Christmas at Maxwell's

Christmas at Maxwell's is a 2006 American independent drama film written and directed by William C. Laufer, and starring Andrew May and Jacqueline 'Jack' Hourigan.[1][2]

Christmas at Maxwell's
Promotional poster
Directed byWilliam C. Laufer
Written byWilliam C. Laufer
Produced byWilliam C. Laufer
Tiffany Laufer
StarringAndrew May
Jack Hourigan
Helen Welch
CinematographyTiffany Laufer
Edited byRonen Pestes
Music byRichard John Baker
Mike Petrone
Production
company
Laufer Film Company
Distributed byAloha Releasing Inc.
Laufer Film Company
Virtual Film Distribution
Release date
  • December 6, 2006 (2006-12-06)
Running time
94 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
BudgetUS$3,000,000

Plot

Suzie Austin (Jack Hourigan) has cancer and her most recent prognosis is unfavorable. Fearing that this may be their last Christmas together, husband Andrew Austin (Andrew May) takes Suzie and their two children, Chris (Charlie May) and Mary (Julia May) to the family's summer home on Lake Erie to celebrate the holiday. There they meet Gus (Angus May). Andrew comes to terms with his past as the family deals with his wife's failing health.

Background

The film is based upon Laufer's real-life experiences and was shot on locations in Ohio.[3][4] Laufer's daughter, Tiffany Laufer, an American Film Institute Alumna, served as cinematographer and co-producer.[5] An advance screening was held on November 28, 2006, with all ticket proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.[6] The film had its official theatrical release on December 1, 2006, and its television debut on Christmas Day.

Partial cast
  • Andrew May as Andrew Austin
  • Jack Hourigan as Suzie Austin
  • Helen Welch as Rachel Henderson
  • Rick Montgomery Jr. as Dr. Callahan
  • Tracie Field as Tootsie
  • Robert Hawkes as Col. Pickerling
  • Angus May as Uncle Gus
  • Charlie May as Chris Austin
  • Julia May as Mary Austin
  • William C. Laufer as Fr. Johnston

Reception

Belinda Elliott of CBN wrote that even with its low budget, the film was "beautifully photographed with rich warming images of Christmas", but cautioned that themes of illness and death might be too heavy for young children. She summarized that the film was a "heartwarming holiday tale that lovingly illustrates the power of faith and the fact that miracles can and do still happen."[4] East Valley Living reports that the film had received an award from the Dove Foundation.[3]

In 2010 Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) picked up the movie for a worldwide TV release.

See also

References
  1. "Another Cleveland Christmas movie: 'Christmas at Maxwell's'". WKYC. December 24, 2008. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  2. Kehr, Dave (November 5, 2006). "December releases". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  3. "Christmas at Maxwell's to Debut". East Valley Living. December 7, 2006. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  4. Elliott, Belinda. "review: Christmas at Maxwell's". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  5. Carpenter, Edwin L. "Father And Daughter Work On Family Film Together". Dove Foundation. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  6. "Durham company invests in IT recycling company". Philanthropy Journal. November 27, 2006. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
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