The Christmas Wife

December. 12,1988      
Rating:
6.2
Trailer Synopsis Cast

An aging and recent widower, not wanting to spend his first Christmas alone, responds to an ad in the newspaper which reads: "You are not alone. We make social arrangements of all kinds." When he visits the Social Arranger, he makes it very clear his only interest is in "social company" and is subsequently introduced to a woman who agrees to spend the holiday with him. The woman bids him to not ask any questions about her personal life, which harbors a secret that threatens their developing friendship, and could ultimately change both their lives.

Jason Robards as  John Tanner
Julie Harris as  Iris
Don Francks as  Social Arranger
James Eckhouse as  Jim Tanner
Patricia Hamilton as  Dora
Deborah Grover as  Micki
Lawrence Dane as  Michael Rosten (uncredited)
Gwynyth Walsh as  Betty (uncredited)

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Reviews

Wordiezett
1988/12/12

So much average

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Ghoulumbe
1988/12/13

Better than most people think

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Ava-Grace Willis
1988/12/14

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

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Kaelan Mccaffrey
1988/12/15

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

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win741
1988/12/16

All of the above reviews offer an insight I can understand. I wish to add that this is so very rare a film, for me, because there is romance, in the sense that one can feel real chemistry between these two great performers. There is the real feeling of the possibility of desire, of a physical attraction that emerges, unexpectedly, really, between elderly people.This possible couple had grace, charm, and, delightfully, both became more desirable as one watched. The film had credibility, warmth, charm, and an ending that can best be understood by those who have lived a little.

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nancy872
1988/12/17

I love this movie. Easy and enjoyable with great acting. I don't believe that every movie has to be thought provoking or deep. Sometimes, people just want to sit back and relax, fall into the story line and enjoy and hour and a half without having to think too much. This movie is a staple for me every Christmas. As I said, the acting is great; I believe the story and that I am at the cabin with them. I also feel the heart ache at the end when she wants to stay but can't. People are lonely during the holiday, and sometimes they are more alone with family than without. This movie moves me in so many ways. Simple, clean and believable.

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Dale Steenhoven
1988/12/18

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.

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pastordave67
1988/12/19

I really liked this movie. Who was this woman? Why was she here? All questions are answered, but the answer may surprise you. This is an easy movie to watch, no foul language, no violence or explicit sexual content. If you're looking for something fast paced rock-em-sock em,this is not your movie....but for a wholesome, a bit intelligent movie, you can't beat it. The main actress has been on other movies from the 50s to the 90s, maybe more recently I don't know. I've seen her in East of Eden and The Christmas Tree.The main character, the male actor, had a problem, an event in his like that had been causing him pain. He expected this encounter to solve it, which it did, but in a way he did not expect. Neither will you. See it. ITs good

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