By Charles Kirkland Jr.
When the usual director of Emmanuel Church’s annual Christmas pageant is unable to direct a young
mother steps up to the challenge in, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
When the director of the church Christmas pageant breaks both of her legs, before the 50th anniversary
of the pageant, the search is on in Emmanuel Church for a replacement. School teacher, Grace Bradley
volunteers to do the job. Inexperienced in putting together such a project, Grace is further complicated
in her efforts when the six Herdman children volunteer to play the major roles in the pageant. A blight
on the town, the Herdman “gang” is known for violence, cigar smoking, cussing out adults, and other
various disreputable activities. When no other children volunteer for roles in the play (under threat of
grave violence), Grace has no other option but to allow the miscreants to undertake the roles. Sadly,
but not surprisingly, Grace’s biggest challenge is that the Herdman children have never heard the
Christmas story.
With a screenplay written by Platte F. Clark, Darin McDaniel, and Ryan Swanson, based upon the popular
children’s novel by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever stars Judy Greer, Pete Holmes,
Molly Belle Wright, Beatrice Schneider, Lorelei Olivia Mote, and Lauren Graham. The film is directed and
produced by Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen).
Released in 1972, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (also known as The Worst Kids in the World in the
UK) is a classic children’s Christmas story from Barbara Robinson. In 1982, the book was transformed
into a stage play. In 1983, a television movie was made starring Loretta Swit from M*A*S*H and Fairuza
Balk. Robinson wrote the screenplay for the movie. Dallas Jenkins confessed that he has been trying to
make his version of the movie for over twenty years. He petitioned Judy Greer to play Grace, the
mother and teacher who is definitely over her head because of her wry wit. Greer, a fan of the
book, was immediately in for the role.
This is a project of love for many of those involved in the making of the film. Jenkins fleshes out
a story that is comprehensive, humorous, smart, and emotional, filling in many gaps in the book
(which was a short one hundred and fifty pages) including creating a hilarious end-credit scene about
the destiny of the Herdmans. Ultimately, Jenkins, true to his nature, subtly turns the classic children’s
Christmas story into a family-friendly, faith-based Christmas film that does not beat the viewers over the
head but certainly points them toward the true focus of Christmas much like Linus does in A Charlie
Brown Christmas.
Fans of the book will find comfort in the fact that Jenkins stays incredibly close to the wonderful story in
the book. The only noticeable omission is the backstory about the parents of the Herdman children
which leaves them appearing like abandoned orphans. When pressed, Imogene, the oldest Herdman
child, will tell those who ask that their mother is at work which was true from the book. However, the
way she says it, the audience questions whether it is true or not.
Rated PG for thematic material and brief underage smoking, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever lives up
to the reputation of its source material. It is a heart-warming and comical romp that is sure to please all
ages. It is also a great way to introduce a classic to a new generation (or two).
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever can be seen in theaters starting November 8, 2024.
Grade: B