John Tanner, recently widowed, faces his first Christmas alone. Noticing a newspaper advertisement for 'social introductions', John goes to an agency in search of someone with whom to share Christmas. He meets Iris who, th... more »ough shy and reserved, is happy to join him on one condition: No questions.« less
Actors:Jason Robards, Patricia Hamilton Genres:Drama, Television Sub-Genres:Love & Romance, Television Studio:Hbo Home Video Format:DVD - Color - Closed-captioned DVD Release Date: 11/08/2005 Original Release Date: 01/01/1988 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/1988 Release Year: 2005 Run Time: 1hr 13min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 1 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English See Also:
Fix some hot chocolate and start a fire in the fireplace...
12/11/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a surprisingly good drama for a lazy, frosty, Christmas-season evening. It's well-acted, well-written, and well-crafted -- definitely sentimental, but without being fluffy or soppy. The cast is led by veteran acting greats Jason Robards and Julie Harris, which in itself should make the movie worth a consideration. Robards portrays John Tanner, a recent widower who doesn't quite know what to do with the changes imposed upon his life. When the annual family trip to the cabin for Christmas is jeopardized, he attempts to rescue his traditions in a radical way: he finds a dating service and "hires" a woman to be his family and spend the Christmas weekend with him. Julie Harris is the sad, perceptive, and mysterious woman, Iris, who agrees to be his "Christmas wife" - but only if he will ask her no questions about herself. This is a quality "G" movie (at least, the version shown on television). At the risk of sounding sexist, I would say this is a woman's movie, but some men may find it not objectionable. Children may not be interested in a character (as opposed to action) movie about middle-aged people, but if they are, their parents won't have to worry about what they're watching. Adults who have some experience with age or loneliness may discover a tale striking quite a responsive chord."
Understanding loss
R. Davidson | USA | 12/16/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This short drama was satisfying to watch even though there wasn't much action. It was almost like a two-person play. It tells how an apparently strong person copes with the dramatic change in his life caused by the death of his dear spouse. Christmas traditions are not the same, so the widower adapts by renting a companion. Jason Robards and Julie Harris are delightful to watch, so professional."
The Christmas Wife
Stephen P. O'Donnell | Peabody, MA USA | 04/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Christmas Wife has been one of my all time favorite movies for over 10 years now and I never get tired of watching it.
As a matter of fact I watch it at least 3 times every Christmas season and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes good sentimental movies."
"Over 50", Life 101
R. Davidson | 09/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're over 50 this movie will be a great rainy afternoon delight. It is NOT a comedy! It is a hard look at life and what it brings. Jason Robards and Julie Harris are two of the classic actors of the last century. Just to see them act together is enough, but the sweet story of how life throws rocks in our path and the way we remove them is great! Treat yourself to perfection!"
A Christmas Regular but Toward the Bottom
Carlton Moyers | WA USA | 11/01/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"We own at least thirty Christmas movies and they form the nucleus of our holiday celebration. We bought this one last year and would recommend buying from this year's crop first. The actors are fine but the cineamatography is flat and dreary in places. Okay to fill out the season but not on my first team."