One Christmas (1994 TV Movie) User Reviews

Truman's Christmas With Dad

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 30 January 2009]

Some of Truman Capote's childhood memories are the basis for One Christmas in which a film legend took her final curtain call.

Young T.J. Lowther all of 10 years old has been living in the custody of his aunt Julie Harris in rural Alabama. Harris is a kind and loving, but way too overprotective of the lad.

But one holiday season during the Great Depression the boy gets a chance to spend some time with his father Henry Winkler. Winkler is a self described promoter and entrepreneur, but is actually just a conman who lives high on the hog on other people's money. That's a profession that had even less respectability during the Depression. He's busy trying to promote an air race, and not an honest one.

The boy's very naiveté has an effect on Winkler and all around him, including the women and its women he usually is trying to fleece. He goes after them young and old with the vigor and zest of Zero Mostel as Max Bialystock from The Producers. One of them is Swoosie Kurtz who falls for Winkler and even her formidable dowager aunt Katharine Hepburn is affected by him.

Winkler and Kurtz are the stars, but as befitting a film legend, first billing goes to Katharine Hepburn. We barely see any of Hepburn in the first 2/3 of the movie. It's only in the last third when she nearly runs a runaway Lowther down and brings him to her home to explain some of the facts of life to him. No, not those facts of life. Poor Kate was really showing the tremors of Parkinson's Disease, but trooper that she was made it through the film. It was a nice farewell performance.

I wonder what memories young Mr. Lowther now approaching 30 has of working with two acting legends, Katharine Hepburn and Julie Harris. One Christmas isn't all warm and fuzzy like Miracle On 34th Street or A Wonderful Life. Still it's a more realistic type of coming of age at Christmas story in which the whole cast acquits themselves well.

Truman Capote

[waverly94 · 7/10 · 1 March 2006]

One Christmas was an autobiographical short story written by Truman Capote. Buddy, in the story, is Capote. Capote's father was actually a scam artist who spent time in prison. This story along with "A Christmas Memory" and "The Thanksgiving Visitor" make a wonderful trilogy. This movie doesn't do justice to Capote's beautiful, bittersweet prose, but might be worth seeing if you are a big fan of Capote (like I am) or of Katherine Hepburn, as this was one of her last appearances. Also, the wonderful Julie Harris plays Sook, who is the heart and soul of the movie (and the stories mentioned above.) However, if you are looking for a "happy, happy, joy, joy" Christmas movie - you should probably skip this one.

Kate's last

[jjnxn-1 · 7/10 · 13 December 2014]

Minor reverie based on Truman Capote's short story about a trip he made as a youngster to meet the father who to that point was a stranger to him. What he finds is hardly the stuff of fairy tales. His father is a shyster living a flashy front but hollow beneath. On top of that he's a selfish, thoughtless, sometimes cruel man who has no idea how to relate to his lost needy little boy.

The biggest deficit the film has is Henry Winkler in the lead. He's just not believable as a film-flam man who has the women of the town falling at his feet and pushing money in his pockets. He doesn't give a bad performance but he doesn't fit the part in the least. Then there's T.J. Lowther who plays the young protagonist, he has big mournful eyes and a quiet manner but he doesn't register enough on screen to keep the viewer interested in his plight.

Fortunately the cast does include Swoosie Kurtz who makes anything she's in better as she does here and in a small role Julie Harris who does a great deal with her few minutes on screen. She's actually more memorable in her tiny bit that either father or son throughout the entire movie. The film has a lovely spic and span look, too clean to actually be real places but nice to look at nonetheless.

This Hallmark holiday special marks the end of Katharine Hepburn's career. Playing Swoosie's rich aunt she is required to do little more than to grumble and grouse until loosening up a bit towards the end. By this time her palsy was severe enough to be ever present and impeded any real characterization but her star power is still there no matter how frail she is. It's certainly a more dignified exit from the stage than many of her contemporaries were able to manage.

A respectable rendering of Capote's story, nothing magical but worth catching once to see a legend take her final bow.

