Book Vs. Movie: The Gift of the Magi and The Gift of Love
The Original O’Henry Shorty Story Vs. the 1978 TV Movie

O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi is a timeless short story that teaches us the true meaning of love during the holidays. The story follows Della Dillingham, who has only $1.87 to buy a Christmas gift for her husband, James. She decides to sell her beautiful hair to buy him a chain for his watch. However, James has sold his watch to buy her a fancy hair comb. The story shows that true love has no price and that her hair will grow back one day.
In 1978, a movie adaptation titled The Gift of Love was released, starring Marie Osmond and Timothy Bottoms. Osmond plays Beth, who is engaged to Alfred (James Woods) but is secretly in love with Rudi Miller (Bottoms), who is not wealthy. The movie follows the couple as they spend their first Christmas together and explores their challenges.

This episode is sponsored by Bethany House All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon.
Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all. Graphic designer Mackenzie Graham looks forward to two things every December—Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion handed out to one employee at the end of the year. In fact, at her office, the employee demonstrating the most Christmas spirit is likely to win the job. Crippled by social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in the holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and tinsel as her weapons of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how he will win this year’s promotion and take his career to the next level. Plus, now that he’s the guardian of his late sister’s children, the raise will help him care for his twin niece and nephew. However, there is one thing he didn’t plan for—the spunky Mackenzie Graham, who catches his eye and throws him off his game. She’s Jeremy’s fiercest competition this year, and if he doesn’t get his head on straight and soon, the promotion isn’t the only thing he will lose to Mackenzie. Follow Sarah Monson!! www.sarahmonsonwrites.com



In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The incredible (and dramatic!) life story of O’Henry (born William Sydney Porter)
• The various adaptations of the story over the years.
• The popularity of Donny & Marie and their impact on 70s culture.
• The cast of the 1978 film: Marie Osmond (Beth,) Timothy Bottoms (Rudi,) Bethel Leslie (Agnes,) June Lockhart (Constance,) Donald Moffat (William,) David Wayne (O’Henry/Narrator,) James Woods (Alfred,) Sondra West as Mary O’Halloran.

Clips used:

• Early TV commercial about Marie Osmond’s first dramatic role.
• Beth meets Rudi for the first time
• The Gift of Love (1978 trailer)
• Beth sings to the students
• Beth’s arranged engagement
• Beth and Alfred's breakup
• Beth and Rudi exchange their gifts.
• Music: Fred Karlin

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