Dale Steenhoven This short drama was satisfying to watch even though there wasn't much action. It was almost like a two-person play. Get yourself a cup of hot chocolate, relax and enjoy.It 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 (10 months) who doesn't quite know what to do with the changes imposed upon his life. He spends Thanksgiving in a diner, reading a book, and when the annual family trip to the cabin for Christmas is jeopardized (his son and family want them to visit their house), he attempts to rescue his traditions in a radical way: he finds an escort service, makes it very clear that there will be separate bedrooms, and "hires" a woman to be his companion 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 does not want any questions asked about herself.Tanner turns out to be quite hospitable. He cooks (a candlelight dinner, nevertheless), trims a tree, and even brings a gift for his new friend, and himself, to exchange on Christmas day. It's sad that he doesn't believe in an afterlife, as the Lord Jesus Christ, the God of all comfort, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again so we could have forgiveness of sins, an eternal home in heaven, a taste of Heaven on this earth, and help for all of our problems.This is a quality "G" movie. I enjoyed watching it with my wife (you never know how long you'll have them), and she thought it was good. Adults who have some experience with age or loneliness may discover a tale striking quite a responsive chord.

MartinHafer When I first heard of this movie, I jumped at the chance to see it. After all, Jason Robards starred in this film AND he also starred in one of the best forgotten made for TV Christmas movies (THE HOUSE WITHOUT A Christmas TREE). So, I naturally assumed it would be excellent. Well, I was half right. Jason Robards was a wonderful and incredibly talented actor, so I did appreciate him in the film. BUT, the story itself was dreadful and so depressing. It seems that Robards' character is old and lonely so he pays an older woman to pretend she is his wife and they spend a VERY depressing and awful Christmas together. I really don't think there was much point to the movie other than this. This is the sort of holiday film that could make a Scrooge out of most viewers.

alison-7 I saw this movie 2 days before Jason Robards' death. He is such a fine actor, I will miss him. --- The movie is about a widower who doesn't want to spend Christmas alone. He contacts an agency to set him up with a woman who is also in need of company. The drama unfolds as the two spend the holiday together. Very touching, heartfelt movie.

Phillip-7 Jason Robards and Julie Harris are wonderful in this leisurely film that is reminiscent of the great classic movies. However, the revelation of Julie Harris's "secret" in the last 15 minutes totally ruins the story and it leaves you feeling cheated, or at least it did for me. Recommended, but be prepared for a big let down at the end.