The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (TV Movie 1971) 5/7

[Jennafu832]

Did they have black baby dolls in the 1930s? I can't imagine any toy companies of that day and age caring that a black child wanted a baby doll that looked like them. I've seen many white baby dolls circa 1930 that look a lot like "Baby Jesus" in this scene, but I haven't seen any black baby dolls like that. The irony of the situation is that the real Jesus Christ probably looked more black than white, given his heritage and geographical location. :)

[charmedcripchic]

I loved the songs and the real sheep in this nativity pageant

[charmedcripchic]

I wish the TV series portrayed more of this part of the Homecoming Pilot Special

[laminage]

You know what was really poignant about this scene. The Blacks in Virginia had it twice as hard but still they perservered, and to think that many of the "Extras" were probably The Great Grand Children or Great Great Grandchildren of Freed Slaves. Now Virginia is the Home of Hampton University one of The Top African American Colleges whose Exterior was used on A Different World.

[JhonathanFree]

Should we believe those old ladies crawled up to the top of that tree and lit all those candles? LOL.

[JhonathanFree]

The part in the car is nuts.

[tenagnek]

Writing like this is so rare. It's amazing how much is packed into this script, how elegantly and effectively it speaks to family, a young man's ambitions, social justice, and how we define sin and virtue.

[cluvsonj]

Miss Emily: Mamie you missed every word Iv'e said, Well just because you're gone there's no reason not to carry on a conversation is there. THen she keeps talking lol. I just found out both these actresses in real life died just two days apart. One died June 2, 1998 and the other June 4, 1998. One was 101 and one was 94. And the one playing Emily I found out played the Queen in the 1st Cinderella TV airing that starred Julie Andrews in the title role. Love finding out tidbits like that.

[cluvsonj]

I love the attitude of the Ike Godsey in this movie. I have seen this character actor in lots of things. And the man who plays the sheriff, well I swore his voice sounded like one of those animated Christmas movies but his name doesnt' show on the credits. The voice is sort of like how Burl Ives is in "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" but I did find out he was in a xmas movie "Santa Claus, The Movie" in 1985 playing Santa and I remember that film.

[laminage]

@cluvsonj The Town Sherriff was on The Soap Opera All My Children. He played The Prison Chaplain (Minister) and he was a man from The Past of Ross Chandler. Because Ross was born illegitimate he was made to feel less than he was and in a flashback scene he terrorized him.

[tmwalkerm]

@laminage wow, good eye! I knew I recognized him from somewhere :)

[Tralman1965]

@cluvsonj He was also in Blazing saddles as was Cleavon Little.

[candlelight482]

those real candles on the tree r pretty but r they just gonna wait till they burn out, its so big they won't b able 2 put more on

[cluvsonj]

@candlelight482 What I also wondered is how those 2 old ladies got those candles and any other decor way up that high. Even on a ladder I'd worry they would fall.

[scooter36able]

You know, if I had been John-Boy and Olivia asked me what I had hidden in my bed, I would have said, "Just my Playboys, Mama"!! I know Playboy wasn't around back then, but I can't help it!!

[scooter36able]

That sheriff is a mean SOB!! I look at him and I hear the "Mr.Grinch" lyrics!! John-Boy is so damned cute!!!!!!!! He even sighs cute!!!!!!!! I hate hunting too!!!!!!!! Does anyone know how many times the name "Ashley Longworth" was mentioned not just in this movie, but on the TV show?? I think that after the 150th time that Miss Emily mentioned him, the CBS brass should have said,"No more Ashley Longworth in the scripts"!!!!!!!!!!

[timothyj1966]

these kids are adorable! Hey Mary - what you gonna call that little-biddy baby? Some call him Jesus, I think I"ll name him Emannuel...

[cluvsonj]

@timothyj1966 That is a cute scene. THey say that 3 times and each time she says something different. I think Ill call him Jesus, ...Emmanuel....Savior? Cant she make up her mind LOL. And that black baby Jesus has ruby red lips lol

[lostindiancamp]

" I still think of Ashley now and then."

That has to be the understatement of the century.

[bevie29]

It was done with a freshly cut tree and they always kept some full buckets

of water in the same room.

[timothyj1966]

@bevie29 I have seen a real tree lit with european candles... stunningly beautiful....

[lostindiancamp]

OMG, real candles on a Christmas tree. Can you imagine that thing going up in an inferno?

[Ladylasil]

@lostindiancamp

Yeah...I was a bit worried too, no way would I have live candles. It sure was beautiful though.