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{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| image = AnnaBelle's Wish, VHS cover.png
| image = AnnaBelle's Wish, VHS cover.png
| image_size =
| caption = DVD cover
| caption = DVD cover
| director = Roy Wilson
| director = Roy Wilson
Line 8: Line 8:
| writer = Dan Henderson (short story)<br/>Jane Baer<br/>John Bettis<br/>Ken Blackwell<br/>John Couch<br/>Gary Edwards<br/>Bruce Faulk<br/>Kathy Grover<br/>Riki Hobin<br/>Jay Johnson<br/>Jaime Barton Klein<br/>George Larrimore<br/>John Lewis<br/>Barbara Dunn-Leonard<br/>Sheryl Scarborough
| writer = Dan Henderson (short story)<br/>Jane Baer<br/>John Bettis<br/>Ken Blackwell<br/>John Couch<br/>Gary Edwards<br/>Bruce Faulk<br/>Kathy Grover<br/>Riki Hobin<br/>Jay Johnson<br/>Jaime Barton Klein<br/>George Larrimore<br/>John Lewis<br/>Barbara Dunn-Leonard<br/>Sheryl Scarborough
| based_on = "Clarabell the Christmas Cow" by Dan Henderson
| based_on = "Clarabell the Christmas Cow" by Dan Henderson
| narrator = [[Randy Travis]]
| narrator = [[Randy Travis]] (US)<br/>[[David Holt (voice actor)|David Holt]] (UK)
| starring = [[Kath Soucie]]<br/>[[Randy Travis]]<br/>[[Cloris Leachman]]<br/>[[Jerry Van Dyke]]<br/>[[Jim Varney]]<br/>[[Rue McClanahan]]
| starring = [[Kath Soucie]]<br/>[[Randy Travis]]<br/>[[Cloris Leachman]]<br/>[[Jerry Van Dyke]]<br/>[[Jim Varney]]<br/>[[Rue McClanahan]]
| music = [[Steve Dorff]]
| music = [[Steve Dorff]]
Line 14: Line 14:
| editing = Tom Gleason<br/>Clay Iverson<br/>Terry Moore
| editing = Tom Gleason<br/>Clay Iverson<br/>Terry Moore
| studio = Ralph Edwards Productions
| studio = Ralph Edwards Productions
| distributor = [[Hallmark Home Entertainment]]
| distributor = [[Ralph Edwards Productions]]
| released = October 21, 1997
| released = {{Film date|1997|10|21}}
| runtime = 54 minutes<ref name=Wapo/>
| runtime = 54 minutes<ref name=Wapo/>
| country = United States
| country = United States
Line 22: Line 22:
| gross =
| gross =
}}
}}
'''''Annabelle's Wish''''' is a 1997 American [[direct-to-video]] [[animated]] [[Christmas film|Christmas]] film that revolves around a young [[calf]] who aspires to learn to fly and become one of [[Santa Claus' reindeer]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Crump |first1=William D. |title=Happy Holidays—Animated! A Worldwide Encyclopedia of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's Cartoons on Television and Film |date=2019 |publisher=McFarland & Co |isbn=9781476672939 |pages=14–15}}</ref> It is narrated by American country singer [[Randy Travis]] and stars voice actress [[Kath Soucie]] as the voice of Annabelle. [[Hallmark Home Entertainment]] released the film to video on October 21, 1997, followed by a television broadcast later that year on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]].
'''''Annabelle's Wish''''' is a 1997 American [[direct-to-video]] [[animated]] [[Christmas film|Christmas]] film that revolves around a young [[Calf (animal)|calf]] who aspires to fly and become one of [[Santa Claus' reindeer]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Crump |first1=William D. |title=Happy Holidays—Animated! A Worldwide Encyclopedia of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's Cartoons on Television and Film |date=2019 |publisher=McFarland & Co |isbn=9781476672939 |pages=14–15}}</ref> Narrated by American country singer [[Randy Travis]] ([[David Holt (voice actor)|David Holt]] in the UK), it also stars voice actress [[Kath Soucie]] as the voice of Annabelle. [[Ralph Edwards Productions|Ralph Edwards Films]] released the film to video on October 21, 1997, followed by a television broadcast later that year on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]].


