attention will be kept throughout. And, because it's so well written and directed, the payoff is well worth the wait.
If you like this film, there were follow-up films with the same cast THE HOLIDAY TREASURE, THE EASTER PROMISE and ADDIE AND THE KING OF HEARTS. Find them, too, if you can.
It is a warm wonderful film aptly played by great actors.
onebigdot27 December 2000
I haven't seen this t v movie for many years, but the fine acting and storyline make it a picture that you would remember always and want to see again and again and I don't know why this hasn't become a Christmas classic.
Christmas family story is set in author's small hometown
SimonJack7 January 2015
Set in 1946 small-town America, "The House Without a Christmas Tree" is a wonderful Holiday movie, based on a story by Gail Rock. Other reviewers tell about the plot and actors, so I'll give some information on the film's background, the author, locale and other details that viewers may find of interest.
In this case, based-on-a-story-by does not refer to the author's book by the same title. That's because Rock didn't write the book until two years after the TV movie was made. The Fremont, Nebraska Tribune ran an article and interview with Rock on Dec. 23, 2003, in which Rock tells how the movie, the book and later books came about. In the summer of 1972, Rock was on vacation with a bunch of co-workers in Connecticut. At the time, she was a film and TV critic for CBS. "We were sitting around a pool and talking about what shows we'd do in December," Rock said. Others said they would like something different than the usual stories, "so I told them mine," Rock said. "They insisted that I write it down."
The Fremont Tribune article describes what happened next. "Playwright Eleanor Perry took Rock's recollection and developed it into a script, actress Lisa Lucas was cast as Addie Mills, with Jason Robards as her father and Mildred Natwick as her grandmother. Rock was invited to Canada to watch the filming of 'House' and was amazed when Lucas, then 12, walked onto the set, ready for the shoot. 'It was spooky when she came out she looked so much like me at that age,' said Rock.
Some reviewers have said they saw the movie as a Hallmark production, but that's not correct. It was made by CBS as a low-budget videotape movie, and it was hugely popular. It won an Emmy award for Eleanor Perry's writing adaptation, and it won a Christopher Award. So, CBS aired it during succeeding Christmas holiday seasons throughout the 1970s. In 1991, it was produced on VHS, and it came out on DVD in 2007.
The Fremont Tribune article of 2003 explains what happened after this movie aired in 1972. "The success of the CBS show prompted Rock's editor to suggest a full-fledged version of 'House,' which Rock wrote in 1974. That novel was followed by 'The Thanksgiving Treasure,' 'A Dream for Addie' and 'Addie and the King of Hearts,' all based on the adventures of the spunky girl from Clear River." Rock said that she drew from facts mostly, with some fiction, for her series.
The movie was filmed in Uxbridge, Ontario, and I can imagine that the producers found that to be a place that would look most like Rock's (Addie's) small town in Nebraska. While she called her hometown Clear River, it was really Valley, Nebraska. The movie script narration says a town of 1,500 population. But it also said most streets weren't paved. From 1946 to 1972, Valley had changed substantially, and its close proximity to Omaha and with some new industries and housing sections, it didn't quite resemble the American small town of the 1940s.
I remember driving through Valley several times in the late 1940s and early 1950s – going to Omaha from Columbus, Nebr. My parents took me and another brother along on trips for shopping, meeting friends, and entertainment. U.S. Highway 275 ran through the town then. The highway now bypasses most of the town, and the old highway is Reichmuth Road.
A couple of other anecdotes that may be of interest. In the movie, Gail's character, Addie, says that she will go to Paris and never marry. Rock has noted that both of her predictions have come true. Rock continued to go back home. Even after her grandmother and father died, she would still go back for school reunions. In the summer of 2014, Valley, Nebraska celebrated its sesquicentennial. During the weekend of Aug. 15-17, author Gail Rock was a special guest who met and visited with friends and the public in the public library. She was 78 years old.
In this case, based-on-a-story-by does not refer to the author's book by the same title. That's because Rock didn't write the book until two years after the TV movie was made. The Fremont, Nebraska Tribune ran an article and interview with Rock on Dec. 23, 2003, in which Rock tells how the movie, the book and later books came about. In the summer of 1972, Rock was on vacation with a bunch of co-workers in Connecticut. At the time, she was a film and TV critic for CBS. "We were sitting around a pool and talking about what shows we'd do in December," Rock said. Others said they would like something different than the usual stories, "so I told them mine," Rock said. "They insisted that I write it down."
