Candles on Bay Street (2006 TV Movie) User Reviews

A "Magical", but sad movie

[mrwiseman · 7/10 · 27 November 2006]

The story centers around four main characters a vet and his wife, and his returning childhood friend and her son.

After leaving 13 years ago without warning Dee-Dee, a free spirit who ran off with another boy, returns to her childhood home. She brings he son along, hoping to find magic in the community of her youth.

Dee Dee's life how ever intersects with the local vet, who used to be her childhood best friend, and his wife. At first their is hurt feeling, because Dee-Dee ran away 13 years ago, on the same night the vet was to give her his class ring. Soon the vet has other problems and he realizes no amount of planning can protect those he loves from bad things.

The vet's wife(also a veterinarian) is at first jealous of the reaction of her husband, since the return of this old friend, but worries are soon put to rest when she too finds magic in the personality of the candle making Dee-Dee.

Soon Dee-Dee's son begins to work with the veterinarians and finds a love of animals. He becomes closer to the couple, which may be for the best, because his mother has a secret...

Soon the magic of a community is needed to help this returning family. *****************************************************************

I expected more twists then I got in this movie, but I will say the story had heart and was well acted. I thought the lesson of how we all need each other as friends, as "family", as a community was nicely told. A Hallmark quality tear jerker...

A sweet film, if a trifle forced... the sentimental among us will embrace it, not doubt

[inkblot11 · 6/10 · 27 November 2006]

Dee Dee (Alicia Silverstone) has returned to her hometown in Maine. Her mother is deceased and Dee Dee moves into the family home with her young son, Trooper. A candlemaker, Dee Dee is longing to rekindle a friendship with her longtime buddy, Sam. Sam has stayed in the area and is the town's veterinarian, along with his wife, Lydia, also an animal doctor. Lydia is properly skeptical, at first, fearing Dee Dee as a rival for Sam's affections. Yet, it is soon clear that Dee Dee only needs a friendly relationship with the two of them. Lydia even takes a candle making class from Dee Dee, where a group of local women develop a camaraderie and connection that was missing before Dee Dee's arrival. And, Trooper begins to work at the vets' clinic, where the two doctors learn to love him, too. Dee Dee, however, has a big secret. When it is revealed, what will the consequences be? This is a sweet story that has small town values and a big heart. Silverstone is fine as the warm, free-spirited Dee Dee and the rest of the cast is quite nice, too. There are many who will appreciate the lovely setting in Maine. It is quite possible, however, that some viewers may find it predictable and the ensuing pathos, a trifle forced. Okay. But, for those who love tales that will result in more than a few sighs and tears, here is a movie made to order. When it comes to a sweet story with good values, no one probably does it better than Hallmark. Given the present penchant for violence and bed hopping in movie making, this one is a refreshing change.

A bit sappy, but a decent enough family holiday film

[ticekarimam · 7/10 · 28 November 2006]

Embarrassingly amateurish, despite good actors cast in the film. Therefore, I "watched" while working at the computer since it's a decent enough family holiday film. A pleasure to see Polly Bergen again. She is a class act and enhances any film in which she is featured. Alicia Silverstone is a decent actor, but not that great in this role. Her dramatic range isn't all that great. She's more of a comedic actor. She kept smiling too much, especially in scenes that didn't call for it. Annabeth Gish was quite good (would have been a better choice for the lead), as was Eion Bailey but their dialog, along with the rest of the dialog in the movie, was very poorly written and scene transitions were embarrassingly hokey. I did like Alicia's scenes at the end with her young son. Thoughtfully written, and probably the only truly decent dialog in the movie.

The location shots were beautiful, filmed in Nova Scotia. Definitely worth noting is the young actor, Matthew Knight, who was one of the best actors in the film, esp. his solo scene at the very end of the movie. He's going places.

candles on bay street

[t1967 · 29 December 2006]

I have seen this movie and it was amazing. It reminded me of my best friend Deb who passed away almost 1 yr ago and cried when I heard the song " you've got a friend" in it, because it was my and Debs friendship song ever since we were teens. She loves candles and passed from cancer and is loved by SO many....to me it was like she almost helped make this..like she was sending a message. make time for your loved ones...Cherish the memories. if you have very best friends ...you will love this movie. i haven't been able to find it in stores yet but will look more... this is a movie to buy and keep and watch with loved ones.

Bitter sweet movie but full of love

[lydiajp · 7/10 · 22 July 2019]

I didn't read any reviews before watching this movie. I'm not sure if I would've watched it if I did. This is not a typical every day Hallmark movie, even though it's in the Hallmark Hall of Fame. I think it was very well done and it really does have a happy ending. Of course a half empty glass people won't think so. It's not for everyone but I'm glad I watched it.