==Plot==
==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries for feature films should be between 400 to 700 words only. -->
Annabelle, a calf, is born on Christmas Eve in the rural farming community of Twobridge, [[Tennessee]]. Upon meeting [[Santa Claus]], she becomes fascinated with [[reindeer]] and their ability to fly, and wishes to fly herself.
Annabelle, a calf, is born on Christmas Eve in the rural farming community of Twobridge, [[Tennessee]]. Upon meeting [[Santa Claus]], who gives the animals a speaking voice for just one day, she becomes fascinated with his [[reindeer]] and their ability to fly, and wishes to fly herself.


Having been granted the temporary ability to speak, she befriends farmer Charles' grandson, Billy, who is [[muteness|mute]] from inhaling some smoke from the fire that killed his parents. Billy's Aunt Agnes, the sister of Billy's late father, arrives from the city the next morning. Charles despises Agnes and the two get into an argument about Billy's well being, with Charles pointing out that Agnes didn't want custody of her nephew, but she had changed her mind, mostly in order to have a "perfect Christmas". Charles refuses to give Billy up, but Agnes threatens legal action against him. Meanwhile, Annabelle accidentally reveals her ability to speak, but her mother Star tells her that Billy cannot speak, therefore their secret is safe. They go sledding with Billy's friend Emily and accidentally crash into the fence of Gus Holder, a former friend of Charles, whose sons Bucky and Buster pick on Billy over his muteness. Knowing that Charles cannot pay for the damages to the fence so Gus takes Annabelle until Charles can raise the money, which he does by selling an old music box that belonged to Billy's mother, the late Sarah Baker. Annabelle enjoys the change of seasons with Billy and Emily.
Having been granted the temporary ability to speak, she befriends farmer Charles Baker's grandson, Billy, who is [[muteness|mute]] from inhaling smoke from a barn fire. Billy's mean Aunt Agnes, the sister of Billy's late father, arrives from the city. Charles despises Agnes and the two get into an argument about Billy's well being, with Charles pointing out that Agnes does not want custody of her nephew after his parents passed away, but she reconsidered, mostly in order to have a "perfect Christmas". Charles refuses to give up Billy, but Agnes threatens legal action against him. Meanwhile, Annabelle accidentally reveals her ability to speak; since Billy himself cannot speak, their secret is safe. They go sledding with Billy's friend Emily and accidentally crash into the fence of Gus Holder, the neighbor of Charles. Knowing that Charles cannot pay for the damages to the fence, Gus takes Annabelle until Charles can raise the money, which he does by selling an old music box that belonged to Billy's mother and his late daughter, Sarah.


Winter comes around and Bucky and Buster harass Emily and Billy. When the harassment becomes physical, Annabelle retaliates by knocking them down. The boys lie about the incident to their father who calls the sheriff, but he had received an eyewitness statement from the school bus driver. Gus sends his sons to their room and the sheriff talks to him about how his Ebenezer Scrooge-like behavior since his wife's passing has affected his sons and that Charles had to sell his daughter's music box to an antique dealer in town in order to pay for both the damages to his fence and to get Annabelle back to which Gus starts to feel disgraced about what he did to both Charles and Billy after the sheriff reminds him about what it's like to lose a loved one.
The next winter, Gus' sons, Bucky and Buster, harass Emily and Billy one day after school. When the harassment becomes physical, Annabelle retaliates by knocking them down. The boys lie about the incident to their father who calls the sheriff, but he had received an eyewitness statement from the school bus driver. Gus sends his sons to their room and the sheriff talks to him about how his [[Ebenezer Scrooge|Scrooge]]-like behavior has affected his sons. The sheriff tells Gus that Charles had to sell his daughter's music box to an antique dealer in town in order to pay for both the damages to his fence and to get Annabelle back. Gus starts to feel guilty about what he did to both Charles and Billy after the sheriff reminds him about what it's like to lose a loved one.