Not Too Many Interesting Moments

[Michael_Elliott · 23 November 2012]

One Christmas (1994)

** (out of 4)

Made-for-TV adaptation of Truman Capote's short story about an 8-year-old boy (T.J. Lowther) who goes to New Orleans to stay with his estranged father (Henry Winkler). Soon the boy starts to realize that his dad is a con man and his ideas of what life is all about are changed. I'm not familiar with the short story that this here is based on so I really can't comment on how good or bad it is but it certainly didn't make for a very good movie. The movie really made me think of a story that might have had a major impact on Capote as a child but it's just important to him and there's nothing really in the story that is going to connect with everyone. From what I've read, the boy in this film is based on Capote's own experiences and I can see how this story might have played a major role in his life but to me there just wasn't much going on here. I found the various situations to be rather boring and never thought they really added up to much. We've basically got a child whose been told lies all his life and now he's having to face the truth and it's something he doesn't like. The con man father isn't much better because it's simply a role we've seen too many times before and nothing new is done with it here. There are a few good moments in the film including the ending but there's not enough to keep it entertaining throughout. I thought the performances were quite good with both Winkler and Lowther doing nice work and having a strong chemistry together. The one thing this film will be remembered for is featuring the final performance of screen legend Katharine Hepburn. She's not given too much to do but she gets a couple good scenes and it's certainly great seeing her. Those wishing to see Hepburn in her final role are going to be about the only ones who will want to sit through this as overall the film just never really adds up to much.

Only for Hepburn Fans

[alex830 · 6/10 · 16 March 2010]

The only reason I give this 6 stars is because of Katharine Hepburn. This just happened to be her final film role and I still can't figure out why she'd choose this as an end to her glorious career. She is the only reason I saw this movie and after viewing it, I can't say there was anything I enjoyed about this film other than her presence, even though her scenes took up less than 10 minutes of screen time. She is visibly frail in this movie, with her head shaking so severely, I though it was going to fall off any second. There were some good performances by Swoosie Kurtz and Henry Winkler but everything else about this movie "stinks". I just didn't connect with any of the characters due to their underdevelopment and the movie doesn't feel like it takes place in the 1930's, but then again I suppose the budget of this TV movie wouldn't allow that. Like I said before, I'd only recommend this to Hepburn fans, but anyone else shouldn't bother.

Mediocre Christmas movie

[HotToastyRag · 5/10 · 31 October 2017]

Based on Truman Capote's autobiographical short story, a young boy, T.J. Lowther, spends Christmas with his father in New Orleans. He and his dad, Henry Winkler, don't get along, and they haven't seen each other in a long time. Repairing the bonds of father-son-hood isn't going to be easy, even over the holiday season.

While the majority of the film is about father-son bond, there are some secondary plot points. Henry tries romancing Swoosie Kurtz, but since he's a conman, he's not exactly trustworthy. And Swoosie's aunt, Katharine Hepburn, adds a bit of class to the movie and helps everyone get a little more out of life. If you absolutely love Kate, you might be a bit conflicted about seeing this movie. It was her final film, so if you'll be upset seeing her looking old and frail, you might want to stick to On Golden Pond instead. But if that won't bother you, and you like a bit of sappy family drama at Christmastime—who doesn't?—you can rent One Christmas. Don't expect too much from it, though; I prefer watching Little Women during the holidays instead.

A Flower That Never Blossoms

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 27 December 2012]

This is the story of Buddy (T.J. Lowther), an 8-year old boy who leaves Alabama to go live with his father (Henry Winkler) in New Orleans, and has a terrible time while he is there.

So, we have Katharine Hepburn in her final performance (and looking like she could die at any moment) and a brief appearance from the almost-as-legendary Julie Harris... seems like this should be a classic of some sort, but it never quite makes it.

I want to give credit to Henry Winkler. While he may not be known as a serious actor (he is stuck being branded as the Fonz), he went all out here. He had a wide range from loving father, to con man, to angry and misunderstood outsider. Is he ever truly likable? Maybe not, but that just means Winkler nailed the role, I think.

Some reviewers have said that they could not get into the film because Buddy was a whiny brat, and I think there is some truth to that. While his father seems to be at the heart of the story (and we wonder if he can change), the narrative follows Buddy. And, frankly, he really is not that great of a character. We can feel bad for him to a point because his mother is gone (either in New York or in a sanitarium, depending on whom you believe) and his father is a scam artist. But he seems demanding and ungrateful too often, and how can we love that?