The Fremont Tribune article describes what happened next. "Playwright Eleanor Perry took Rock's recollection and developed it into a script, actress Lisa Lucas was cast as Addie Mills, with Jason Robards as her father and Mildred Natwick as her grandmother. Rock was invited to Canada to watch the filming of 'House' and was amazed when Lucas, then 12, walked onto the set, ready for the shoot. 'It was spooky when she came out she looked so much like me at that age,' said Rock.
Some reviewers have said they saw the movie as a Hallmark production, but that's not correct. It was made by CBS as a low-budget videotape movie, and it was hugely popular. It won an Emmy award for Eleanor Perry's writing adaptation, and it won a Christopher Award. So, CBS aired it during succeeding Christmas holiday seasons throughout the 1970s. In 1991, it was produced on VHS, and it came out on DVD in 2007.
The Fremont Tribune article of 2003 explains what happened after this movie aired in 1972. "The success of the CBS show prompted Rock's editor to suggest a full-fledged version of 'House,' which Rock wrote in 1974. That novel was followed by 'The Thanksgiving Treasure,' 'A Dream for Addie' and 'Addie and the King of Hearts,' all based on the adventures of the spunky girl from Clear River." Rock said that she drew from facts mostly, with some fiction, for her series.
The movie was filmed in Uxbridge, Ontario, and I can imagine that the producers found that to be a place that would look most like Rock's (Addie's) small town in Nebraska. While she called her hometown Clear River, it was really Valley, Nebraska. The movie script narration says a town of 1,500 population. But it also said most streets weren't paved. From 1946 to 1972, Valley had changed substantially, and its close proximity to Omaha and with some new industries and housing sections, it didn't quite resemble the American small town of the 1940s.
I remember driving through Valley several times in the late 1940s and early 1950s – going to Omaha from Columbus, Nebr. My parents took me and another brother along on trips for shopping, meeting friends, and entertainment. U.S. Highway 275 ran through the town then. The highway now bypasses most of the town, and the old highway is Reichmuth Road.
A couple of other anecdotes that may be of interest. In the movie, Gail's character, Addie, says that she will go to Paris and never marry. Rock has noted that both of her predictions have come true. Rock continued to go back home. Even after her grandmother and father died, she would still go back for school reunions. In the summer of 2014, Valley, Nebraska celebrated its sesquicentennial. During the weekend of Aug. 15-17, author Gail Rock was a special guest who met and visited with friends and the public in the public library. She was 78 years old.
The House Without a Christmas Tree and The Thanksgiving Treasure are excellent movies!
lawrencerlong31 October 2005
"The House Without a Christmas Tree" and "The Thanksgiving Treasure" were excellent TV movies that my wife and I saw in the early seventies. We enjoyed these movies very much and would like to buy copies of them. If anyone knows where we can buy them, please let us know! Both of these movies star Jason Robards. The House Without a Christmas Tree is about a little girl in Nebraska who is determined to have a Christmas tree this year but her dad doesn't want her to have one. His wife died a few years back and he is still bitter about Christmas. It all works out in the end however. The thanksgiving Treasure is about a girl who has a horse that she loves to ride. She stops at this house down the road where a lonely old man lives. Through a lot of effort, she becomes his friend. This is a very heartwarming story.
The House Without a Christmas Tree is a must for all young and old
bittersjulie4 December 2006
I remember the movie House Without a Christmas Tree being aired for the first time on CBS in 1972.I was 10 years old too at that time. The movie is based around a ten year old girl wanting a Christmas tree so bad she tries persuading her stubborn but heartbroken father to buy one in every way she can think. Addie is challenged in many different ways, all for the love of wanting a Christmas tree. The story leads to great heartache for Addie as well as her father. The grandmother, who lives with them too, tries to convince the father to no avail.
This is a must see movie for all ages. A wonderful cast consisting of Jason Robards as the father, Lisa Lucas as Addie, and Mildred Natwick as the grandmother. It has a very heart-wrenching, but moving surprise ending, one you will be glad you didn't miss.
