User Reviews

I loved seeing Ann-Margret and Eve Plumb, Loved the vintage costumes and sets, loved seeing the Rockettes, and the story being set in 1957. I even liked the story of a rich girl escaping from her pampered life and following her heart while learning to live outside the ivory tower.

It is a story of following one's dreams, standing on one's own feet, and the power of friendship. It is not the story of what life was really like in the 1950s for non-white people in New York City. In a right-minded effort to correct their past lack of diversity in their movies, I feel, with this one, Hallmark has done a disservice to their viewership and to the truth of the African American experience. It shows an integrated dance troupe with a black dancer who is even promoted over the other girls at the end. In truth, the Rockettes did not have even one non-white dancer until 1985. And she was Japanese. It wasn't until 1987 that a black dancer was famously accepted. As much as I appreciate Hallmark's efforts at inclusion, falsifying history is just wrong and harmful. And I don't think you can just gloss over this situation by glibly proclaiming "It's the Hallmark Channel, not the History Channel!!!". There's a quote about being doomed to repeat history that might apply here. Not to belabor a point, but something similar happened in 2016's A Journey Back to Christmas. In that one, a nurse fresh from segregated 1945 is transported to 2016 and is treated and questioned by a black doctor and interrogated by a black Chief of Police. No incredulity, nor even a blink on her part. What a lost opportunity for a short but dramatic (or comedic!) history lesson! And it would have taken all of 10 seconds and a line or two. Not sure how I would have fixed this one, but even an expository paragraph at the beginning or end about the truth of the matter would have gone a long way toward remedying the problem while still giving a talented black actress a job.

Margaret wants to join the Rockettes and perform in front of an audicience. So, one day, she lies to her parents and fiance and she just goes for it and auditions: she gets the part and moves to NYC just for the season. There she meets handsome John who also has a dream: go to NYU and become a photographer journalist.

It is unreal that they keep meeting everywhere in a city that is so big, but anyway... I read that a few of the details regarding the Rockettes are also off but we can let them slide when we are presented with such a beautiful story, right? Other than love, this story has friendship, it encourages people to follow their dreams, and being themselves. I also appreciate that none of the girls were made "the popular girl/villain".

Lovely movie, lovely cast. The leads had chemistry and honestly? I was charmed by both of them, specially Derek Klena and I'm gonna need him in a modern day Hallmark movie. Maybe he can even sing?

It is different than the usual movies Hallmark offers, you even forget you are watching that channel.

Going for a period piece like this breaks the mold of the average Hallmark Christmas romance, but they still couldn't QUITE get away from the normal tropes. Both the romantic leads needed to "follow their dream". There was the typical split from the rich boyfriend for true love, and the always present crisis with the new boyfriend to be wrapped up in the last seven minutes.

Still, it was wonderful to see Ann-Margret. One never knows when she'll stop accepting roles, and she came off a LOT better here than Marlo Thomas did in her appearance a few weeks ago.

The Rockettes looked great. As others have mentioned, the Rockettes didn't integrate until 1988, and to this day only have two black dancers on the team. I'll give them a minor break in that they had to show the real Rockettes in the performance scenes, and they weren't going to ask two members to sit it out, so they kind of needed to show them in the acting scenes, or that would have stuck out.

My wife was more impressed with the movie than I, sort of a surprise with all those great looking women (and legs!) on display. :-)

She puts it in the "Watch again" category, while I put it in the "Glad I saw it but that's it category". :-)

I admitt, I was seduced by this very special, some different Hallmark movie. The first, great, precious and rare virtue is the atmosphere, admirable crafted, from costumes to the dialogue . Second, no doubts, the frame, a venerable lady telling her first steps in dance career to her granddaughter. Not the last, the beautiful acting, offering a sort of innocence of a generation not far by post war idealism , the dreams coming true, the relation with family and the honesty to themselves. And Ginna Marie Mason, like.derek Klena are perfects in their roles.

The accuracy ? Is it real - real important in this case , the story , touching at whole being more significant, for me, than a pledge agains racism ?

7.4 stars.

A woman in the 1950's follows her dream to be a dancer to the chagrin of her parents.

How often is life just like this movie? When people followed their dreams 70 years ago, were these the repercussions? How much can I glean from this story and apply to my own life today? If I followed my dreams as a youngster, where would I be now? I ask myself these questions all the time, and the inevitable answer is that I truly believe in my heart we do what we do to survive, we are where we are because that's what works best for us. You can attribute a small percentage to luck, or some other coincidences if you like, and maybe your life would be different, but would it?

I'd like to believe that we all do what we feel we need to do to be happy. Why do some people take risks and others don't? If you think it's because some people have more courage than others, I'd say you are probably wrong.

