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Audience Member

I just watched this movie recently for the first time, although it is over 20 years old, and found it to be generally well-acted and entertaining but had some obvious flaws. First of all, the main actors, Jason Robards and Julie Harris, were outstanding in the roles of two people meeting for the first time for a weekend of friendship and company. Robards as the male lead who arranged the weekend liaison through a dating service seemed very comfortable as the ageing architect with family and friends but longing for that special someone. Julie Harris was the woman he was matched with and she was also convincing as the shy but quite compatible weekend companion. The two together find great pleasure in the beautiful setting by the lake, their Christmas dinner, and their play time. There is no particular need for love-making; that's not part of the plan, as sketched out by Robards, which is a huge relief to his companion who prefers a totally platonic holiday. The two seem so well matched and yet there is a gulf between them. The ending will not be to everyone's liking but then life can't always pan out as we would wish. I found the film-making paid little attention to detail as the Christmas setting was more like Thanksgiving than Christmas. Even in the United States people know that fall colour is over by December 25. It was also obvious to anyone familiar with Toronto that the movie was filmed there and not in the eastern United States, as the film would imply. These incongruities detract from the movie's appeal. Nevertheless, it is worth watching for the interaction between the two main actors.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Audience Member

Overall the story was confusing, but the performances by Robards and Harris were slightly delightful.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

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Audience Member

Very simple and earnest film, with a disappointing ending, which made the film rather pointless and stupid. The acting is good, appropriately low key.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Audience Member

really cutecchristmas movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

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David Jones

Director

Jason Robards

John Tanner

Julie Harris

Iris

Don Francks

Social Arranger

James Eckhouse

Jim Tanner

Patricia Hamilton

Dora

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Synopsis

Widower John Tanner (Jason Robards) is unhappy that he has to miss a longstanding Christmas gathering with his son Jim (Jim Eckhouse) and his family. So to avoid being alone, he decides to hire a platonic companion for the holidays, enlisting the services of forlorn escort Iris (Julie Harris). He makes it clear from the beginning, however, that there will be no hanky-panky between the two. But sparks begin to fly when charming John begins to warm Iris' bitter and bleary heart.

Director: David Jones
Screenwriter: Catherine Ann Jones
Production Co: Home Box Office Home Video (HBO)
Rating: TV-G
Genre: Holiday, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 26, 2016
Runtime: 1h 13m

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