There is also, The Thanksgiving Treasure with the same cast of characters that you will be sure to enjoy as well. Both of these movies should be a must in everyones Christmas movie collection as well as in book form. These have become a yearly tradition for my family . My Christmas wish is for CBS or Hallmark to play these spirit filled holiday classics.
This is a must see movie for all ages. A wonderful cast consisting of Jason Robards as the father, Lisa Lucas as Addie, and Mildred Natwick as the grandmother. It has a very heart-wrenching, but moving surprise ending, one you will be glad you didn't miss.
There is also, The Thanksgiving Treasure with the same cast of characters that you will be sure to enjoy as well. Both of these movies should be a must in everyones Christmas movie collection as well as in book form. These have become a yearly tradition for my family . My Christmas wish is for CBS or Hallmark to play these spirit filled holiday classics.
Finally !!!
PrairieCal16 October 2007
October 16, 2007 - FINALLY someone woke up and released this incredible masterpiece on DVD. It goes on sale today.
Other comments have acknowledged what a fine film this is. Truly it's an experience. It not only depicts memories, is realistic and well done, but for anyone old enough to remember the time period, it's like traveling back to one's own childhood.
It's a sheer joy to see Mildred Natwick work her magic, but all of the cast is excellent. Do they have awards for casting directors? Whoever pulled this one off deserves one. The production values are impeccable, the locations and settings are flawless.
Now that this is out on DVD, maybe someone else will wake up and release "Stubby Pringle's Christmas" as well.
Other comments have acknowledged what a fine film this is. Truly it's an experience. It not only depicts memories, is realistic and well done, but for anyone old enough to remember the time period, it's like traveling back to one's own childhood.
It's a sheer joy to see Mildred Natwick work her magic, but all of the cast is excellent. Do they have awards for casting directors? Whoever pulled this one off deserves one. The production values are impeccable, the locations and settings are flawless.
Now that this is out on DVD, maybe someone else will wake up and release "Stubby Pringle's Christmas" as well.
A wonderful Yuletide gem.
Norton-922 October 2007
I remember watching this wonderful Christmas offering as a 9 year old when it first aired in 1972. I was able to record it on VHS in the '80s, and since then it has been a must-watch every year. Based on Gail Rock's book, it's simple story of love and longing over the Christmas season is truly the stuff which is rarely, if ever produced these days. The trio of Jason Robards, Mildred Natwick, and Lisa Lucas are absolutely top-notch. I recommend "The House Without a Christmas Tree" without hesitation to anyone who wants a good, simple, heartfelt story to help remember what Christmas used to be like way back when. Thankfully, the movie is now available on DVD for the first time, making this little seen production readily available for all.
A fine and warmhearted Christmas tale of family love!
bfjrnski5 December 2003
"House without a Christmas Tree" actually works so well because of it's setting in 1940s Nebraska.Back at a time when children actually respected their elders and there was no such thing as a single parent!Which brings us to Addie Mills.She's 10 years old,spunky,and lives with her older,gruff,hardworking,no-nonsense father and her loving grandma.We learn that Addie's mother died when she was a baby and her father has been unable to enjoy Christmas ever since!Nowadays of course Addie's teacher's would probably have reccommended old dad to spend time in counseling while Addie spent Christmas with her new foster family visiting grandma at the local assisted-living condo devolopement! But,putting humor aside, this story works because Addie so desperately wants not just her first Christmas tree BUT her dad's love and affection!With the help of her loving yet patient grandma young Addie manages to break through dad's wall of coldness by her act of doing good for somebody less fortunate! This could NEVER be tolerated in the new Mellenium,but in 1940s Nebraska a family's love and devotion shines through the holidays once more!!!
Excellent drama
DaCritic-28 November 2000
I have to admit, I was too young to get a lot of the nuances when I saw this, when it first aired back in the 'seventies. I'd love to see it again, as well as the two other Gail Rock adaptations for CBS' "Hallmark Hall of Fame." I do remember thinking at the time that all three dramas rang true... unlike so many family dramas/sitcoms of that time (or now, for that matter).
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