This is a beautiful story of a little boy who has a fatal fall and goes to Heaven. His guardian angel is Patience (played by Fred Gwynne). Michael (Johnny Whitaker) refuses to acknowledge that he is now an angel, and wants to go home. Even after flying lessons, he wants to go home to get his treasure box, and Patience allows him to do so. He arrives back in Heaven just in time for the birth of Christ, and decides to give the Holy Child his treasure box.
By today's standards, the special effects are somewhat "hokey" and very stage-like. I was surprised at the singing talents of some who were in it. Johnny sings like the young boy that he was at the time. Fred Gwynne sings pleasantly and on key, and Tony Randall later went on to make a career on the musical stage (playing Applegate in "Damn Yankees" in several productions, for instance). Cab Calloway delighted me, as did several other lesser known singers. The songs are less than memorable, but at least they were sung well.
This show is now out on DVD. I was able to purchase mine at the Hollywood Collectors and Celebrities Show, but I'm told its available other places. There are no special features with the DVD.
We may be able to petition Hallmark Channel, which still owns the rights to their Hallmark Hall of Fame Special, to run this show at Christmastime.
Donna