Agnes' attorney has found a loophole that would grant her custody, but only if Billy can overcome his muteness and start speaking again, he can stay with Charles. The animals push Agnes' car into a ditch so she has to spend the night with Charles and Billy. That night, Santa comes and Annabelle asks him to give her Christmas voice to Billy. Touched by her selflessness, he agrees.
Agnes' lawyer later finds a loophole that would grant her custody: Billy can only stay with her if he remains mute. When Agnes returns to Charles' farm to bring Billy back to her home, the animals push her car into a ditch to stall for time. As a result, she has to stay on the farm overnight on Christmas Eve to troubleshoot her car. That night, Santa comes and Annabelle asks him to permanently give her Christmas voice to Billy. Touched by her selflessness, he agrees.


The next morning, Billy finds a present and, opening it, he magically gets his voice back, allowing him to stay with Charles, thus making the custody order invalid. Billy shows Annabelle his ability to speak, but is shocked to discover that she gave up her voice for him. Gus, Bucky, and Buster arrive and apologize for their behavior. Gus reveals that he bought the music box and gives it to Charles. Agnes and Gus become acquainted, and according to the narrator, they marry and Agnes becomes a step-mother to Gus's two sons.
The next morning, Billy finds a present and upon opening it, magically gets his voice back. This renders Agnes' custody order void, allowing Billy to stay with Charles. Billy shows Annabelle his ability to speak, and is touched to discover that she gave up her voice for him and that hearing him speak again was her true wish. Gus, Bucky, and Buster arrive and apologize for their behavior. Gus reveals that he bought the music box from the antique shop and gives it to Charles. Agnes and Gus then become acquainted. The narrator implies that the two later marry and Agnes became a step-mother to Gus's two sons.


Years later, Billy and Emily have grown up and got married and they now own the farm after Charles' retirement. Annabelle, having grown old and weary, gives up on her belief that she will ever fly. On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus arrives to fulfill her true wish and she becomes a young reindeer and given back her voice. She flies away as Santa's lead and bids Billy a Merry Christmas.
Years later, Billy (who reveals himself to be the narrator) and Emily have gotten married, and now own the farm. One Christmas Eve, Annabelle, having grown old and weary, walks over to a frozen pond and lays down, exhausted. Santa Claus arrives to fulfill her true wish (a wish from Billy) and she becomes a young reindeer and is given her voice back. She flies away at Santa's lead and bids Billy goodbye and a Merry Christmas.


==Cast==
==Cast==
⚫
* [[Randy Travis]] as the narrator and adult Billy
* [[Kath Soucie]] as Annabelle (both young calf and adult reindeer)
* [[Kath Soucie]] as Annabelle (both young calf and adult reindeer)
* Hari Oziol as young Billy
* [[Hari Oziol]] as young Billy
⚫
** [[Randy Travis]] as Narrator (US)/adult Billy
*** [[David Holt (voice actor)|David Holt]] as the Narrator (UK)
* [[Jerry Van Dyke]] as Grandpa Charles Baker
* [[Jerry Van Dyke]] as Grandpa Charles Baker
* [[Cloris Leachman]] as Aunt Agnes
* [[Cloris Leachman]] as Aunt Agnes
* [[Jim Varney]] as Gus Holder
* [[Jim Varney]] as Gus Holder
* Charlie Cronin as Bucky Holder
* [[Charlie Cronin]] as Bucky Holder
* [[James Lafferty]] as Buster Holder
* [[James Lafferty]] as Buster Holder
* [[Aria Curzon]] as young Emily
* [[Aria Curzon]] as young Emily
* [[Beth Nielsen Chapman]] as adult Emily
** [[Beth Nielsen Chapman]] as adult Emily
* [[Kay E. Kuter]] as [[Santa Claus]]
* [[Kay E. Kuter]] as [[Santa Claus]]
* [[Jennifer Darling]] as Star
* [[Jennifer Darling]] as Star
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* [[Stu Rosen]] as Doc Taylor
* [[Stu Rosen]] as Doc Taylor
* [[Tress MacNeille]], [[Alison Krauss]], and [[Frank Welker]] provided additional voices.
* [[Tress MacNeille]], [[Alison Krauss]], and [[Frank Welker]] provided additional voices.

