Customer Reviews

The House Without a Christmas Tree

5 star:		(171)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Hi, I am Addie Mills (Lisa Lucas)and I just wanted to thank all of you who wrote such warm and complimentary reviews about "The House Without a Christmas Tree". What touched me most is the lasting impression the show made on so many and I feel very privileged to hold a place in their memory and their holiday tradition. It was a wonderful experience working on such a meaningful project and with such talented people. Actually, we did four specials all together. One for Thanksgiving called "The Holiday Treasure", for Easter called "The Easter Promise" and Valentines day (believe it or not) called "Addie and the King of Hearts." All but the Valentines Day show are available on video and I believe all four books are still out there. It's nice to see that good quality and heartwarming emotional drama can still be appreciated. Thanks again. (No, I'm not acting anymore but I did go onto roles in "An Unmarried Woman" with Jill Clayburgh, "Turning Point" with Shirley Maclaine and some wonderful television films like "The Adams Chronicles","A Perfect Match" and "The Migrants" Special hi to Traci in Canada. Yes,I remember spending many a cold day in your school during filming!

I was 13 when this movie first came out. It touched me deeply and still does. I noticed one reviewer said the filming was terrible. You have to understand that this was filmed inexpensively, in the 70's as a childrens special.It was based on the book by Gail Rock and so it was as though looking at the illustrations in a book. We didn't have all those fancy technical affects they have now. And, even if they did, that's not what the movie was about. It was about family, emotions, the simpler times. That's what touched us.It tugged at our emotions and our heart strings. We didn't need great technical affects to entertain us. And if the feeling isn't there when you view it. It never will be. So, if you're looking for fantastic special effects, this isn't the movie for you. There are plenty out there, devoid the emotions. If your looking for a movie,that will touch your inner self, then this is the movie for you. I also am pleased to have the video sequels "The Holiday Treasure" and "The Easter Promise". I only wish they'd make available on video. "Addie and the King Of Hearts". I'm hoping it can be done as there are many of us that would love to own it on video.

This is finally on DVD! Thank God! I have been so worried about my VHS copy deteriorating.

I wish I could give this story an even higher rating than a mere five stars! It is 1946 in the small town of Clear River, Nebraska, and Addie Mills, the lively, intelligent and artistic daughter of widower James Mills, who is being raised by her grandmother because her mother died shortly after she was born, once again broaches the idea of having a Christmas tree. Her father, who has remained withdrawn and embittered in the long years since her mother's death, as always fobs her off. Then Addie wins the classroom Christmas tree and takes it home...

This wonderful story was filmed and first broadcast in 1972 and shown on CBS. It was produced on videotape, which takes away a bit of the magic. However, it also makes you feel as if you are eavesdropping on this family, as if they were participants in a reality series. Lisa Lucas is splendid as the articulate Addie and Mildred Natwick is a charming grandma, but major kudos go to Jason Robards in the role of Addie's father. He could have been portrayed as a soulless tyrant but is revealed to be a desperately grieving and unhappy man instead.

The "look" of this special contributes to its appeal; the clothing, the sets, the classroom situation all makes you feel as if you are truly back in 1946. Paramount Video needs to release the three sequels as well; THANKSGIVING TREASURE is particularly good, and the fourth story, ADDIE AND THE KING OF HEARTS, has never been released to video at all. It sells on bootleg sites for $$$!

(I have a web page devoted to Addie that covers the different specials and the books (no advertising allowed!) at addiemills dot flyingdreams dot com. Hope you enjoy.)

I remember watching this video fully expecting to be bored to tears- Instead the story moved me to tears. As a young man I learned through this story not only to embrace Christmas, but my family, life, and my emotions. This video is everything that a story should be... somehow just in viewing it you become a better person.

Buy this for your family and friends... and thanks to Amazon.com for allowing us the opportunity to relive the best moments of our holiday past...

It's amazing how many people have never heard of this film. I believe it is not considered a Christmas classic because it was shot on video rather than film, and because of this, it has the look and feel of a daytime soap. But the feelings inspired by this film, as well as the first-rate acting, especially from the 3 leads, (Lisa Lucas, jason Robards, and Mildred Natwick) are incredible, and this movie has a powerful effect on me to this day. This is a perfect film, yet, it is never shown on TV any longer.

Year after year, this program aired on CBS, especially in the 1970's. My sister and I adored this film, and I still try to get anyone to watch it. It is nostalgic, and the set decoration, as well as the immediacy and realism of the characters are well-crafted. I'm not sure if actor Lisa Lucas still reads reviews on Amazon.com, but she should realize what a powerful performance she gave as the young Addie Mills. There is nothing overtly sentimental in anyone's performance, and director Paul Bogart created a memorable film in the television medium format. It was obviously done on a low-budget, but it proves that little money can still make a powerful story.

