The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983)
The Herdmans – Gladys, Claude, Imogene, Leroy, Ollie and Ralph – are undeniably the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, cheat, bully and overall terrorize their small community. But this Christmas, they’re taking over their local church Pageant – and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked little town the true meaning of Christmas.
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Boring
This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.
It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional
The acting in this movie is really good.
Wow. This show is amazing. Just recently, I watched it in my theater arts class and I was astonished on how great it was. My friend and I even cried, it was that touching. My school is doing this play for Christmas and I've had such a great time working with them and doing this play. The characters seem so real, it's amazing. The show is so touching, with a slight hint of hilarious. It has so many funny lines in it. It's really one of my favorites now. It's such a funny show, you definitely have to see it if you haven't. It draws you in right away and you can't stop watching it. Once you watch it, you'll be glad you did. It will definitely make you remember the true meaning of Christmas.
I thought of this movie just today but couldn't remember the name of it. I called my mom, who was a teacher at the time I saw the movie at school, and ask her if she remembered the movie so I could search for it online. She didn't help a bit. So, I called my brother to see if he remembered it and he had no clue. So I ended up just browsing threw all online Christmas movies to find it. Now I'm 23 years old and I watched that movie when I was in 3rd grade! I remember all of it! My teacher, where we watched the movie and everything! I have bought the movie and my Husband and I are taking it this year to our family get-together for our whole family to watch. A definitely Must See!!!
I never thought any tv movie could do justice to the classic novel on which this Christmas special is based. But this flick succeeds brilliantly. All the classic lines & situations from the book are here, along with some added surprises. (The ham, and the surprise visitor at the pageant!) The Herdmans are exactly how I pictured them, and their "house" is completely realistic as well- love the factories in the background! The supporting characters (especially Charlie, Alice Wendelken, and (I think his name is) Hobie Carmichael), are all perfectly cast. And the message of the book is perfectly preserved-- there's a pretty amazing moment with the young actress who plays Imogene Herdman, when she's looking at a picture of Mary & Jesus and starts to cry. For anyone who hasn't read the book (which is a masterpiece & one of the most hilarious books I've ever read), I at least recommend you getting a hold of this movie. It will help you remember the "true" meaning of Christmas.
This movie is so great on so many levels! One moment you are touched and the next you are rolling on the floor laughing! I think what makes this movie so enjoyable is the fact that we can all identify with it! We all have gotten roped into volunteering when we don't want to and we all know a family just like the Hermans! Watch it!!!!