I love Barbara Robinsons book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, published as a children’s book in 1972. Connie Willis introduced the book to me in her 1991 book Miracles and Other Christmas Stories. (If you’ve read Miracle, how is it not a movie?) “The Herdmans bully everyone and smoke and cuss, even the girls, and come only because they heard there were refreshments afterwards. And they transform what was a sedate and boring Christmas pageant into something extraordinary.”
It’s Near the Top of My List
It’s one of the books I read every Holiday season, and every year, I’m moved by this little book. I also watch the 1984 TV movie, a teleplay written by Barbara Robinson, starring Loretta Swit. Despite the grainy 1980s screen, it’s a wonderful 48-minute movie. Here it is on YouTube without commercials: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Review.
A couple of weeks ago, I was excited when I saw an ad for a new movie based on the book starring Judy Greer, whom I absolutely loved in Arrested Development. So, before my wife and I went to the theater to see the new movie, I read the book that morning and watched the teleplay. I was worried about being disappointed. I wasn’t.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review
I’m a stickler for movies following the book. For example, I read A Christmas Carol every year and critique movie versions when they go away from the book. Yes, I yell at the TV. So, although the movie goes a few places, I see no need for it to go, such as the praying scenes (that’s all I’ll say). Far and away, the movie does a great job of representing the book.
The beginning and many scenes are taken word for word from the book. The actors are wonderful, and Lauren Graham’s narration hits the mark. I must say that the ending scene, something not in the book, is not only appropriate but also, I’m certain Barbara Robinson would approve.
On Another Note
It’s been years since my wife and I have been to a movie theater, so we were not prepared for thirteen minutes of commercials and another ten minutes of previews. The worst part was that at times, the volume, especially on the commercials, was so loud it was painful. I tried to make earplugs out of a napkin. If I ever go again, I’ll bring plugs. On top of that, we spent nearly fifty dollars on one popcorn, two diet colas, and two tickets.
You Should Go
If, like me, you love Christmas movies, if you’re a Barbara Robinson fan, or if you just want to have a fun time at the theater, you should go see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Be sure to take earplugs, though.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