Good movie though.

Hallmark hit the mark again with this holiday movie. A much different story line than the usual Hallmark plot. Focusing on the Rockettes really was a nice change while still developing the relationship between the two lead actors. Both Ginna and Derek were excellent in the movie as were the supporting actors. It was great to see Ann-Margaret, who one could actually believe, was a Rockette! She really looks great. Adding in Eve Plumb from the Brady Bunch was another nice touch. Carolyn McCormick as Maggie's mother was wonderful as well.

Personally, I remember as a child in the '50's seeing the Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes at Radio City. I know some reviewers pointed out some historical inaccuracies, which you can do in most Hallmark movies that take place in the path, but that didn't detract from this wonderful movie. Hallmark has had some winners this season. Three Wise Men and a Baby, Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas and Ghosts of Christmas Always come to mind. I'll add this movie to my list!

I was looking forward to watching this movie having a dance background but you can't rewrite history and the first non-black was actually asian and a black Rockette wasn't until 1987-88. We can't make movies politically correct to appease the present times but just reflecting the correct times is fine. I can appreciate a good movie that keeps to truth. I love Ann-Margret. I can't call this a spoiler, the promo movie photo I didn't see first and I would have skipped it with looking at the cast members. I gave high stars is because I grew up with Ann and loved her. You can be non-white and want history portrayed correctly even if a feel-good movie. If anything it only made me think of the times and how it wasn't like this as the movie portrays.

In 1977, my wife and I had our first trip to Las Vegas. I can't remember the casino, but I think it may have been seizures. Ann Margaret was performing. We ordered two tickets, and then got to the show only a few minutes before it was supposed to start. We were guided down to the very front, and sat at a table right in front of the stage. So we got to watch Ann Margaret up close and personal. She is a singular talent and it was a pleasure to watch her in this movie.

The chemistry of the two main characters was terrific and believable. And watching the Rockettes was fun. I don't think enough people understand how incredibly talented these women are. The competition for each spot is intense. Loved it.

A very enjoyable movie and addition to the Hallmark list. As an avid Hallmark Christmas movie fan, I must say it doesn't feel like the holidays or like other Christmas films. It's actually focused on the love story and coming of age of the leads - which was a nice change.

To the diversity haters: shame on you. The diversity and representation in this film are to be commended, not chided. If you sat down at 8 pm on the weekend, selected a Hallmark Christmas movie and expected to see a historically accurate, quasi-documentary on the Rockettes, well that's on you. I applaud the filmmakers choices and I'm sorry that others are too afraid of differences and thus must nitpick in such a silly way.

Watch the movie, enjoy the story for what it is.

So happy to see Broadway uber talented Stars Ginna Claire Mason (Wicked) & Derek Klena (Moulin Rouge) and first rate supporting cast in a wonderful Christmas movie! Finally pleased to see a movie about a dancer with an actress who can dance... Still, you do leave the film wishing there was more Rockettes content. Overall a very good period piece, gladly surprised with the recreation of the fifties, the wardrobe, hair and makeup is stunning for Hallmark standards... indeed a charming romance flick, fantastic chemistry between the leads, this one is definitely a keeper. Great job on this one; Hallmark: please keep casting Broadway actors, we love them!

First of all, I enjoyed the film which is grossly and very loosely based on the early life of A-lister Hollywood actress, singer and dancer Ann-Margret. There is one scene early in the movie where Margaret (Ginna Claire Mason) asks her fiancé Maxwell (Torsten Johnson) "What brings you true joy? What makes you really happy?" I thought these two questions were really directed at the movies audience in a shrewd attempt to encourage their audience to just sit back, relax and watch Margret's own dream come true. Margret's dream was to dance with the New York Radio City Rockette's.

Margret comes from a wealthy Philadelphia family who expects their daughter to marry well, stay home and bear them grandchildren. But that is not Margret's own dream. Her dream is to dance on stage with the New York Radio City Rockette's.

All the negative reviews about this film not being true to form for the 1950's as there were no black dancers in the Rockette's I say to them the following "First there are the negative criticisms for the past few decades that there were no good parts for an African American woman in the 1950's (BLM) and now when a film inserts African American women into leading roles into their film their picture is criticized for being unrealistic." Get over it and enjoy this modern day Christmas themed nostalgic look back at a film that reflects one young ladies dream come true.

I give the film a respectable 7 out of 10 IMDb rating.

I've never been impressed by the Rockettes. After watching some of the dance numbers in this movie (hopefully at least that is somewhat accurate) I must say that I was shortsighted. The dance numbers in this movie show talent.