Candles on Bay Street, get out the Kleenex

[ioscotrux · 9/10 · 27 November 2006]

A Hallmark "to be classic"! This movie was a tear jerker from the minute Dee Dee said she went back and forth to Boston. You knew then, what was happening. I cried from then on. Alicia Silverstone is phenomenal in this movie, by far the best acting shes done!! Alicia had the Julia Roberts effect, completely captivating the watchers with her genuinely heartfelt feeling of her characters personality.Matthew Knight played the character of Trooper, and did an awesome job, expect more from this little guy, who's no stranger to acting. All the actors in this movie were very touching, getting the point across. Buy stock in Kleenex for this one!!

Candles on Bay Street- Light A Prayer for It ***

[edwagreen · 7/10 · 12 May 2008]

Hallmark Channel seems to have recurring themes in their films. Someone always returns home either for romancing a widower, coming to grips with a bitter relationship with a parent, or as in the case with this tear jerker, Alicia Silverstone comes home to leave this earth as she is suffering from terminal cancer.

It first appears that Silverstone will come into conflict with the wife of the vet that she loved dearly in childhood.

Her young son is most appealing as we find out why her marriage dissolved with tragic consequences.

The film tries to depict the strong ties that bind a small town together. This was nicely done.

Polly Bergen, as Rosemary, has a small role as the vet's secretary. She does a little singing in one scene but time has hurt her once beautiful voice. Nevertheless, it's always good seeing Bergen on film.

The candle maker

[jotix100 · 4/10 · 25 April 2008]

It is easy to see why movies made for television, as it is the case with this one, end up being shown on cable as though they were regular feature films that had, at one time, or another, been shown in theaters. The Hallmark people always enjoy in the kind of sentimentality which "Candles on Bay Street" displays. It is not, by any means a horrible movie, but it goes with the territory to expect some sort of terrible tragedy, or something "cute" in which viewers can identify with the characters in the stories presented as part of the Hallmark series.

Thus, "Candles on Bay Street" has its share of joy and tears. As directed by John Erman, it shows a well crafted product with the right ingredients that will either make the viewer love it, or just, as some comments to this site indicate, hate it. First of all, the location in Nova Scotia is too beautiful and cinematic for words. The quaint little town where the action takes place is one of dream places we know exist, but most of us never get to experience first hand.

Alicia Silverstone takes a turn to a more dramatic role than she has been asked to play. The excellent Annabeth Gish, has nothing to do with a role that will add nothing to her career. Eion Bailey is the man that was taken for granted by returning Dee Dee and comes to terms with what happened in his life. Veterans Polly Bergen and James Rebhorn are asked to help do what they do best. Young Matthew Knight is the cute element in the movie, tears and all.

good actress

[lahdeelady · 10/10 · 25 January 2007]

Hollywood. Populated by a thousand good actors and actresses. Alicia Silverstone has a bit of soul that must give her a bit of specialness. Her portrayal of a dying candle maker with only concern for her son is not in the least bit sugary. This gorgeous woman went out on limb in this this good film, and by the way, kudos to the other members of the cast. Think about it. You could go for the normal glamor jazz but you decide to define your self as an actress. If you look at her work, especially in the Crush and in the Babysitter you can perceive that this is is a very good actress. I believe that this young lady is in the class of Bette Davis.

One for the whole family

[jewelch · 7/10 · 18 January 2021]

This movie grabs your interest from the beginning. A quality Hallmark movie the whole family can enjoy together. The climax is very emotional, inspiring and very good. I recommend it. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 1/17/2021

Boooorrrrring and oh so predictable.

[ailiaq · 1/10 · 26 November 2006]

Okay, I've seen enough Hallmark movies to know that they are formulaic and sappy. That's OK, in very small doses. At times they can be as sugary sweet as the cards they make. (And don't even get me started on the commercials in between. Yikes! Anyone here a dentist?) This movie, though was insanely slow and I knew right from the beginning what the end was going to be. The characters were transparent and the dialog was pure tripe. The only upside to this movie....zzzzzzzzzz...Whoa! Dozed off there a bit, sorry! Well, if you are an insomniac, this is one to watch. I normally like Eion Bailey, but I'm afraid he couldn't save it. That is all.

Excellent Movie! Real Tear Jerker!

[mammamia701 · 8/10 · 27 June 2020]

I love Alicia Silverstone, so I was excited to watch this movie. Wow! I cried so much with this movie, which isn't typical of Hallmark movies. I don't want to give away the plot. I feel it's a good one to watch, especially if you're looking for something other than the typical feel good Hallmark formula movie. This one has it all! Inspirational, a little humor, love interests, and the drama. I caught it on Pixl Channel, which shows many of Hallmark's older movies. I recommend you check out this channel, plus there's no commercials!

Now back to the movie, I highly recommended this one! This one deserves a box of tissues and some ice cream!

Appallingly slow and predictable

[mrs_P · 2/10 · 26 November 2006]

It's hard to watch good actors in bad movies. Too bad Annabeth Gish and Alicia Silverstone got talked into making this one. Within 15 minutes I had already figured out the "secret" Alicia Silverstone's character was keeping and by 30 minutes in, I had plotted out the rest of the movie. Yes, all Hallmark Hall of Fame specials are a bit treacly, but they usually keep one's interest. This one did not.

