Product Details

• Actors: Marie Osmond, Timothy Bottoms, Bethel Leslie, June Lockhart, Donald Moffat
• Directors: Don Chaffey
• Writers: Caryl Ledner, O. Henry
• Producers: Alan Osmond, Donny Osmond, Henry J. Lange Jr., Jay Osmond, Jimmy Osmond
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Monterey Video
• VHS Release Date: November 11, 1998
• Run Time: 98 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301788508
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,024 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Inspired by O. Henry's short story about a young bride and groom, each of whom foolishly--but quite lovingly--sacrifices a treasured possession to buy the perfect Christmas gift for their mate. Amid a flurry of bustling New Yorkers clad in early-20th-century garb, O. Henry himself (David Wayne) sets the scene: Beth, a teenage orphan (Marie Osmond), comes to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle (the latter played by Donald Moffat). Her friendship with a cheerful kitchen maid soon leads to a stormy encounter with a handsome Swiss immigrant, Rudy (Timothy Bottoms). Despite Beth and Rudy's conflicting social statuses, and Beth's arranged engagement to a sickly bird watcher (a young James Woods, who truly fits the bill), the two fall in love and miraculously overcome these obstacles--all in about 95 minutes. Old-fashioned romance, elegant costumes, and a happy ending make this predictable story completely irresistible to those who love a good fairy tale--or to Osmond fans who fondly remember watching the movie on TV in 1978. Produced by the Osmond Brothers for PBS's American Short Story series. --Liane Thomas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE OF ALL TIME, December 24, 1999

By 

David Allen (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gift of Love [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have watched this movie over and over. I think this is what Christmas is all about! The love between these two young people is just a beautiful story and how they struggled to make it happen. Based on Gift of the Maji and follows the story line very well. Marie Osmond gives a excellent performance in her first picture. This has become a holiday tradition around my house and hope it will for you also.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The warmest movie ever made, July 17, 2005

By 

Brandon Witt--redbirdboy "redbirdboy" (Denver, Co United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Gift of Love (DVD)

Chances are, if you are reading this review, you are already a fan of this movie, or a fan of Maire Osmond, either of which makes you a superbly fantastic person. Congratulations on the wonderfulness that is you. Now, onto the movie. . . While often passed off just as a Christmas movie (and, don't get me wrong it should be watched at least twice every Holiday season), I also just watch this movie when I am a little down or feeling really happy already. It will leave you warm and tingly for days. I truly don't think the story could be any sweeter, or acted any more lovingly. Now, it is easy to assume that such a sweet love story would be cheesy. It's not, not at all. However, it is the definition of innocence, which can be mistaken as cheesy. The acting, as stated before, is perfect for the story, the one song she sings is haunting and will stay with you, the filming technique (while dated and not high quality) actually adds a warmth and dimension to the film. Get this movie, share it with someone you can snuggle up close to and fall asleep with. Truly wonderful!

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, One of My Favourite Christmas Movies of All Time, June 15, 2002

By 

KittyKins "KittyKins" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gift of Love [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This Osmond production is one of the best family movies out there. It is a touching story with excellent acting by Marie Osmond and Timothy Bottoms and all the supporting cast as well. I particularly like the friendship between Beth and Mary the servant girl. My teenage niece said there was only one "cheesy" part when the main characters reunite at the end. I prefer to call it touching, lol! :-) The costumes, the story line, EVERYTHING, is extremely well done. It supports Christian and family values, and there is certainly nothing that is in any way offensive. I would highly recommend this one. The Christmas theme also adds a nice touch. I also will mention that the video is closed captioned, although it does not say so on the case. I am glad for that as the two oldest Osmond brothers, who have a hearing loss, can more easily watch their sister in this outstanding film!