Silver Dollar City - Ozark Mountain Christmas Movie

A Christmas movie was finally made in Branson, Missouri. I had no plans to see it, even though I myself have worked at Silver Dollar City. But the morning after the movie had aired, I changed my mind and watched it. So, here's my take.

 The story opens and films shots in parts of Branson on the 76 strip (which I found to be silly and bad looking as the movie was filmed in January of this year) and looked desolate. The story films shots of downtown Branson, and ones of the actual park were done well. But the filming of the park takes place mainly during the day which shows none of the beauty of the park at night, until a saloon party which takes place near the end of the movie. 

 The dialogue and story are pretty vague. The interactions with workers of the city are just "beyond "anything I could ever see taking place. The idea is sprayed in that silver dollar city is a family but shows no inclination into how or why or even where that comes from? 

  I enjoyed seeing the park on film and the night shots that were made available. I think they missed a chance to film the lakes that are around the area. I noticed every little thing in this movie. But I was not as upset, annoyed, or picky as I thought I'd be. I was glad to see the movie and more grateful for my lived experience there, which could only be captured in movie form if it was like "Dark Victory." Now I have an idea of how locals may've felt about Shepherd of the Hills when it came out in color in 1941.

 

There was a scene with a pottery girl, and it seemed clear that she worked there. She was the one who had lines in the movie. I remember the way we the workers really talked and interacted. I loved seeing Terry Sanders who is "the face of Branson," in the background at the Saloon party dressed up in green with Mandi Crawford in red. 

 I think something more could be done for Silver Dollar City, like a long form pbs documentary. Overall, this was rather fun to see!