Title: A Christmas Without Snow
Year: 1947
Genres: Drama; Family; Holiday
Director: W. S. Van Dyke

Cast:

• Margaret O’Brien as Judy Evans
• Keenan Wynn as Joe Evans
• Natalie Wood as Peggy Evans
• Forrest Tucker as Tom Reynolds
• Fay Bainter as Grandma Evans
• Audie Murphy as Sgt. Jim Roberts
• Gene Reynolds as Tommy Evans

Synopsis:

The Evans family struggles to celebrate Christmas without the traditional snowfall they’ve always cherished. Young Judy Evans worries that without snow, the holiday spirit will be lost. Her father Joe, a railroad engineer, works overtime to ensure the train that brings supplies and holiday cheer arrives on time. Meanwhile, her older siblings Peggy and Tommy face their own challenges—Peggy longs for a romantic holiday, while Tommy tries to help Mother organize a festive community gathering. Through family unity and a surprise snowstorm conjured by Joe’s rail route alteration, they learn that Christmas magic comes from love and togetherness, not just winter weather.

Trivia:

• Filmed on location in the snowy mountains of Colorado to capture authentic winter scenery.
• Margaret O’Brien’s heartfelt performance earned her critical acclaim as a child star.
• Audie Murphy, later a decorated WWII hero and actor, appears in an early post-war screen role.
• The film’s railway sequences featured actual steam locomotives borrowed from the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.