Christmas at Maxwell's

Christmas at Maxwell's
Promotional poster
Directed by	William C. Laufer
Produced by	William C. Laufer Tiffany Laufer
Written by	William C. Laufer
Starring	Andrew May Jack Hourigan Helen Welch
Music by	Richard John Baker Mike Petrone
Cinematography	Tiffany Laufer
Editing by	Ronen Pestes
Studio	Laufer Film Company
Distributed by	Aloha Releasing Inc. Laufer Film Company Virtual Film Distribution
Release date(s)	December 6, 2006 (2006-12-06)
Running time	94 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$ 3,000,000

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]

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 TBN Trinity Broadcasting Network picked up the movie for a worldwide TV release.

References

1. ^ "Another Cleveland Christmas movie: 'Christmas at Maxwell's'". WKYC. December 24, 2008. http://www.wkyc.com/news/regional/akron_article.aspx?storyid=103735&catid=6. Retrieved 07 December 2009. 
2. ^ Kehr, Dave (November 5, 2006). "December releases". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/05/movies/moviesspecial/05nove.html. Retrieved 07 December 2009. 
3. ^ ^{a b} "Christmas at Maxwell's to Debut". East Valley Living. December 7, 2006. http://www.evliving.com/events.php?action=fullnews&id=6140. Retrieved 07 December 2009. 
4. ^ ^{a b} Elliott, Belinda. "review: Christmas at Maxwell's". Christian Broadcasting Network. http://www.cbn.com/entertainment/screen/ElliottB_ChristmasatMaxwells.aspx. Retrieved 07 December 2009. 
5. ^ Carpenter, Edwin L.. "Father And Daughter Work On Family Film Together". Dove Foundation. http://www.dove.org/news.asp?ArticleID=89. Retrieved 07 December 2009. 
6. ^ "Durham company invests in IT recycling company". Philanthropy Journal. November 27, 2006. http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/archive/123226. Retrieved 07 December 2009. 

External links

• Christmas at Maxwell's at the Internet Movie Database
• Christmas At Maxwells at Rotten Tomatoes
• Official Website
• Lauferfilm.com Production website