The Angel Doll

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

Review Date 2/25/2019

Set in 1950's during the Christmas season this film is not groundbreaking or even an award contender for Acting or writing but the films cast makes this film you will remember.

In this film Young "Whitey" Black (so called because of a tuft of blanched hair on the left side of his head) lives in poverty with his single mother and ailing 4-year-old sister, Sandy. Just across town, young Jerry Barlow lives the advantages of a middle class lifestyle with both parents and his younger brother. When mischief casts Whitey and Jerry into a shared paper route, Jerry quickly learns of Whitey's desire to buy Sandy an angel doll for Christmas. Even though no such dolls exist in their hometown, Whitey, Jerry, and a host of colorful characters set out in search of Sandy's gift. Along the way, reversals of fortune, theft, prejudice, and ultimately, the boys' friendship opens their eyes to the vastness of the small town around them.

Worth watching but it is at times very predictable.

I saw this at its "World Premier" at the Spoletto Arts Festival here in Charleston, SC. It was wonderful. The only criticism I have is that the two main boys acted a little too grown up. The movie flowed well and really sucked you in. It is definitely a great 2 hours spent well. Do yourself a favor and see it when you can.

A new Christmas Classic that truly brings back the lost message of the season. Both children and adults will enjoy the truly entertaining characters and the story line, that keeps even the youngest viewers distracted until the final credits!!

Great Work, Sandy!!

I was lucky that I had sister who read the book and bought the Video when if came out at Barnes Nobles. This movie never received any publicity that I'm aware of. I know it's based on a true story about a boy growing up in a small town near me. It's amazing how even living 15 miles away, I never heard of the movie. Anyway to get back to the movie, the only thing I saw wrong was some of piano music in the beginning was a little bit hokey. The movie will remind you a lot of "Stand by Me". The actors, who for the most part are little know, deliver great performances. This is low budget film like "Breaking Away was". It will steal your heart and give older parents fond Christmas memories. The movie leaves you to wonder what happened to the little boy named "Whitey".

An interesting choice for a Christmas movie, but one that gives a little different message than others. It starts out as a buddy film set in the '50's, and it will be a nice trip down nostalgia lane for older baby boomers. The plot thickens to more of a crisis, as one of the boy's sister is sick from polio and fading fast, and the boy wants to make her Christmas special.

The girl loves angels and the book "The Angel Doll", so he struggles to find (and afford) an angel doll for her. The message at the end of the book has a small angel asking the question: what can I give to the Christ child? It's something that all Christians should ask themselves each year during the holidays, and not just thinking about buying gifts and making out our own lists. There's also a strong underlying current on the importance of family ties in the film.

While there may not necessarily be a "Hollywood" happy ending to this film, it's a well-told tale about a chapter in a boy's life. Be sure to see the extra clip on the DVD.