Reel 1509Q

Faith, redemption and loyalty are dominant themes in this low-key-but affecting—1996 TV-movie, a prequel to last year's "The Christmas Box." That acclaimed teleplay starred Maureen O'Hara as a feisty dowager named Mary Parkin. Here, it's the '40s and Mary is a shy young woman (played by Naomi Watts) who marries an enterprising businessman (Kevin Kilner). As the story unfolds, fate links the couple and their caring daughter with a compassionate loner (James Earl Jones), who kills a man in self-defense. Maud: Ellen Burstyn. Andrea: Mercedes Villamil. Richard: Richard Thomas. Barker: Jonathan Tabler. George: J. Michael Hunter. (2:00)

(Prequel to Box)

A Holiday Romance

O'Hara and Thomas. Maureen O'Hara stars in a poignant Yuleide drama warm enough to melt the heart of the most dour Scrooge. And, like A Christmas Carol, there's even a visit or two from the spirit world. Richard and Keri Evans (Richard Thomas, Annette O'Toole) are a financially strapped couple who move into a mansion to help care for its sole occupant, a feisty but failing widow (O'Hara). As Christmas nears, Richard is visited by an angel who appears in a recurring dream underscored by a familiar tune—a tune played by a music box that holds the key to the widow's mysterious past. The TV-movie was scripted by Greg Taylor ("Jumanji") from Richard Paul Evans' bestseller. Jenna: Kelsey Mulrooney.

(Prequel to Box). Faith, redemption and loyalty are dominant themes in this low-key—but affecting—1996 TV-movie, a prequel to last year's "The Christmas Box." That acclaimed teleplay starred Maureen O'Hara as a feisty dowager named Mary Parkin. Here, it's the '40s and Mary is a shy young woman (played by Naomi Watts) who marries an enterprising businessman (Kevin Kilner). As the story unfolds, fate links the couple and their caring daughter with a compassionate loner (James Earl Jones), who kills a man in self-defense. Maud: Ellen Burstyn. Andrea: Mercedes Villamil. Richard: Richard Thomas. Barker: Jonathan Tabler.

O'Hara and Thomas. Maureen O'Hara stars in a poignant Yuletide drama warm enough to melt the heart of the most dour Scrooge. And, like A Christmas Carol, there's even a visit or two from the spirit world. Richard and Keri Evans (Richard Thomas, Annette O'Toole) are a financially strapped couple who move into a mansion to help care for its sole occupant, a feisty but falling widow (O'Hara). As Christmas nears, Richard is visited by an angel who appears in a recurring dream underscored by a familiar tune—a tune played by a music box that holds the key to the widow's mysterious past. The TV-movie was scripted by Greg Taylor ("Jumanji") from Richard Paul Evans' bestseller. Jenna: Kelsey Mulrooney. (2:00)

(Prequel to Box). Faith, redemption and loyalty are dominant themes in this low-key—but affecting—1996 TV-movie, a prequel to last year's "The Christmas Box." That acclaimed teleplay starred Maureen O'Hara as a feisty dowager named Mary Parkin. Here, it's the '40s and Mary is a shy young woman (played by Naomi Watts) who marries an enterprising businessman (Kevin Kilner). As the story unfolds, fate links the couple and their caring daughter with a compassionate loner. (James Earl Jones), who kills a man in self-defense. Maud: Ellen Burstyn. Andrea: Mercedes Villamil. Richard: Richard Thomas. Barker: Jonathan Tabler. George: J. Michael Hunter. (2:00)