This Christmissed

[JayWolfgramm · 3/10 · 25 December 2023]

You would imagine that for a story like this, the wheel has already been invented, there is a tried-and-true formula to follow. You take a flim-flan salesman, played by Winkler, and have a little 8-year-old come into his life. The little 8-year old's wide-eyed innocence and charm helps the conman become a better more honest person. And maybe the 8-year-old learns a thing or two along the way as well. If it's not broke don't fix it. Now, for this made for TV movie, it feels like they tried to over complicate things. Characters' motivations and changes are not made clear. By the end of the movie, I can imagine the characters just going back to what they've done before with no changes or lessons learned. Did I learn a lesson? Yes. Just because Henry Winkler and Katherine Hepburn are in a movie doesn't mean it is going to be good.

One watch is all it takes for "One Christmas".

[happipuppi13 · 10/10 · 10 May 2005]

I'm not sure how some others arrived at a negative conclusion after seeing this movie. I checked it out from the library,having found out it was the last thing Hepburn ever did on film. Hepburn is basically by this time playing herself (and except for her most extreme movie roles) I think she always had to some extent.

Her charm in the movie is simple and easy. Hers is really not the main role in the movie,that would be Buddy and his father. (Played by my favorite actor Henry Winkler.) While his character is obviously not aware that his best efforts in being Buddy's dad are only hurting him more,he is really just a man trying to re-connect with his boy.

Buddy is not a brat but a child filled with hurt and confusion. (With a dad like he has,that is crooked and an embarrassment before the town it's no wonder! ...but all becomes rectified by the end I wont say how). It is after all,a holiday film. One watch is all it took to make me want to see it again....at Christmas.

(Interesting to note: Kate's first movie "A Bill Of Divorcement" & last movie "One Christmas" both take place at Christmas.

A good look at a flimflam "artist" at work

[SimonJack · 6/10 · 8 December 2016]

This Christmas film and drama was based on the last Truman Capote work published before his death in 1984. The short story by the same title came out in 1983 as a gift booklet. Capote's writing output slowed to a trickle the past two decades of his life. He had become wealthy and was a celebrity who mostly lived a gay lifestyle immersed in alcohol and drugs. But in this autobiographical story he returns to his youth as a young boy given up by his divorced parents to be raised by cousins on his mother's side. The nostalgia comes through, mixed with initial dislike for his father and his dad's life in New Orleans.

Three years after this TV movie was made, Hallmark would make a film of Capote's first story about his childhood. "A Christmas Memory" was published in 1956 and made into a film in 1997, starring Patty Duke as Capote's beloved elderly cousin, Sook. That was a superb performance.

We don't know if this story is true or not. Here, his character, Buddy, goes to visit his father for one Christmas as a boy. Sook (here played by Julie Harris in a short beginning) helps him pack and takes him to the bus in their hometown in Alabama. The original (1956) story doesn't give a hint of Buddy visiting his father while he was living with his cousins. And, he had no recollection of his father in that film. So, this may have been a fictitious visit that Capote made up for another story. Or, it was something that had taken place but that he hadn't remembered or wanted to remember until his later years.

Katherine Hepburn got top billing for this film, but her role of Cornelia Beaumont was a minor one. She was 87-years-old when this film came out. It was her last film before she died in 2003 at age 96. It must have been a difficult role, and her lines were hard to hear a couple of times. She plays an irascible spinster and matriarch of a wealthy New Orleans family. At one point, she tells Buddy (played by T.J. Lowther) that she never had children and she didn't like them. This may have been a close parallel to Hepburn's own life, which biographers and other writers have recorded as an unusual life of varied sex.

This film hasn't been very well received, and it doesn't quite come across as a Christmas movie. It is more of a short chapter in a boy's life, but the focus being as much or more on his estranged father. That is the best part of this film and why I give it six stars. Buddy's dad is played superbly by Henry Winkler. It's a look at a different type of lifestyle, and a type of gigolo and flimflam man who hung around the fringes of the top society of New Orleans. This also reveals a striking aspect of Capote's childhood. His dad comments on his lack of interest in or knowledge of baseball, football, or other sports that boys play while growing up. As Buddy is in these two movies, Capote in real life was raised in the world of women. He never had a fatherly figure or healthy masculine influence in his youth. He didn't go to a military school, as the later film implies. Rather, after being raised in his early boyhood years by his elderly cousins, he then went to live with his mother in New York City. So, during his teen years he was exposed to party life and the seedier atmosphere surrounding the theater.

