November Christmas (2010)

A brave young girls battle against cancer has an effect on the people around her.

Director:

Robert Harmon

Writers:

Pnenah Goldstein (teleplay) (as P'Nenah Goldstein), Greg Coppa (short story)

Stars:

Sam Elliott, John Corbett, Sarah Paulson

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sam Elliott	...	Jess Sanford
John Corbett	...	Tom Marks
Sarah Paulson	...	Beth Marks
Karen Allen	...	Claire Sanford
Elizabeth McLaughlin	...	Tammy
Emily Alyn Lind	...	Vanessa Marks
Max Charles	...	Gordon Marks
Richard Fitzpatrick	...	Ted Zachary
Jeremy Akerman	...	Reverend Bob Danforth
Eric Keenleyside	...	Wade Miller
Tegan Moss	...	Adult Vanessa
Dawn McKelvie Cyr	...	Abby Hildman (as Dawn Cyr)
Jennie Raymond	...	Rita
Rhonda McLean	...	Reader
Glenn Lefchak	...	Rick Zackary (as Glen Lefchak)

Storyline

A brave young girls battle against cancer has an effect on the people around her.

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Plot Keywords:

cancer | girl | christmas | 8 year old | pumpkin | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

G

Did You Know?

Connections

Edited into Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951)

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Soundtracks

The Wild Goose
(uncredited)
Traditional
Music by Kate Rusby
Performed by Kate Rusby

User Reviews

Wonderful job

"November Christmas" is the name of a story a pretty blonde girl is reading to children at a library. We find out later it is based on the real (in this movie) life of 8-year-old Vanessa--though some details in the story being read are a little different.

15 years earlier, Tom and Beth are new in the small community. We never learn what work Tom does, but he and Beth spend a lot of time with their daughter Vanessa, who has been in the hospital a lot. Vanessa has no hair but a cheerful attitude for the most part. Her 4-year-old brother Gordon seems to accept what is going on better than many his age. Tom visits Jess' farm to buy vegetables, but he later shows up in the middle of summer wanting pumpkins. The reason: Tom is worried Vanessa might not survive to see Halloween.

Jess and his friend, who have both suffered losses in their lives, go to a relative of Jess who already has pumpkins, and they come back with a big load, and a possible second wife for Jess' friend.

Vanessa has a new friend, a teenage waitress who is a talented artist and aspiring writer, though right now she must work for her demanding uncle at his diner. Meanwhile, Beth is helping out with story time at the library, where Jess' wife Claire used to work and still volunteers some.

If Vanessa continues to go downhill, she also won't see Christmas. It just so happens Jess grows Christmas trees, and Tom goes to pick one out.

Jess is going through a lot of bitterness, but helping this family helps him a lot, and he becomes a kind and loving grandfather type.

Eventually the whole town knows about Vanessa's plight, and what happens next is truly a Christmas miracle.

Will Vanessa make it? I will say that the movie has a happy ending.

The story is great, and the holidays are celebrated just as one might expect--just at different times.

Everyone involved gives a great performance, but I believe Sam Elliott stands out from the group. If anyone gets an Emmy nomination, I believe it will be him.

Emily Alyn Lind certainly deserves something, though most likely she would be nominated only in a category that favors kids. Vanessa keeps her attitude positive so much of the time.

It was worthy of the name Hallmark Hall of Fame.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 November 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hallmark Hall of Fame: November Christmas (#60.1)

Filming Locations:

Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1