by Herbie J Pilato
1] THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE (CBS, 1972): Directed by Paul Bogart. Written by Eleanor Perry and Gail Rock. Based on the book by Rock.
Jamie Mills (played by the great Jason Robards) has grown bitter over the years after losing his wife a decade before. As such, he no longer celebrates Christmas and refuse to put a tree. But this is no run-of-the-mill take on Scrooge – especially after watching Jaime’s young daughter Addie (Lisa Lucas) ultimately drag a decorated tree through town and into the Mills living room.
If you’re looking for your heart, you’ll find it in this movie. Mildred Natwick offerred her usual perfect performance, here – in a supporting role – as Robards’ mother. Special note: This flick’s budget was low, forcing it to be videotaped (like everything pretty much today – though some TV shows and movies make it look like film). But somehow it adds to the “reality.”