One Christmas (1994)

A young man is sent to visit his estranged father for Christmas in 1930 in New Orleans. Based on an autobiograhical short story by Truman Capote.

Director:

Tony Bill

Writers:

Truman Capote (short story "One Christmas"), Duane Poole (teleplay)

Stars:

Katharine Hepburn, Henry Winkler, Swoosie Kurtz

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Katharine Hepburn	...	Cornelia Beaumont
Henry Winkler	...	Dad
Swoosie Kurtz	...	Emily
T.J. Lowther	...	Buddy
Tonea Stewart	...	Evangeline
Pat Hingle	...	Bus Driver
Julie Harris	...	Sook
Troy Simmons	...	Toby
Marilyn Allen	...	Miss Ivy
Mary Lucy Bivins	...	Miss Julene
Henderson Gilliland	...	Glenn Gilmore
Joe Inscoe	...	Mr. Farris
Joe Maggard	...	Dixon Hobbs
David Lenthall	...	Billiard Player
Thomas Myers Jr.	...	Salesman

Storyline

A young man is sent to visit his estranged father for Christmas in 1930 in New Orleans. Based on an autobiograhical short story by Truman Capote.

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Plot Keywords:

family relationship | christmas | last film role for actress | reconciliation | intimate | 

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Taglines:

a timeless tale of love and impossible dreams

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Katharine Hepburn won her sole SAG Award nomination for her role as Cornelia Beaumont.

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Goofs

In the restaurant when Buddy and his father are eating oyster's, the Tabasco bottle on the table is not vintage from the 1930s. It is the present-day bottle with a red plastic top. That would not have been a 30s bottle.

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Quotes

Dixon Hobbs: Thought I might find you here.
Dad: Well, if isn't the very sturdy Dixon Hobbs. What brings you here?
Dixon Hobbs: My sister's money. Don't tell me you haven't heard I've been looking for you.
Dad: Mm, word is you have some concerns about an investment she's made.
Dixon Hobbs: My only concern is how fast you're going to give her that money back.
Dad: Are you telling me that you question her ability to make her own decisions?
Dixon Hobbs: [grabs Dad by shirt collar] Let's just say, I don't think it's a sound business investment.
Dad: I didn't realize the...

User Reviews

Not Too Many Interesting Moments

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.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 December 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Truman Capote's One Christmas

Filming Locations:

Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Karpf-Davis Entertainment Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1