==Production==
The film is based on the book "Clarabell the Christmas Cow" by Dan Henderson first published in 1976. Annabelle’s deciding not to ask her wish to fly but instead giving up her talking voice for Billy and not expecting anything in return gives the title of ''Annabelle’s Wish'' a double meaning.<ref> Clarabell the Christmas Cow - commercialappeal.com - Dec 21, 2016 - [https://eu.commercialappeal.com/story/life/family/2016/12/21/clarabell-the-christmas-cow/95732960/]</ref>


==Music==
==Music==
The film's score was by [[Steve Dorff]], who also wrote the film's songs with [[John Bettis]] and Travis. The songs were performed by Travis, [[Alison Krauss]], [[Beth Nielsen Chapman]], [[Dolly Parton]], [[Kevin Sharp]], and [[Nanci Griffith]].<ref name=Smudge/><ref>{{cite news|last=Harrington|first=Richard|title=Santa's Mixed Musical Bag|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1997/12/12/santas-mixed-musical-bag/c7617262-c2ea-4aa5-bee7-7d7ffc9392f3/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=The Washington Post|date=December 12, 1997}}</ref>
The film's score was by [[Steve Dorff]], who also wrote the film's songs with [[John Bettis]] and Travis. The songs were performed by [[Randy Travis]], [[Alison Krauss]], [[Beth Nielsen Chapman]], [[Dolly Parton]], [[Kevin Sharp]], and [[Nanci Griffith]].<ref name=Smudge/><ref>{{cite news|last=Harrington|first=Richard|title=Santa's Mixed Musical Bag|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1997/12/12/santas-mixed-musical-bag/c7617262-c2ea-4aa5-bee7-7d7ffc9392f3/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 12, 1997|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216030847/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1997/12/12/santas-mixed-musical-bag/c7617262-c2ea-4aa5-bee7-7d7ffc9392f3/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Release==
==Release==
''Annabelle's Wish'' was released by [[Hallmark Home Entertainment]] on October 21, 1997,<ref name=Pix>{{cite news|last=Richmond|first=Ray|title=Gamer Edwards into pix: Prexy Gary Edwards joined by Dunn-Leonard|url=https://variety.com/1997/film/news/gamer-edwards-into-pix-1200324794/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Variety|date=November 11, 1997}}</ref> and was the first film created by [[Ralph Edwards|Ralph Edwards Films]] to be released.<ref name=Pix/><ref>{{cite news|last=Archerd|first=Army|title='Zorro' buys $1.3 mil Super Bowl ad|url=https://variety.com/1997/voices/columns/zorro-buys-1-3-mil-super-bowl-ad-111662665/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Variety|date=September 24, 1997}}</ref> The film later aired on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] on November 30, 1997.<ref name=Smudge/><ref>{{cite news|last=Harris|first=Lee|title=A cat named Garfield goes country; if cows could fly; Disney's old 'Love Bug' is new again|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/nov/30/news/tv-59048|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 30, 1997}}</ref><ref name=Fox/>
''Annabelle's Wish'' was released by [[Ralph Edwards Productions]] on October 21, 1997,<ref name=Pix>{{cite news|last=Richmond|first=Ray|title=Gamer Edwards into pix: Prexy Gary Edwards joined by Dunn-Leonard|url=https://variety.com/1997/film/news/gamer-edwards-into-pix-1200324794/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Variety|date=November 11, 1997|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216030328/http://variety.com/1997/film/news/gamer-edwards-into-pix-1200324794/|url-status=live}}</ref> and was the first film created by [[Ralph Edwards|Ralph Edwards Films]] to be released.<ref name=Pix/><ref>{{cite news|last=Archerd|first=Army|title='Zorro' buys $1.3 mil Super Bowl ad|url=https://variety.com/1997/voices/columns/zorro-buys-1-3-mil-super-bowl-ad-111662665/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Variety|date=September 24, 1997|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216030054/http://variety.com/1997/voices/columns/zorro-buys-1-3-mil-super-bowl-ad-111662665/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film later aired on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] on November 30, 1997.<ref name=Smudge/><ref>{{cite news|last=Harris|first=Lee|title=A cat named Garfield goes country; if cows could fly; Disney's old 'Love Bug' is new again|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-30-tv-59048-story.html|access-date=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 30, 1997|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016162920/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/nov/30/news/tv-59048|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Fox/>