I don't care for the story. Another movie based on lies to family. Additionally, Maggie is technically cheating on her fiancé at least in an emotional sense. Then there is the history rewrite. As others have pointed out, the Rockettes did not feature an African-American for another 30 years. Does such an inaccuracy do justice to Black History? In today's world, accuracy does not seem to matter. It does to me. Once historians begin to bend the truth, then who can trust them. You might say that Hallmark is not the History channel, but the principle still applies in my mind.

The acting is good. The script is good other than my previous objections. As I already mentioned, the dancing is fantastic. I enjoyed Ginna Claire Mason's energy. Many times when I looked at her, especially when she smiled, it reminded me of a younger Jessy Schram. I couldn't shake it.

This movie has some excellent features but I just couldn't stomach the story.

What a spectacular movie! Ginna and Derek had a natural warmth and chemistry-and are a very talented duo! I loved the story and the full circle beautiful movie ending. It's hard to beat a New York City movie setting, the real Rockettes, multi-talented Broadway stars, Ann Margaret, and a well-written story from start to finish. I also loved the message this movie delivered to little girls watching from home-don't settle. Go after your dreams and dream big!

This movie made me think of the magic I experienced when my parents took me to NYC for the first time to see the Rockettes. This movie really is a love letter to all the hard work, talent, and passion that goes into delivering the magic to Radio City Music Hall visitors every single holiday season.

This is an excellent production, with sets, costumes, and dialogue that really captures the late 1950's era. I have paid to see movies at the cinema that do not have the richness of the look of this film. Hallmark and the producers are to be credited with hiring Director John Putch to bring this story to life. He has done a really fine job here. It is hard to single out cast members because they all are excellent and have their terrific moments, but Ginna Marie Mason has the chore of carrying the film's story and she does so very effectively as Maggie, a young, well-to-do woman who realizes her dream of being a dancer. I am surprised at some of the negative reviews here that focus on the fact that the Rockettes had no black dancers in the 1950's. Does everything have to be turned around and focus on race nowadays ? Why can't an actress or actor be hired for a part whether they are black, white, red, or green? As nicely written by Julie Sherman Wolfe, this story is about women in an era where they had to struggle for independence. The script does not deal with racial issues that existed at the time. The part of Alice is about a seasoned Rockette who is feeling that her time as a dancer is coming to an end. The producers hired a black actress to play the part and Tiffany Denise Hobbs is just wonderful in it. I can remember reading articles in the Hollywood Reporter and other journals during the last 10 years that bemoaned the fact that actors of color were not hired enough for parts that could be played by any race. Well, here you have it. Alice just so happens to be played by a really fine black actress. Some other movie can explore the history of women of color breaking into the Rockettes. That is not what this movie is meant to do. It's meant to entertain us and tell us about women of any color who are realizing their dreams in the late 1950's.

The only disappointment here is the limited use of Ann-Margret. She is not given much to do, but, still, it is always a pleasure to see her charming presence in any movie, no matter how limited. Maybe next time.

As for the Rockettes, Director Putch filmed their routines very effectively here and they are pretty amazing. A joy to watch. We saw them in the real Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall about 20 years ago and were sort of disappointed with the show. The Rockettes were only on stage for about 20 minutes, and the rest of the show is a silly play for children that, to tell the truth, our kids were bored with. But, the Rockettes had their full attention and they were wide-eyed with wonder, so it was worth the price of admission. So, if you can't get to Radio City, this movie is a wonderful way to see the Rockettes - up close to boot.

This by far is the best Hallmark Christmas movie!!!! It's full of nostalgia and beautiful scenes and it was wonderful seeing Ann Margaret and Eve Plumb (a.k.a. Jan Brady) starring in it!!

The storyline is just a basic "feel good" kinda movie and everyone was such so nice and kind to one another... no fake "ad executives, real estate developers, doctors, writers, personal shoppers, creative marketing directors, singers, antique shop owners,etc", no fake "going back in time, needing a fake boyfriend for the holidays, falling in love with a prince, etc", no fake Christmas towns with fake snow or broken down vehicles, no talking to angels or Santa's changing the course of someone's personality or life... just a very good story as told by a grandmother to her granddaughter auditioning for a part in a musical!!

You can't get much better than that!!!!!

Thank you Hallmark Channel for a wonderful movie!!

Although overall I enjoyed this movie, once again, Hallmark sacrifices reality for inclusivity. The movie takes place in 1958.

Over all, most of the acting was pretty good. I thought the lead actress is quite talented. As usual, the movie is pretty people wearing pretty clothes, and going to pretty places.

My biggest quibble is that one of the Rockettes is a Black woman who says she has been with the troupe for 10 years. The first African-American Rockette wasn't actually hired until 1988. I realize Hallmark is not the History Channel, but they are trying too hard to "be all things to all people".

