I enjoyed this version very much and have seen both. Robert Mitchum (sp.) Was rather dull in the original with his stone face. It's also not as appealing knowing it was Howard Hughes' idea as a platform for Mr. Mitchum to try and clean up his image after being arrested for marijuana. Honestly, just a few hours after watching it I was trying to remember Robert Mitchum's name and all I could think of was William Holden. David James Elliott knows how to smile and not be so smug. Both Janet Leigh and Cynthia Gibb give fine performances and both little boys are charming. Don't count this movie out just because it's been remade in color, I found it to have a little faster pace to keep from dragging. I have not seen this version since the first year it aired. It is heartwarming story that stays in your mind long after you've watched it. I also find the original funny in that Mrs. Ennis could be blacklisted from shopping at stores because she was a professional comparison shopper. The second makes more sense in that some purchases are final and may not be returned. I love the part where you're watching them on the train and it seamlessly becomes the train set at the store. I recommend viewers to give this remake an opportunity to brighten their holiday season. I would like to see it return to the television holiday line up more often that I may enjoy watching it over and over again.
