Is It Happened One Christmas Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, It Happened One Christmas is likely a skip if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
It Happened One Christmas Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1977, It Happened One Christmas enters the TV Movie genre with a narrative focused on It's Christmas Eve 1944 in the small town of Bedford Falls, New York. Under the direction of Donald Wrye, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Marlo Thomas, Orson Welles, Wayne Rogers. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, It Happened One Christmas offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, It Happened One Christmas resonates with current cultural themes in the TV Movie space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, It Happened One Christmas is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of It Happened One Christmas centers on a unique premise within the TV Movie landscape. It's Christmas Eve 1944 in the small town of Bedford Falls, New York. A despondent and suicidal Mary Bailey Hatch is praying for guidance on what to do about an incident no fault of her own which threatens her name and the community standing of her longtime family business, the Bailey Building and Loan, which she took over after the passing of her father. What Mary does not know is that most in town, including her husband George Hatch and their children, are also praying for her. All the prayers are heard by Joseph, God's gatekeeper of prayers. As there are no other angels available on such a busy day, Joseph assigns Clara Oddbody, angel second class (i.e. she has yet to receive her wings), to Mary's case, which he reluctantly does as Clara has never been assigned a case on her own in the two hundred years she's been in heaven for good reason. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1977 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of It Happened One Christmas has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a It Happened One Christmas sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for It Happened One Christmas (1977): with an audience rating of 4.6/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of TV Movie, Comedy cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
It Happened One Christmas has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.6/10, and global collection metrics, It Happened One Christmas stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1977 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Happened One Christmas movie hit or flop?
It Happened One Christmas is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.6/10 and lower collections.
Is It Happened One Christmas worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.6/10, It Happened One Christmas may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is It Happened One Christmas?
It Happened One Christmas is a TV Movie, Comedy movie that It's Christmas Eve 1944 in the small town of Bedford Falls, New York. A despondent and suicidal Mary Bailey Hatch is praying for guidance on what to d...
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is It Happened One Christmas movie hit or flop?
It Happened One Christmas is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.6/10 and lower collections.
Is It Happened One Christmas worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.6/10, It Happened One Christmas may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
What genre is It Happened One Christmas?
It Happened One Christmas is a TV Movie, Comedy movie that It's Christmas Eve 1944 in the small town of Bedford Falls, New York. A despondent and suicidal Mary Bailey Hatch is praying for guidance on what to d...
Is It Happened One Christmas family friendly?
Yes, It Happened One Christmas is suitable for family viewing as it falls under the TV Movie, Comedy genre.
Where can I watch It Happened One Christmas?
You can find streaming options and availability for It Happened One Christmas on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.
Who is the main cast of It Happened One Christmas?
It Happened One Christmas features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.
How long is the movie It Happened One Christmas?
The runtime and duration of It Happened One Christmas are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Critic Reviews
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