It's Christmas, 1955 in Daytona Beach, FL, and middle child Maryellen longs to stand out amidst the hustle and bustle of her big family. When Benji, a family friend afflicted with polio comes to stay with them, Maryellen is intent on making the holiday special. After her plans for a big celebration fall through, she discovers the best gifts are often simple, meaningful gestures of friendship.
Costume
Painstakingly accurate 1950s Florida pastels and saddle shoes
Production
Period detail that almost justifies the 48-minute runtime
Director
Valerie Weiss
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Salk polio vaccine was approved in 1955, the same year this film is set — Benji represents one of the last generations to contract the disease before widespread immunization.
Alyvia Alyn Lind was 9 during filming and had already played young versions of Melissa Joan Hart and Reba McEntire — this was her first lead role carrying an entire narrative.
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