Customer Reviews

The Man Who Saved Christmas

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A.C. Gilbert couldn't stop the war, but he made sure the war didn't stop Christmas. When the War Department asks Gilbert to turn his toy factory into a munitions plant during World War I, he agrees ..... for awhile. When the government wants America to give up Christmas, he turns that thought around and goes back into the toy business while maintaining his government contracts at the same time.

Jason Alexander, provides a wonderful portrayal of A.C. Gilbert and proves he can move far beyond his annoying character from "Seinfeld." Kelly Rowan is perfect in the role of Mary, A.C.'s wife, and Ari Cohen is marvelous as Frank Gilbert, A.C.'s brother who becomes lost in the fighting "over there."

While not historically accurate in all the details, this film provides a nice glimpse into life in the early part of the 20th century. Scenery and costumes are beautifully done and seeing all the things made from A.C. Gilbert Erector Sets makes me wish that I still had mine.

It's a heartwarming, intelligent story - perfect for watching every Christmas.

My wife and I give this movie two thumbs up, and she gave it one star less. She also said it wasn't your traditional Christmas movie. Set around WWI, Christmas is alive and well but war also encroaches, tugging at the heart as loved ones await the fate of a favorite son who goes MIA. The cast radiates in this real life drama and the cinematography captures the essence of early 20th century Christmas with great lighting and eye candy. Mr. Gilbert really does go to Washington and manages to really save Christmas from a group of rabid congressmen. Okay, maybe they were mostly stuffy. A wonderful story, true Christmas and war. It goes up in my list as one we're glad we bought.

I worried that this movie might be a little boring but purchased it anyway because I enjoy watching Jason Alexander and Ed Asner. I loved the small-town scenes and old-time romance between Jason's character and his wife. These days it is hard to find a movie where a husband and wife support each other in spite of adversity and naysayers. I love the fact that this is based on a real person. It is heartwarming and will make you want to hug all your family. This movie is suitable for all ages.

This movie is about a little known piece of American history that you should know. Have you heard of Erector sets? What about the man who created them? Who would have guessed that a toy maker had such an influence on the homefront of a world war? I don't want to give away too many details that will spoil a first time viewing. I will say it's a wonderful true life lesson about the power of the heart and how important it is to hold on to what brings you hope, especially in the most difficult of times. It's not preachy. It's not heavy handed.this is meant for the whole family to enjoy, to learn from and to remember fondly.
I recommend it.

This movie is one that could be viewed anytime of the year. While the ending focuses on saving the Christmas that was almost cancelled, the rest of the movie is the story of a man who was a child at heart. Through his understanding of children and what they love, he created toys that revolutionized the industry, and brought children along into the mechanical and technological age that swept this country at the climax of WWI. I was fascinated to watch the evolution of toys that I remember as a child. My grandchildren will love this film, and maybe realize that I didn't really play with dinosaurs when I was little....we had toys then too!

This is a WWI period film about a man who invented and produced toys that become the wonderful classic and collectible toys for millions of children. Erector sets, science kits, chemist labs, microscopes, and more were made by this man, A. C. Gilbert who is played by Jason Alexander (The Grand, Seinfeld) in a remarkable drama role so different than those who remember him in Seinfeld. And of course his father, played by Ed Asner, is powerfully cast and portrayed. This is based on a TRUE story.

The real story here is not Christmas, although the plot is based upon that premise. The wonderful bit of history learned about toy production during the pre-war and years of WWI are actually more of the story than Christmas. It is a wonderful family tale, Hallmark-like, with the seal of Dove for all ages. It is heartwarming, educational, emotional, fun, historical, fanciful, and even has a bit of holiday magic thrown in for good measure. It is the pace and style of life that existed in teen years of the 20th century.

No bonus material, just a very well done 88 minute story worth viewing. Worth owning. Worth a look by the whole family.

This probably would never make a blockbuster in the theater but with it's price is a bargain value with a year-round story. Don't wait till Christmas to enjoy this one. Get it now.

A new and enjoyable Christmas story, which is probably under appreciated by most. Jason Alexander does a teriffic acting job and if better publicized could be a yearly classic.

I had never heard of this movie before running across it on television last year. It is a period piece set before and during WWI. Jason Alexander does a fabulous job portraying A.C. Gilbert, who, along with his brother, run a toy factor. When the great war begins, the government asks them to use their factory's tooling equipment to make munitions. I won't rewrite the synopsis of the movie, as you can read it for yourself in the product description. Jason Alexander does a believable job in showing the pride of an innovative, caring man, as well as the anguish of someone who has his dream sudden pulled from his hands. The other cast does a fine job as well.
Gone with the Wind, or Casablanca, this is not. But, it's an interesting, dramatized piece of history that shouldn't scare off too many people. There are a couple parts of the movie that start to drag on too long. But just when you feel your attention drifting, the story moves forward.
I've seen the DVD of the movie, and it looked nice. For the Blu-Ray release, I didn't see any extras. It just looks a lot nicer in high-definition. AND HEY...at the price of $6.99 (as of 10/31/09), who can complain about that! Get the Blu-ray version at that price.

One of the BEST films ever made. I remember when this first appeared on TV and best to me knowledge, never shown up again. But can't understand why. So glad to see this on Blu-Ray. One of my favorite movies. Jason Alexander does a superb job and totally made me forget he was George Costanza. A true and glorious actor who deserved to be much more recognized for his acting in this film. The entire cast was great as well. I don't want to say anything about the film, just buy it.

What an engrossing film! I think what really did it for me was that fact that it was based on a true story. It demonstrated not only the hard work that goes into creating a business, but it demonstrated how the factory system could be progressive by the era standards. Mr. Gilbert did not put profit first, he believed in people first. In this day and age it is point that sometimes seems to be lost. I would recommend this to anyone, who wants a story without the usual plotted ending.