At the end of the year, I always love to delve into some of my favorite classic films that harmonize with the holiday season. From the likes of White Christmas (1954) to It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), there are so many films that celebrate the joy of the season and the goodness of humanity. Moreover, in addition to strong protagonists, many of these films also offer them some spiritual support–often in the form of an angel. In It’s A Wonderful Life, George Bailey has Clarence. In The Bishop’s Wife (1947), Dudley manifests in Henry Brougham’s life.

Breathing in elements of many classic holiday films, Tim Janis’s Buttons: A Christmas Tale (2019) not only introduces another protagonist, Annabelle (Alivia Clark), who is struggling to find peace in her own life, but also showcases a new angel in the form of an Unexpected Visitor (Dick Van Dyke).

This family-focused film depicts the story of Annabelle, who is born into a loving family and is a living miracle. She survives an illness that was expected to end her life and is able to spend much of her childhood in the care of her loving father and mother. However, as tragedies strike and leave Annabelle to face a world without her parents, the world is suddenly a much colder place. Annabelle finds little hope and happiness in her days to the point of merely existing in what seems to be a bitter environment.

Though Annabelle feels isolated, she is never quite alone. Rather, she is observed by her guardian angel who appears in her life during moments when she is at her lowest, helping her to maintain a positive outlook and to find and celebrate moments of joy in her life. Like the protagonists of past holiday classics, her angel is also unexpected and motivates her to live a life of love in an effort to restructure her world into one of warmth.

While the tale of Annabelle is at the core of the film, the film makes use of a mise en abyme or story within a story.  Annabelle’s story is told in retrospect during the film’s present moment–a young girl named Emily (Noelle E. Parker), who is spending the holiday alone. Though she dreams of life with a loving family, she, too, is in danger of losing any sense of optimism about her life–until a woman named Rose (Angela Lansbury) comforts her and tells her the story of Annabelle.

The wholesome story itself is told in a charming way that can easily be understood and enjoyed by individuals of all ages. The plot is advanced by the inclusion of musical numbers, while also incorporating a familiar tune which classic film fans will recognize–“The Bells of St. Mary’s.” Similarly, fans of Golden Age Hollywood will delight in the performances of Van Dyke and Lansbury, who continue to be incredibly capable and brilliant in their roles to this day. Watching one of them perform is a treasure. Naturally, putting the two of them together is nothing short of moving to see and appreciate.

While enjoying the film, I also drew parallels from the performances in this film to past performances–particularly in the case of Van Dyke. There were fun homages along the way to some of his earlier films, whether intended or not. When Van Dyke’s character comforts Annabelle with “Keel A Smile on Your Face”, it is easy for me to reminisce about his iteration of “Put On A Happy Face” from his role in the play and film versions of Bye Bye Birdie (1963). Furthermore, his role in Mary Poppins (1964) comes to mind when his character in Buttons: A Christmas Tale is–yes–found dancing alongside a penguin.

Overall, Buttons: A Christmas Tale is a fine film to enjoy during the holiday season and, really, at any point in the year. The film is ideal for all ages and continues on the tradition of memorable holiday classics, in addition to pairing long-time, beloved talents alongside more contemporary actors to make a fine film.

Upon viewing the film, I was able to interview the film’s director, Tim Janis. For your enjoyment, our interview is published below.