The holiday classic _The Holly and the Ivy_ is a compelling family drama. The story follows a family that comes together for Christmas, and the secrets that they’ve been hiding from their parson father come out; forcing him to face his failures as a father and as a clergyman. The acting is quite good; especially Margaret Leighton and Denholm Elliott, who have some powerful scenes. Still, the plot does fall into cliché at times and it all kind of wraps up a little too quickly in the last few minutes. Yet despite a few rough edges, _The Holly and the Ivy_ is a solid film about family and forgiveness.

A dreadfully dull English Christmas fare.

How is this a "Christmas classic"? This is a terrible, boring movie.