In the style of the Gift of the Magi, wealthy orphan is dutifully resigned to an arranged-for marriage to a man of “socially acceptable class.” When her heart is captured by a young Swiss immigrant, she struggles between her relative’s expectations and her own wishes.
For her dramatic acting debut, singer Marie Osmond chose this sentimental adaptation of the venerable Yuletide short story The Gift of the Magi, previously filmed in 1952 as a segment of the omnibus feature film [O. Henry’s Full House](http://amzn.to/1U0NKtL). Set in turn-of-the-century New York, The Gift of Love casts Osmond as young heiress Beth Atherton, who gives up her life of privilege and luxury to become the wife of poverty-stricken immigrant Rudi Miller (Timothy Bottoms). Though he finds work as a clerk, Rudi is unable to afford a decent Christmas gift for Beth, nor is she able to scrounge enough money from the household budget to purchase a gift for her husband. What happens next hinges on the fact that Rudi is inordinately proud of his gold watch, while Beth takes equal pride in her long, flowing hair. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
A charming story of O. Henry’s that is brought to life by Marie Osmond and Timothy Bottoms. This tale held in days of past portrays the social standing of those in the early 1900s. A story about one young lady’s discovery of the true meaning of love. Although engaged in a marriage that is more of a merger than love related, Beth finds true love at first sight of Rudy. Just a delightful romantic movie for the family. Dove awards the Dove “Family-Approved” Seal for all ages. – Dove
Starring Marie Osmond, Timothy Bottoms, Bethel Leslie, June Lockhart, Donald Moffat.
Note: This made-for-TV movie is going to be too dated and saccharine for some, but others will find it to be perfectly sweet.