Aside from the corny plot, the lip syncing in the musical numbers was worse than that in a Japanese Godzilla film and the blurry cinematography that was probably meant to be artsy really got on my nerves.

Follows the Formula; Still worth a watch with the kids or grands

[teri-55 · 26 November 2016]

"There are many who will appreciate the lovely setting in Maine."

Not actually set in Maine. Many scenes were filmed in Mahone Bay NS, and "Bay Street" is actually Water Street in Chester, Nova Scotia. The house used is at the corner of Water and Regent.

I thought it was a lovely film. Yes, a bit formulaic but still, a good family movie which is EXACTLY what it was intended to be.

I watched it for the location at first ( I actually live two doors down) because it's fun to see your hometown on TV (I loved the TV show "Haven" for the same reason) but I did enjoy the movie. Word of warning....keep the tissues handy.

What real friends do for real friends!!

[klmreview · 10/10 · 4 January 2021]

I love this movie!! I love the storyline and the cast is excellent!! I've watched this movie several times and just love it!!

Nice setting, anyway

[koko-10 · 3/10 · 4 December 2006]

The only reason I watched the first half-hour or so was because it was filmed in beautiful Nova Scotia. This site only mentions Halifax as a filming site, but the scene with the ferry at the beginning was the very striking Mahone Bay, with its three waterfront churches. Otherwise, it did seem pretty formulaic, and though I like Alicia Silverstone, she was just a little TOO self-consciously upbeat and there wasn't enough to hold my interest longer. So I'm guessing that her big secret was that she had a terminal illness. It's too bad, Hallmark Hall of Fame used to signify a special TV event, one that would be memorable and moving with great acting. But too often in the last few years, many of them have been very predictable pull-on-the-heartstrings productions

Don't read "Storyline" on the IMDb main page

[Jackbv123 · 10/10 · 24 January 2024]

There is a lot of sweet in this bittersweet movie. At the beginning you think there is going to be a jealousy issue and I for one didn't want to see that happen. A bit before the halfway point, you start to realize that this isn't going to be an issue. Lydia is starting to welcome DeeDee and Trooper as much as anyone. You begin to wonder where the story is going. (That is if you don't read what I consider a spoiler in the "Storyline" section. I get so angry when the official page gives too much information in the synopsis or storyline section.) Spoiler or not, the real focus of this story is revealed just a little later very close to half way. Despite what could be and is very sad, the story remains surprisingly upbeat. While the "best" that was hoped for may not happen, a pretty good second best seemed likely.

There are good performances by several actors. Alicia Silverstone is a character exactly like I expect her to be and does it well with the added twist. I was really impressed with Annabeth Gish. What her Lydia deals with and how she responds really captured my heart and you can see the true character of Lydia in what Gish portrays.

There is a really great climax and the transition to the inevitable is well done. The very last sequence is beautiful.

This movie was BAD!!!!!!!

[sweettexasgirl73 · 1/10 · 27 November 2006]

This movie was horrible!!!! I was really looking forward to watching it but after 45 minutes, it was such a mistake! Alicia Silverstone was not the right choice for the main character, she doesn't have what it takes to be in a dramatic role. Some parts I felt so bad for her because she was just so terrible. Definitely stick with comedy! Annabeth Gish did play a good part as a supportive wife but felt she could have played a stronger role, possibly the lead. They should have done viewers a favor and leave the singing portions out of this movie. The lipsynching was very, very corny!! The plot was bad and overall, this movie is not worth watching.

Sad, Predictable, but Well Done!

[frankjmonaco-44745 · 9/10 · 18 January 2022]

Yes, it was sad. Yes, it was predictable. But I thought it was well done, given the time period it was made (2006) and the scenery, acting, and storyline. Thanks Hallmark!

Worst 2 hours on TV

[ChessGuy1966 · 1/10 · 28 November 2006]

I was very disappointed with this entire movie if thats what you can call it. Seems that network TV needed to fill out a time slot on Sunday night so they filled in the gap at the expense of the audience. The movie did not have any point to it at all. The pace of the movie was extremely way too slow. The acting was terrible especially by Alicia Silverstone. I didn't learn anything from the movie and it seems that the producers put together this movie within a couple of hours. They do not make good movies like they used to and this is the perfect example of how network TV is deteriorating. I would have had more fun watching paint dry on my wall for those two hours.

Candles on Bay Street

[ciecie · 27 November 2006]

I have to agree to an extent. It drag in parts but it didn't put me to sleep. I also think that there should be more programs like it-programs that parents can let their children without having to worry about sexual content or explicit language. I think Hallmark would have been wiser to put their Hallmark Channel Movie on network television. Last year critics wondered why Hallmark had The Reading Room with James Earl Jones on the Hallmark Channel instead of network television. On to the ads, did anyone recognize the voice of the narrator in the ad of the little boy delivering the Christmas Card to his neighbor? If I'm not mistaken, it was Gary Sinise of CSI: New York.