Search - The House Without a Christmas Tree on DVD

I AM ADDIE MILLS

Lisa Lucas | New York | 11/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hi, I am Addie Mills (Lisa Lucas)and I just wanted to thank all of you who wrote such warm and complimentary reviews about "The House Without a Christmas Tree". What touched me most is the lasting impression the show made on so many and I feel very privileged to hold a place in their memory and their holiday tradition. It was a wonderful experience working on such a meaningful project and with such talented people. Actually, we did four specials all together. One for Thanksgiving called "The Holiday Treasure", for Easter called "The Easter Promise" and Valentines day (believe it or not) called "Addie and the King of Hearts." All but the Valentines Day show are available on video and I believe all four books are still out there. It's nice to see that good quality and heartwarming emotional drama can still be appreciated. Thanks again. (No, I'm not acting anymore but I did go onto roles in "An Unmarried Woman" with Jill Clayburgh, "Turning Point" with Shirley Maclaine and some wonderful television films like "The Adams Chronicles","A Perfect Match" and "The Migrants" Special hi to Traci in Canada. Yes,I remember spending many a cold day in your school during filming!"

The House without A Christmas Tree

C. Hong | Lakeland, FL United States | 05/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was 13 when this movie first came out. It touched me deeply and still does. I noticed one reviewer said the filming was terrible. You have to understand that this was filmed inexpensively, in the 70's as a childrens special.It was based on the book by Gail Rock and so it was as though looking at the illustrations in a book. We didn't have all those fancy technical affects they have now. And, even if they did, that's not what the movie was about. It was about family, emotions, the simpler times. That's what touched us.It tugged at our emotions and our heart strings. We didn't need great technical affects to entertain us. And if the feeling isn't there when you view it. It never will be. So, if you're looking for fantastic special effects, this isn't the movie for you. There are plenty out there, devoid the emotions. If your looking for a movie,that will touch your inner self, then this is the movie for you. I also am pleased to have the video sequels "The Holiday Treasure" and "The Easter Promise". I only wish they'd make available on video. "Addie and the King Of Hearts". I'm hoping it can be done as there are many of us that would love to own it on video."

One of the Best Christmas Films of All Time

L. M Young | Marietta, GA USA | 09/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is finally on DVD! Thank God! I have been so worried about my VHS copy deteriorating.

I wish I could give this story an even higher rating than a mere five stars! It is 1946 in the small town of Clear River, Nebraska, and Addie Mills, the lively, intelligent and artistic daughter of widower James Mills, who is being raised by her grandmother because her mother died shortly after she was born, once again broaches the idea of having a Christmas tree. Her father, who has remained withdrawn and embittered in the long years since her mother's death, as always fobs her off. Then Addie wins the classroom Christmas tree and takes it home...

This wonderful story was filmed and first broadcast in 1972 and shown on CBS. It was produced on videotape, which takes away a bit of the magic. However, it also makes you feel as if you are eavesdropping on this family, as if they were participants in a reality series. Lisa Lucas is splendid as the articulate Addie and Mildred Natwick is a charming grandma, but major kudos go to Jason Robards in the role of Addie's father. He could have been portrayed as a soulless tyrant but is revealed to be a desperately grieving and unhappy man instead.

The "look" of this special contributes to its appeal; the clothing, the sets, the classroom situation all makes you feel as if you are truly back in 1946. Paramount Video needs to release the three sequels as well; THANKSGIVING TREASURE is particularly good, and the fourth story, ADDIE AND THE KING OF HEARTS, has never been released to video at all. It sells on bootleg sites for $$$!

(I have a web page devoted to Addie that covers the different specials and the books (no advertising allowed!) at addiemills dot flyingdreams dot com. Hope you enjoy.)"

The best Christmas video ever!

anthonious | Rancho Cordova, CA United States | 12/11/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember watching this video fully expecting to be bored to tears- Instead the story moved me to tears. As a young man I learned through this story not only to embrace Christmas, but my family, life, and my emotions. This video is everything that a story should be... somehow just in viewing it you become a better person.Buy this for your family and friends... and thanks to Amazon.com for allowing us the opportunity to relive the best moments of our holiday past..."