Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Abigail Hawk | ... | Riley Thomas | |
Chevy Chase | ... | Preston Bullock | |
David O'Donnell | ... | Wyatt Davis | |
Howard Hesseman | ... | Nick Harper | |
Morgan Fairchild | ... | Joanne Davis | |
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Talha Khan | ... | College Student |
Zack Ward | ... | David Briggs | |
Gerald Webb | ... | Steve | |
Ben Giroux | ... | Cyril | |
Meredith Thomas | ... | Dana McCormick | |
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Mary-Kate O'Connell | ... | Edie |
Bob Rusch | ... | Frank | |
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Guy Tomassi | ... | Jesse |
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Don Vidler | ... | Phil |
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Pricilla Young-Asker | ... | Miriam |
Riley Thomas (Abigail Hawk) is a rising star at one of the world's most noted holding companies. With Christmas fast approaching, she is sent to the small town of Chestnut, Vermont to evaluate the assets of one of their companies, an outerwear clothing manufacturer. As she begins making plans for liquidation, she hires the company's founder, Nick (Howard Hesseman)-now retired-as her apprentice to help. Of course, everyone assumes she's there to save the company and she keeps her true motives a secret. In the process, she comes to appreciate what the company means to the small town; and she falls in love with its youthful CEO, Wyatt (David O'Donnell). She slowly comes to embrace the small town's values and even helps create a new product line just in time for Christmas. As her priorities change and her love grows, will Riley be able to stand up to her boss, Preston Bullock (Chevy Chase) and save the company she was supposed to destroy? Written by Hybrid, LLC
Is the real spirit of Christmas saving jobs? Christmas in Vermont is the latest addition to "Close the Business Down by Christmas" genera of holiday movies. Following the formula, the cold and clueless mega corporation executive (played by Chevy Chase) sends corporate climbing stooge Riley Thomas (played by Abigail Hawk) to a rural Vermont town to fire everyone in a flailing outerwear business. Riley then stumbles across the company's founder (played by Howard Hesseman) who shows her the true spirit of Christmas. Following the formula, Riley is overcome by small town and business charm and decides to use her big city corporate knowledge to turn the company around instead of closing it. Along the way, she finds her obligatory romance with the company's CEO Wyatt Davis (played by David O'Donnell). If you have watched this movie genera before, you can probably guess where this movie's ending is heading.
Despite the formula story line, there are some quirky things to look for to keep your interest. Fuzzed out signs will leave you scratching your head and promotions for other 2016 Christmas movies can be seen in the downtown business windows. Morgan Fairchild has a minor role in the movie but does not appear anywhere in the credits. Perhaps that is because she no longer looks like herself. The performances are solid and Howard Hesseman proves once again that he is THE formula Christmas movie actor of choice.
Worth watching if you have nothing else to do or watch for an evening.