AllMovie

Rural America was viewed with a nostalgic air during the late 1800s and early 1900s, even though no one at the time could have guessed how completely it would vanish within a matter of decades. That's why the play this film was based on was so popular -- it sentimentally embraced country life and family values, something that would never fly (or earn big box office) in today's more cynical society. Joshua Whitcomb (Frank Losee) is a New England farmer whose life is saddened when his son Ruben (Creighton Hale) leaves home. Whitcomb's search for the boy takes him to New York City and finally they are reunited on Christmas Eve.