The Littlest Angel (1969) a.k.a Hallmark Hall of Fame: The Littlest Angel
Osterman/O'Kun Productions, USA, 1969.
From Mill Creek's Family Holiday 20 Film Collection.
Based on Charles Tazewell's book. He also wrote the story for Disney's "The Small One" (directed by Don Bluth), best known for Finnish from "From All of Us to All of You" a.k.a "Jiminy Cricket's Christmas" special.
Shepherd boy Michael (Johnny Whitaker) collects treasures, old junk really. When he follows a white dove he falls of a cliff an dies. He arrives in Heaven. Boss angel Gabriel (Jazz legend Cab Calloway) welcomes him and goofy angel Patience (Fred Gwynne) is assigned as his guardian angel. The Flying Mistress (Connie Stevens) gives him wings. But Michael does not want to be an angel and wants to return home. When the first Christmas is coming Michael must decide what to give to baby Christ. No gift is worthless if it comes from the heart.
| Michael |
| Mike's parents (Evelyn Russell and James Coco) |
| Gabriel |
Musical numbers are numerous but easy to listen to. In one of them Democritus (Tony Randall) has a philosophical debate that he is only having a dream and not really in Heaven. The special effects are dated (bad blue screen background effects all around) but the story is nice and has charm. Johnny Whitaker makes a good role as an energetic little boy. As it is a perkily told tale it is one of the least traumatizing films to teach kids about death (from the Christian point of view). Best of all it gives a warm Christmas feeling.
| Patience |
| The Flying Mistress |
| God (E.G. Marshall) |
Rating: Good
Starring: Johnny Whitaker, Fred Gwynne, Cab Calloway, E.G. Marshall, John McGiver, Tony Randall, George Rose, Connie Stevens, James Coco, Evelyn Russell, Cris Alexander, George Blackwell, Mary Jo Catlett, Lu Leonard, Christine Spencer
Director: Joe Layton