Recalling that the setting of this film was around the early 1930s, I wondered about a scene toward the end. Miss Emily (played very well by Swoosie Kurtz) is talking with Buddy. He says that his father lied to him. She says that it's a normal thing of society and that people tell many lies. She gives various reasons. This clashed with what Buddy had learned up to the point in his life – being raised in rural Alabama. In my childhood of the 1940s we also were taught the importance of telling the truth – and not lying. So, I wonder if Capote was trying to make a distinction in his story between cultures. Was it the rich and people around them who told lies as a matter of course? Or, was it people of the big cities? Or a combination of the two? This, in contrast to the rest of America where truth still held ground?

This movie probably wouldn't make anyone's list of good Christmas flicks. But, it does provide a rare look at one life style that survived by softly peddled scams. And in that, Henry Winkler gives a superb performance.

Papa was a rolling slime.

[mark.waltz · 4/10 · 22 December 2015]

Little motivation guides this tale of father and son being reunited and the conflicting in their relationship. Henry Winkler gets the award for Daddy Dearest, the most selfish, the most opportunistic and perhaps the biggest sleaze-ball in all of 1930's New Orleans. Sent away from his beloved cousin (the much older Julie Harris in a minute long cameo), he is reunited with his big jerk of a father who manipulates wealthy older women into marriage, treats them like dirt under his fingernails. Shocked by seeing his father for who he is, he still tries to keep the hope alive that his parents will get back together. Desperately trying to get in the good graces of New Orleans matriarch Katharine Hepburn so he can bilk her niece Swoosie Kurtz out of her fortune, even using his son as sympathy bait.

A seemingly rushed screenplay is the weak link between this and Truman Capote's short story, a follow-up to "A Christmas Memory". Hepburn really has nothing juicy to do other than be imperious, and of course later soften for no apparent reason. Kurtz is excellent but it is virtually impossible to like Winkler for any reason. Hepburn made three films released in 1994 and this one turned out to be her last film after a 60+ year career.

The most touching relationship here is between the two young boys, one white and one black. I can't really find anything to recommend in this film because there's a lack of believable motivation and the Christmas theme is actually angry in tone. Stick with Capote's other short stories. This one is depressing without a cure.

An Excellent Film. A Must See BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!!

[Christmas-Reviewer · 10/10 · 14 May 2017]

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM HONEST

This film is wonderful. I can not find enough great things things to say about it. Its a very special film!

One thing this film does is that it shows that its "life's little moments that count the most".

Now in this film A young man is sent to visit his estranged father for Christmas in 1930 in New Orleans which is played by Henry Winkler! The boy however is wiser then his father and more compassionate then most adults will ever be.

The great Katherine Hepburn gives a performance that proves her iconic status. Swoosie Kurtz co-stars and gives a performance that at the end makes you want to reach through the screen give her a huge hug.

There are many holiday theme movies but this is one of the best!

A Truman Capote Gem

[yusufpiskin · 6/10 · 3 May 2024]

While Henry Winkler and Swoosie Kurtz might be the top-billed stars, what truly makes One Christmas special is its ensemble cast, bringing together Katharine Hepburn (who won several awards for her performance), T. J. Lowther, and Tony Bill in a Truman Capote adaptation.

Despite being a made-for-TV movie, One Christmas holds a unique place among Christmas films, a status it rightfully maintains to this day. Based on a short story published in 1983, the 1994 TV movie adaptation still sparks questions about its autobiographical nature.

The story follows an 8-year-old boy from Alabama who travels to New Orleans to mend his broken relationship with his estranged father. Unlike his father, who's into baseball and American football, the young boy prefers baking cakes. While not a complete retelling, the story draws heavily from Truman Capote's own life.

The film's dialogue is peppered with Southern charm, particularly evident in the young boy's character. This adds authenticity to the setting and the characters, making them feel more relatable and genuine.

Capote's presence is felt throughout the film, not just in the story but also in the overall tone and atmosphere. There's a sense of nostalgia and bittersweetness that permeates the narrative, capturing the essence of Capote's writing.

T. J. Lowther delivers a remarkable performance as the young boy, capturing his innocence, vulnerability, and resilience. He carries the film on his shoulders, making him the heart and soul of the story.

One Christmas is a must-watch for fans of Truman Capote, offering a glimpse into his childhood and the relationships that shaped him. It's a heartwarming and poignant story about family, love, and the power of memory.

