Cast
View All
Shirley Jones
as Shirley Miller
Peter Haskell
as Jake Miller
Peter Barton
as Bill Miller
Rosanna Arquette
as Debra Miller
Tracey Gold
as Michelle Miller
Patrick Wayne
as Lew Armitage
John McIntire
as Dutch McHenry
Jo McDonnell
as Margot Eldridge
John Zaremba
as Dr. Barnes
Linnea Quigley
as Yvonne
Sari Price
as Mrs. Nelson
Lisa Moore
as Mrs. McCullough
James Olson
as
Walter Brooke
as
Bert Remsen
as
Crew
Director
- Robert Birnbaum
Producer
- Robert Birnbaum
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Visions of Christmas Past examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Birnbaum brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Visions of Christmas Past took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 395 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1668 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: December 28, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 35m