==Reception==
==Reception and legacy==
The special received mixed reviews from critics. Lynne Heffley of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' praised Travis' narration, the score and songs, and the film's "gentle message of selfless love".<ref name=Smudge>{{cite news|last=Heffley|first=Lynne|title='Wish,' 'Smudge' Celebrate the Spirit of the Holidays|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/nov/29/entertainment/ca-58672|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 29, 1997}}</ref> Andrea Higbie of ''[[The New York Times]]'' referred to the character of Agnes as the film's version of [[Cruella de Vil]], and wrote that the film would appeal to young viewers but that "its narcissistic dysfunction angle ("If Aunt Agnes doesn't love Billy, why does she want to take him away from Grandpa?") will leave them wishing for a villainess who simply has fur coats on her mind," in reference to de Vil.<ref>{{cite news|last=Higbie|first=Andrea|title=Television in Review: Annabelle's Wish|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/10/arts/television-in-review-540820.html|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=The New York Times|date=December 10, 1997}}</ref>
The special received mixed reviews from critics. Lynne Heffley of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' praised Holt's Narration and Travis' score and songs, and the film's "gentle message of selfless love".<ref name=Smudge>{{cite news|last=Heffley|first=Lynne|title='Wish,' 'Smudge' Celebrate the Spirit of the Holidays|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-29-ca-58672-story.html|access-date=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 29, 1997|archive-date=September 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902034606/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/nov/29/entertainment/ca-58672|url-status=live}}</ref> Andrea Higbie of ''[[The New York Times]]'' referred to the character of Agnes as the film's version of [[Cruella de Vil]], and wrote that the film would appeal to young viewers but that "its narcissistic dysfunction angle ("If Aunt Agnes doesn't love Billy, why does she want to take him away from Grandpa?") will leave them wishing for a villainess who simply has fur coats on her mind," in reference to de Vil.<ref>{{cite news|last=Higbie|first=Andrea|title=Television in Review: Annabelle's Wish|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/10/arts/television-in-review-540820.html|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=The New York Times|date=December 10, 1997|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216084744/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/10/arts/television-in-review-540820.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Reviewing the DVD release, ''myReviewer.com'' noted it is a "undemanding tale. There are gaping holes in the plot only unnoticed by the very young and the characters are bland, the animation is dull but the songs are pleasant enough. What I`m trying to say is it may keep young children pacified whilst waiting for Christmas Eve. It passes an hour and will leave you with a tear in your eye if you are not completely cynical. However it is no great advance on the cinematic art and will soon be discarded for more sophisticated offerings".<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.myreviewer.com/DVD/41152/Annabelles-Wish-UK/41174/Review-by-Sue-Davies|title=myReviewer.com - Review of Annabelle’s Wish|website=www.myreviewer.com}}</ref>