Overall, One Christmas is a heartwarming and nostalgic Christmas film that stands out for its Southern charm, Truman Capote's touch, and T. J. Lowther's stellar performance. It's a must-watch for fans of Capote and anyone seeking a heartwarming holiday story.

X-mas story without cliches

[CatRodriguez · 8/10 · 5 January 2000]

I mostly hate x-mas season on TV, 'cause there are thousands of ridiculous movies about it. However, this is an exception: it's intelligently made, with good performances (Katharine Hepburn, want more?) and, although it handles feelings and sensibility (just like a Christmas story), it gets away from common places and cliches. Don't miss it next x-mas!

Definately inspiring and cute!

[SarahKayW · 21 August 2003]

This is such a cute film! It's a great Christmas movie and really cheer you up! I was surprised at Winkler's performance actually! I also was surprised that Hepburn only had 3 or 4 scenes, what she did have was adorable! She was practically just playing herself! Great, cute, family film!

Regular People's Redemption

[kbarlett-f · 8/10 · 21 December 2021]

An important snapshot into these lives, demonstrating that people have an effect upon each other which help shape us, and who we are really does matter to others.

The characters say it themselves. The father character made bad choices, finding himself disenchanted, pursuant of dreams he couldn't make happen, and slipped into quite a derogatory role in life. This is how easy a well-meaning person can find themselves in a bad place, where the surreal becomes the ordinary. Thank goodness he wants to be at a respectable level and that he keeps a stiff upper lip, realizes he has to stop making excuses for not being the person he would rather be, and that he has the energy to follow through with what he realizes is what he really wants... one decision at a time. Thank goodness he is surrounded by good people. Lets hope he sticks with it. I would hope he would work now to right some of the wrongs he has caused, to repair his reputation and respect with those people who see the good in him and who have been silent about his recklessness, his lack of respect. I wondered how in the world he was affording a house keeper. ~spoiler alert

The other main characters were adorable. Each with their own shade of true-hearted. I did really like the way the conversation went between father's love interest and her aunt, and subsequently, with the father. A woman expected to take the responsibility for her own happiness in those days, rather than depending on another person to bring it to her, and her thoughtful and honest delivery of her decision. Of course, despite the brevity, Katharine Hepburn plays a strong and adorable role.

Truman Capote's Story

[Esmollin · 3 September 2013]

Truman Capote's story rises above some mediocre acting. I love his writing so I watched this. I didn't enjoy it as much as his Thanksgiving story, but it had its moments.

I felt Winkler was badly cast. He seems like a New Yorker among Southerners, not sure if this was on purpose. Katherine Hepburn is fine despite her failing health.

The boy was not a brat, as some reviewers have said. He is a troubled boy who Misses his mother and wants to know where she is. Sadly, his father does not tell him the truth, and this causes him to wish to be back with his aunt.

Julie Harris is wonderful as his aunt.

All in all, it's worth watching if you can overlook some of the performances.

The reason is Hepburn.

[paulkrappinger-39536 · 8/10 · 14 June 2022]

The reason I want to watch this movie is because of Hepburn. It's her last appearance. I haven't even found the full movie yet I saw some pictures and gifs of the movie and yet it doesn't look that good! I saw the trailer of it on youtube and yet it was only one scene. So this movie is an outright embarassment! Hepburn is the ONLY valid reason that this movie is interesting! SO the reason I gave this 8 stars is because of Katharine's glorious last appearance.

Buddy is a brat!

[Goon-2 · 20 December 2004]

I can't really enjoy a film if I do not care for the main character. This one is a bratty little kid named Buddy who gets sent to live with his father during the Depression-era Christmas season. Buddy had previously been living with some older-by-about-60-years cousin(the only character I kind of liked) due to the fact that his father is basically a scheming criminal. The father(Henry Winkler) pretends to be some great success for Buddy, but Buddy doesn't really buy it and neither does the rest of the town, which looks down on the dad. Although the father makes an enormous effort with Buddy, Buddy the monster never really accepts his father or his new living situation. This means Buddy yells, complains and has outbursts similar to annoying Kevin Arnold's at the end of a Wonder Years episode. Instead of people yelling at Buddy and teaching him to appreciate his life, constant praise is heaped upon him and it is clear that Buddy is supposed to be some wonderful, charming child. I didn't buy it and did not appreciate being subjected to the little brat! (for the record, the rest of the film is disinteresting, slow-moving and not worth investing one's time in)