I was enjoying the movie until the Rockettes were portrayed as a diverse group of women with opportunities for advancement and acceptance in the 1950s.

This is absolutely false. As stated in the Trivia section, the first Black woman (Jennifer Jones) to dance with the Rockettes was in 1987 and then only part-time.

Since Hallmark chose to write a historical piece about the Rockettes, They should stick to accurate history rather than a fictional version.

It is ridiculous to rewrite history even though the Hallmark version was more palatable. None of the reviews I have seen online mention anything other than it was wonderful to see the diversity on the screen.

It would be wonderful if it was true.

A Holiday Spectacular (2022) -

The feel of this film was as if Sam from 'Quantum Leap' (1989-93) had landed in Maggie's (Ginna Claire Mason) body to make sure that she didn't make the mistakes that she surely would have done otherwise, because this film had the same vibe as that series and the same production values too.

The whole thing was a bit shiny and glorified, like the old Hollywood films, where everyone was perfect and beautiful, lived in gorgeous places and nothing was taken very seriously. I also made a note that it was a tad twee and I think that what I meant by that was that everything about it was old fashioned in a 1980's/early 90's film making kind of way. Styles, directions and storytelling that didn't fit anymore.

And the story itself was a bit basic and simplistic. However, without the filter that made it seem more like a flashback than the main narrative and with a bit of grit it might have had potential.

I think they must have been trying to replicate a certain style, but it was just too dated and also very slow.

It was another of this years selection that focussed less on a romance and more on a dream or a different type of relationship, but this one probably shouldn't have. Her desire to be a dancer was sweet, but it was definitely nothing new and without the heart of a romance it fell a bit flat.

It didn't need the Christmas setting either, because the season didn't really add any extra magic, but that may have been because of how it was directed/edited. There were elements of magic, but not done in an exciting way as it could easily have been with a bit more thought. I only really tuned in to it for a Christmas vibe, so I would have liked more of that.

I didn't really rate the acting either. None of the cast stood out as horrendous, but equally there was no one that showed their worth in a film full of ham and cheese. Perhaps the corny delivery was all part of the tone that the producers were trying to create, but either way it didn't work for me.

Honestly, it wasn't the worst film ever, by a long shot, but it definitely lacked anything to make it special or to sparkle among a million others from its genre.

Not one that I will revisit though.

4.5/10.

Okay, I do agree with some negative reviews that there is a bit of history rewriting going on here for the sake of political correctness but, well, so what. This movie was well acted, uplifting, fun to watch and an overall high quality production.

The one downside for me was that the story stopped a little short of what happens after the lead characters first year of dancing. A moment or two at the end detailing what happens later would have been appreciated.

Still - this movie does not have all of the usual Hallmark formula elements which is a huge plus. It does what a holiday movie should do which is to provide fun and watchable story.

I thought this was a very well written and well acted period piece with impressive vintage sets, wardrobes, and hairstyles. And it was great to see former dancer Ann Margaret playing a former dancer. She was quite a big star in the 60s and once dated Elvis Presley. But, as others have noted, there were no women of color in the Rockettes in 1958. I applaud Hallmark's ongoing efforts to be more inclusive and diverse, but they shouldn't ignore historical reality.

Nevertheless, the movie seemed to otherwise capture the look and feel of the 50s. At one point, Maggie's mother says: "your father and I really don't like you wearing pants... and now you're parading around New York like some kind of beatnik." Ginna Claire Mason was wonderful as rich girl Maggie. And she had good chemistry with Derek Klena (as John). He seems like he'd be a great leading man to add to Hallmark's roster.

There's a lot to like in this movie. In so many other Hallmark movies, the main character's best friend serves no purpose other than to be the main character's cheerleader and confidante. But here, Sofia (really well played with spice by Sara Gallo) is a fleshed out character with her own life.

I also liked the photo of Maggie expressing pure joy in New York. Despite having a life others envy, she's less than fulfilled at home and understandably wants to follow her own path. I enjoyed watching her bravery during a time when women weren't exactly encouraged to follow their dreams. But I also found her deceit (and her uncertainty about what to do) realistic given the times.

Today, having a friend say "you don't have to marry someone you don't love" would be weird because duh, of course not. But back then, someone like Maggie really needed that advice. Maxwell wasn't a bad guy, but a guy who says "I don't believe true love exists at all" shouldn't be getting married.

The Big Scene in the restaurant is very well done. And I loved Maggie's announcement on the street afterwards. But I thought the response was ... unfair.

I grade Hallmark on a curve and I would normally give this a 10 but I was really annoyed by the fake history.