When the film premiered on Fox, it was the highest-rated television program among children between the ages of two and five.<ref name=Fox>{{cite news|last=Bierbaum|first=Tom|title=Homes are where CBS' 'Hearts' is|url=https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/homes-are-where-cbs-hearts-is-111723549/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Variety|date=December 1, 1997}}</ref> ''Annabelle's Wish'' was also among the top-five best-selling videos during November and December 1997,<ref>{{cite news|title=What's Hot|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/nov/06/entertainment/ca-50627|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 6, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='Lost World' Finds Way to Top in Rentals, Sales|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/nov/20/entertainment/ca-55600|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 20, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=What's Hot|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/nov/27/entertainment/ca-58078|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 27, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=What's Hot|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/dec/04/entertainment/ca-60333|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 4, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=What's Hot|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/dec/18/entertainment/ca-65206|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 18, 1997}}</ref> and was Hallmark Home Entertainment's best-selling video as of January 1998.<ref>{{cite news|title=Company Town / Video View|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1998/jan/20/business/fi-10069|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 20, 1998}}</ref> A portion of the video sale revenues were donated to the [[Make-A-Wish Foundation]].<ref name=Wapo>{{cite news|last=Zad|first=Martie|title=TV 'Lion King' Sequel Shows Pride of Simba – Kiara|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1998/11/08/tv-lion-king-sequel-shows-pride-of-simba-kiara/d2198766-e1ec-4902-bfd3-1bf0fa30e930/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=The Washington Post|date=November 8, 1998}}</ref>
When the film premiered on Fox, it was the highest-rated television program among children between the ages of two and five.<ref name=Fox>{{cite news|last=Bierbaum|first=Tom|title=Homes are where CBS' 'Hearts' is|url=https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/homes-are-where-cbs-hearts-is-111723549/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|work=Variety|date=December 1, 1997|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216030838/http://variety.com/1997/tv/news/homes-are-where-cbs-hearts-is-111723549/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Annabelle's Wish'' was also among the top-five best-selling videos during November and December 1997,<ref>{{cite news|title=What's Hot|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-06-ca-50627-story.html|access-date=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 6, 1997|archive-date=July 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714200309/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-06-ca-50627-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='Lost World' Finds Way to Top in Rentals, Sales|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-20-ca-55600-story.html|access-date=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 20, 1997|archive-date=July 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714200309/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-20-ca-55600-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=What's Hot|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-27-ca-58078-story.html|access-date=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 27, 1997|archive-date=July 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714200309/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-27-ca-58078-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=What's Hot|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-04-ca-60333-story.html|access-date=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 4, 1997|archive-date=July 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714200312/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-04-ca-60333-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=What's Hot|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-18-ca-65206-story.html|access-date=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 18, 1997|archive-date=July 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714200408/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-dec-18-ca-65206-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and was Hallmark Home Entertainment's best-selling video as of January 1998.<ref>{{cite news|title=Company Town / Video View|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-20-fi-10069-story.html|access-date=February 15, 2018|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 20, 1998|archive-date=July 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714200311/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-20-fi-10069-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A portion of the video sale revenues were donated to the [[Make-A-Wish Foundation]].<ref name=Wapo>{{cite news|last=Zad|first=Martie|title=TV 'Lion King' Sequel Shows Pride of Simba – Kiara|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1998/11/08/tv-lion-king-sequel-shows-pride-of-simba-kiara/d2198766-e1ec-4902-bfd3-1bf0fa30e930/|accessdate=February 15, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 8, 1998|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216030437/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1998/11/08/tv-lion-king-sequel-shows-pride-of-simba-kiara/d2198766-e1ec-4902-bfd3-1bf0fa30e930/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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[[Category:1997 direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:1997 direct-to-video films]]
[[Category:1997 animated films]]
[[Category:1997 animated films]]
[[Category:1997 children's films]]
[[Category:1990s Christmas films]]
[[Category:1990s Christmas films]]
[[Category:Sonar Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Sonar Entertainment films]]
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[[Category:Animated films about orphans]]
[[Category:Animated films about orphans]]
[[Category:American Christmas films]]
[[Category:American Christmas films]]
[[Category:Animated films about mammals]]
[[Category:Animated films about cattle]]
[[Category:Films about cattle]]
[[Category:Animated films about deer and moose]]
[[Category:Films about deer and moose]]
[[Category:Animated films about shapeshifting]]
[[Category:Films about shapeshifting]]
[[Category:Animated films about talking animals]]
[[Category:Animated films set on farms]]
[[Category:Films scored by Steve Dorff]]
[[Category:Films scored by Steve Dorff]]
[[Category:Films set in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Films set in Tennessee]]
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[[Category:1990s English-language films]]
[[Category:1990s English-language films]]
[[Category:1990s American films]]
[[Category:1990s American films]]
[[Category:1990s children's animated films]]
[[Category:English-language Christmas films]]

