Customer Reviews
Great Score, Great Cast, Classic Story, but always read labels before using 
2007-04-23
"The Littlest Angel" began when legendary Hollywood star Loretta Young befriended renowned writer Charles Tazewell (who also wrote "The Small One,' which Disney later animated). Tazewell promised to write something especially for her, and some time later, a script arrived at her house: "The Littlest Angel."
Young set about to record the script for Decca Records, but was at a retreat (she was a devout Catholic) and told her agent the recording session had to wait until after that weekend. However, Greer Garson had read the script in a Decca office and was going to record it unless Young did it first. Young raced from the retreat, recorded the six-disc 78 RPM with a full orchestra, and returned to the retreat without missing a prayer. Even the musicians were amazed how they were able to record it in a flash with no problems.
The record album was a huge hit, was later released on vinyl, performed on radio, and adapted into a book by Tazewell. One of the reasons Young was so touched by the story is because she and her husband has suffered through miscarriaged and considered her lost children as "angels in heaven." Therein lies the issue -- this fantasy is indeed about a little boy who dies, goes to heaven, has trouble fitting in, and ultimately gives a great gift. But it's more than a story about death -- it's about life everlasting, and that's why Hallmark made it into a musical special in 1969.
The music and lyrics are by Lan o"kun, a longtime collaborator with Shari Lewis who co-wrote an episode of Star Trek with her. The arrangements are by John Morris, who added so much to Mel Brooks films of the 70's and wrote "The French Chef." The case is superb and the production values are way way way out of date by today's standards, but back then they were the best TV could do with limited time, budgets, and the tools they had. Today, you can do better effects on your PC, but one might be forgiving when appreciating this show in context.
That all said, even though I love the music (and listen to the LP record almost every Christmas), and have had the VHS tape for years, I'm waitng for the right time to show this to my young children. My wife and I have watched it together (and we have experienced the losses of loved ones), and enjoy the show for what it is. We'd like to share it with the kids, but we're waiting for the right year. It may be this year, but we'll see.
[...]
I really like this special, but I guess it's not for everyone. It's unfortunate that several people have been caught unawares by it and upset by it. Many thanks to them for sharing that with others.
littlest angle dvd 
2007-03-08
this movie is great and so is amazon. I have been looking for this movie forever,but could not find it.I thank you so much.
Really disappointed! 
2007-01-19
I remembered this story from my childhood, and was eagerly looking forward to watching the DVD. Unfortunately, it had been made into a very poor musical and despite a good cast, was (in my opinion) atrocious! Didn't even watch the whole thing, watched as much as I could stomach , took it out, gave it away. I was really disappointed.
Priceless 2007-01-11
Seeing Fred Gwynne as a angel with the unexpected bonus of hearing him sing is worth the price of the tape. There are many other bonus performances by surprise guest stars as well. The Christmas story told is warm and touching. It is well worth the price of the DVD!
Please beware 2006-12-22
My 5-year-old daughter received this movie as a Christmas gift. We started watching it and had to turn it off.
Please, if you have had a child die, DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!!!! We lost our son 2-1/2 minutes after his birth and within 5 minutes of listening to this movie (I couldn't bring myself to watch it after I read the back of the movie case), I was sobbing in the kitchen. I don't know what impact it will have on my daughter, who was 2-1/2 when her brother died.
I still don't know why our "friend" thought this was a good movie for our family - or worse yet, our daughter who has been through the death of a brother.
I won't even touch on the theological problems with this movie - but then again, which Christmas movies are theologically sound anymore????
So please, if you are thinking of buying this for yourself or as a gift - DON'T - especially if you or your receipients have suffered the loss of a child.
The Horror! 
2008-06-24
I have noticed a couple of reviews on "The Littlest Angel" posted here that have bothered me for some time, and now I shall comment, although I'm not sure why I'm taking the time. Two reviewers have stated how "traumatized" they were when they saw this movie, since the title character (a very young Johnny Whitaker) dies toward the first of the film. He becomes an angel and returns to earth for a short time where he discovers it is impossible to communicate with his still-living family. Wow...get me a pill cause this is rockin my world! I recommend checking out most of what is offered on television these days and tell me it isn't slightly more "traumatic". I also have read in a review here that "The Littlest Angel" is theologically incorrect. One more reminder that this is a small production put together four decades ago for probably a single broadcast on network TV...it isn't a lesson from seminary. And oh yes, this movie has all the high-end production values you'd expect from 1968 TV (almost nonexistent). All that said, "The Littlest Angel" is not an american Christmas classic, but it does offer some nostalgia value for those who saw it as kids all those years ago. Just don't show it to your Sunday school class or therapy group. For them I recommend "The Passion Of The Christ" as it is less traumatic and more biblical.
Memories are best left as just that. 2008-05-15
Very disappointed in this TV/movie. Loved it as a kid. Horrible production values. Looks like is was done in someones basement at times. Did not stand the test of time.
The Littlest Angel 2007-12-06
My granddaughter's VCR died and she went to DVD. Her only regret was losing her all time favorite Movie. We searched the stores and could not find a replacement in DVD. How happy I was when I found it at Amazon. I ordered it and presented it to her as a gift. Needless to say happy tears flowed. The story of giving the best of yourself - instead of worldly material expensive things - will live forever
F.Y.I. 2007-10-30
I also saw this story as a child.But as delightful as this story is,it is not based on fact.Anyone with bible knowledge knows that "people" do not become angels.Angels are separate beings created by GOD as angels.The idea of people becoming angels is pure fairytale and is not in the bible.Just something to keep in mind while watching.If this comment busts anyones bubble,sorry,it needed to be done.
I've always loved this musical! 2007-10-19
Not sure why people have dissed this one, but it was a huge part of my Christmases -- when it first came out on TV and much later when I was finally able to get a copy for myself. I never forgot it and thought the music -- especally "Lost in Another Time" was unforgettable. My kids all loved it although the graphics are definitely dated. Great story and a great cast. Loved Fred Gwynne!