It's sad, since Jason Robards, Mildred Natwick, and even Addie's friend in the film, "Carla Mae" have passed away. I can only hope that everyone who is still alive who helped to make this film, recognizes what a wonderful film they made that should be re-introduced on television now amongst all the junk that plays every year around the holidays.

A MUST SEE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC. You owe it to yourself to see this little known classic.

This is a charming story. Great for kids to watch. It probably won't be converted to dvd so you'd better buy it now. It's a story of a widower living with his daughter and his mother. His relationship with his daughter is deeply disconnected(for lack of a better word). The father (played wonderfully by Jason Robards) lost his wife to pneumonia but he takes his loss out on his daughter. He blames the death of his wife on the birth of Addie (the daughter). He claims that the birth of the baby weakened her. "Why couldn't the baby die instead of her" he questions.

Addie tries to please her dad but keeps missing the mark. She knows nothing of her mother because her dad doesn't speak of her and refuses to have anything in the house that reminds him of his dead wife. Hence, his refusal to get Addie a Christmas tree. His mother tries to make him understand that Addie needs his love, not just a roof over her head and food to eat.

This little drama is well acted and touches the heart. No doubt some folks grew up in a house that looked very much like the home set in this video. How often have people baked Christmas cookies for others because it's all they could do? This drama was done back in the 70's for CBS which doesn't make it ancient but still it has an aged look about it. The film looks older than it is which adds to its charm.

Please don't miss the opportunity to sit down and watch this with your children. It would also make a great Christmas gift for a child. There is no nudity, profanity, violence or sex in this film. It is kid friendly. Parents, please purchase with confidence.

You will find this video highly enjoyable! Please get one before they are all gone. It might not be so easy to find once supplies are exhausted.

Enjoy!

I cannot believe that this is finally on video... I've waited 27 years like everyone else, to see this again... I was only 5 at the time I last saw it, but it made a clear impression on me... I just found this at amazon.com, bought it, and it was worth waiting 27 years for. They should air this on CBS this season... The other video with the same family and cast is called The Holiday Treasure which is also sold on amazon.com... It's about the true meaning of thanksgiving... and if you like The House Without A Christmas Tree, than you will love The Holiday Treasure... They are both awesome. Makes great gifts.

This story is about a little girl who lives with her father and paternal grandmother. Her father won't let her have a Christmas tree because of painful memories. It is somewhat depressing or disturbing in parts, but has an excellent message. It's good for family viewing, but younger children may be disturbed when the father has an outburst and uses the h*** word. It is also 'interesting' to see the father smoking as you'd never see that in a family movie nowadays. It seems to be a Canadian production that appeared on CBC. It is filmed in a studio format, so it seems like a play (if that makes any sense) similar to the British version of the Secret Garden with Sarah Hollis Andrews. Anyway, it's a good movie and I would recommend that people see it.

I'm another one who has waited a very long time for this nostalgic feature to be released to video. This film illustrates the true spirit of Christmas in a multi-act live drama/play form. It's not about the gifts that are bought, wrapped and boxed but rather the gifts of the spirit and the heart. It's a real tear jerker about a family and the power of Christmas gifts of love, compassion and understanding (remember those?) in a time of holiday grief. Excellent performances by Lisa Lucas, Mildred Natwick and Jason Robards as the "Grinchy", sour and emotionally distant father.

In additon to excellent acting and a heart warming story, this movie is also very well presented. There are some very artistic, yet simple visual transitions that separate each act as the narrator recounts her story of a Christmas so memorable. The painted pictures and real life image transitions creatively bring this story to life and also capture the memories for all generations to enjoy during the holiday season and all year round.

You will feel the empathic power of this holiday treasure.... and even more if you have ever lost someone you loved. If you have any Grinches in your family, this is the perfect gift.

I saw this movie every year in the 70's when I was a kid. I can't remember exactly the last time I saw it in the 70's, but I have looked for it to be shown every year since then and it has not been shown. It's now another Christmas season and I have thought of it again. This was the first movie that made a big impression on me. The story, the little girl, and Jason Robards were simply amazing, and so touching.

I could never remember the exact title of this movie, except that it contained Christmas Tree in it. It wasn't until I was watching Saturday Night Live 2-3 years ago that it was mentioned by one of the players as a favorite holiday movie. I actually learned from Saturday Night Live the exact title and that the man who played the father was Jason Robards!

It is a shame that they do not show this movie anymore during the holidays. Someone should bring it back to TV to give a new generation a chance to view this treasure. In the meantime, I will watch it on video this season!