Revision as of 02:19, 20 August 2024

Annabelle's Wish
DVD cover
Directed byRoy Wilson
Written byDan Henderson (short story)
Jane Baer
John Bettis
Ken Blackwell
John Couch
Gary Edwards
Bruce Faulk
Kathy Grover
Riki Hobin
Jay Johnson
Jaime Barton Klein
George Larrimore
John Lewis
Barbara Dunn-Leonard
Sheryl Scarborough
Based on"Clarabell the Christmas Cow" by Dan Henderson
Produced byBarbara Dunn-Leonard
StarringKath Soucie
Randy Travis
Cloris Leachman
Jerry Van Dyke
Jim Varney
Rue McClanahan
Narrated byRandy Travis (US)
David Holt (UK)
Edited byTom Gleason
Clay Iverson
Terry Moore
Music bySteve Dorff
Production
company
Ralph Edwards Productions
Distributed byRalph Edwards Productions
Release date
  • October 21, 1997 (1997-10-21)
Running time
54 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Annabelle's Wish is a 1997 American direct-to-video animated Christmas film that revolves around a young calf who aspires to fly and become one of Santa Claus' reindeer.[2] Narrated by American country singer Randy Travis (David Holt in the UK), it also stars voice actress Kath Soucie as the voice of Annabelle. Ralph Edwards Films released the film to video on October 21, 1997, followed by a television broadcast later that year on Fox.

Plot

Annabelle, a calf, is born on Christmas Eve in the rural farming community of Twobridge, Tennessee. Upon meeting Santa Claus, who gives the animals a speaking voice for just one day, she becomes fascinated with his reindeer and their ability to fly, and wishes to fly herself.

Having been granted the temporary ability to speak, she befriends farmer Charles Baker's grandson, Billy, who is mute from inhaling smoke from a barn fire. Billy's mean Aunt Agnes, the sister of Billy's late father, arrives from the city. Charles despises Agnes and the two get into an argument about Billy's well being, with Charles pointing out that Agnes does not want custody of her nephew after his parents passed away, but she reconsidered, mostly in order to have a "perfect Christmas". Charles refuses to give up Billy, but Agnes threatens legal action against him. Meanwhile, Annabelle accidentally reveals her ability to speak; since Billy himself cannot speak, their secret is safe. They go sledding with Billy's friend Emily and accidentally crash into the fence of Gus Holder, the neighbor of Charles. Knowing that Charles cannot pay for the damages to the fence, Gus takes Annabelle until Charles can raise the money, which he does by selling an old music box that belonged to Billy's mother and his late daughter, Sarah.

The next winter, Gus' sons, Bucky and Buster, harass Emily and Billy one day after school. When the harassment becomes physical, Annabelle retaliates by knocking them down. The boys lie about the incident to their father who calls the sheriff, but he had received an eyewitness statement from the school bus driver. Gus sends his sons to their room and the sheriff talks to him about how his Scrooge-like behavior has affected his sons. The sheriff tells Gus that Charles had to sell his daughter's music box to an antique dealer in town in order to pay for both the damages to his fence and to get Annabelle back. Gus starts to feel guilty about what he did to both Charles and Billy after the sheriff reminds him about what it's like to lose a loved one.

Agnes' lawyer later finds a loophole that would grant her custody: Billy can only stay with her if he remains mute. When Agnes returns to Charles' farm to bring Billy back to her home, the animals push her car into a ditch to stall for time. As a result, she has to stay on the farm overnight on Christmas Eve to troubleshoot her car. That night, Santa comes and Annabelle asks him to permanently give her Christmas voice to Billy. Touched by her selflessness, he agrees.

The next morning, Billy finds a present and upon opening it, magically gets his voice back. This renders Agnes' custody order void, allowing Billy to stay with Charles. Billy shows Annabelle his ability to speak, and is touched to discover that she gave up her voice for him and that hearing him speak again was her true wish. Gus, Bucky, and Buster arrive and apologize for their behavior. Gus reveals that he bought the music box from the antique shop and gives it to Charles. Agnes and Gus then become acquainted. The narrator implies that the two later marry and Agnes became a step-mother to Gus's two sons.

Years later, Billy (who reveals himself to be the narrator) and Emily have gotten married, and now own the farm. One Christmas Eve, Annabelle, having grown old and weary, walks over to a frozen pond and lays down, exhausted. Santa Claus arrives to fulfill her true wish (a wish from Billy) and she becomes a young reindeer and is given her voice back. She flies away at Santa's lead and bids Billy goodbye and a Merry Christmas.

Cast

Production

The film is based on the book "Clarabell the Christmas Cow" by Dan Henderson first published in 1976. Annabelle’s deciding not to ask her wish to fly but instead giving up her talking voice for Billy and not expecting anything in return gives the title of Annabelle’s Wish a double meaning.[3]

Music

The film's score was by Steve Dorff, who also wrote the film's songs with John Bettis and Travis. The songs were performed by Randy Travis, Alison Krauss, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Dolly Parton, Kevin Sharp, and Nanci Griffith.[4][5]

Release

Annabelle's Wish was released by Ralph Edwards Productions on October 21, 1997,[6] and was the first film created by Ralph Edwards Films to be released.[6][7] The film later aired on Fox on November 30, 1997.[4][8][9]

Reception and legacy

The special received mixed reviews from critics. Lynne Heffley of the Los Angeles Times praised Holt's Narration and Travis' score and songs, and the film's "gentle message of selfless love".[4] Andrea Higbie of The New York Times referred to the character of Agnes as the film's version of Cruella de Vil, and wrote that the film would appeal to young viewers but that "its narcissistic dysfunction angle ("If Aunt Agnes doesn't love Billy, why does she want to take him away from Grandpa?") will leave them wishing for a villainess who simply has fur coats on her mind," in reference to de Vil.[10] Reviewing the DVD release, myReviewer.com noted it is a "undemanding tale. There are gaping holes in the plot only unnoticed by the very young and the characters are bland, the animation is dull but the songs are pleasant enough. What I`m trying to say is it may keep young children pacified whilst waiting for Christmas Eve. It passes an hour and will leave you with a tear in your eye if you are not completely cynical. However it is no great advance on the cinematic art and will soon be discarded for more sophisticated offerings".[11]

When the film premiered on Fox, it was the highest-rated television program among children between the ages of two and five.[9] Annabelle's Wish was also among the top-five best-selling videos during November and December 1997,[12][13][14][15][16] and was Hallmark Home Entertainment's best-selling video as of January 1998.[17] A portion of the video sale revenues were donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Zad, Martie (November 8, 1998). "TV 'Lion King' Sequel Shows Pride of Simba – Kiara". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 16, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  2. ^ Crump, William D. (2019). Happy Holidays—Animated! A Worldwide Encyclopedia of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's Cartoons on Television and Film. McFarland & Co. pp. 14–15. ISBN 9781476672939.
  3. ^ Clarabell the Christmas Cow - commercialappeal.com - Dec 21, 2016 - [1]
  4. ^ a b c Heffley, Lynne (November 29, 1997). "'Wish,' 'Smudge' Celebrate the Spirit of the Holidays". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 2, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  5. ^ Harrington, Richard (December 12, 1997). "Santa's Mixed Musical Bag". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 16, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  6. ^ a b Richmond, Ray (November 11, 1997). "Gamer Edwards into pix: Prexy Gary Edwards joined by Dunn-Leonard". Variety. Archived from the original on February 16, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  7. ^ Archerd, Army (September 24, 1997). "'Zorro' buys $1.3 mil Super Bowl ad". Variety. Archived from the original on February 16, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  8. ^ Harris, Lee (November 30, 1997). "A cat named Garfield goes country; if cows could fly; Disney's old 'Love Bug' is new again". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 16, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  9. ^ a b Bierbaum, Tom (December 1, 1997). "Homes are where CBS' 'Hearts' is". Variety. Archived from the original on February 16, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  10. ^ Higbie, Andrea (December 10, 1997). "Television in Review: Annabelle's Wish". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 16, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  11. ^ "myReviewer.com - Review of Annabelle's Wish". www.myreviewer.com.
  12. ^ "What's Hot". Los Angeles Times. November 6, 1997. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  13. ^ "'Lost World' Finds Way to Top in Rentals, Sales". Los Angeles Times. November 20, 1997. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  14. ^ "What's Hot". Los Angeles Times. November 27, 1997. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  15. ^ "What's Hot". Los Angeles Times. December 4, 1997. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  16. ^ "What's Hot". Los Angeles Times. December 18, 1997. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  17. ^ "Company Town / Video View". Los Angeles Times. January 20, 1998. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
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