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» » The Last Leaf (1983)

Short summary

An Easter Parable: As lingering pneumonia takes her will to live, a young girl decides that she will die when the last leaf drops from a dying vine outside her window. Her neighbor, an elderly artist frustrated by his inability to paint what is in his heart, follows the example of the Savior and makes the ultimate sacrifice to save her life. In doing so, he creates the masterpiece he has been struggling to paint.

Hermione Baddeley's final film.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Agarus
    This excellent short film is my favorite adaptation of O. Henry's short story. Art Carney does a great job, although his character is French in this version, as opposed to the German character in the book. (Maybe he was better at French accents?) Anyway, it is fun to see a great actress like Hermoine Baddeley in a small, but significant role. I had to take a double-take, since this is probably what you call an independent film, by early 80's standards, and she had been in a lot of big productions for many years. (It was made for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by their media arm, Bonneville Media.) Also, it is interesting to see then-unknowns Sydney Penny & Jane Kaczmarek in the lead roles. However, as good as Sydney was in this film, I still liked her best in Pale Rider.

    Unfortunately, it is doubtful it will be on DVD anytime soon. It shares that unfortunate fate with another great LDS-produced film from that same time period. Mr. Krueger's Christmas also had a "brand-name" star, namely Jimmy Stewart. Sadly, neither are widely available, even in VHS format.
  • comment
    • Author: Armin
    Nearly every O Henry story has a surprise ending and this is no exception. Knowing the ending does not however diminish from the enjoyment of viewing it again and again. I start to cry when I start to tell this story of love and sacrifice. This version is faithful to the original story and Art Carney does a fine job in his role. O Henry vividly portrays the lives and times of the early 1900's. Penicillin was not yet discovered for use in treating illness and the efforts to save a younger sister seemed homeless. Contrary to the lament of a previous reviewer, this short film is still available through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • comment
    • Author: Thordigda
    I am pleased to report that "The Last Leaf" with Art Carney can be purchased at any LDS Distribution Center (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in DVD at $4.50 without any tax charge. You can also purchase "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" in DVD with James Stewart at the LDS Distribution Center and I believe it is at the same price. It is in stock as I purchased "The Last Leaf" on January 29, 2009 and they were several copies of both at that time. Why do you have to have at least ten lines? What more can I say? I am an author myself and published "I'll Die Before You're Born" It is a time travel love story and historical book. You can check it out on my website at Koalaroopub.com It is hard bound with dust cover jacket for $19.95. It is without smut and I am writing the screenplay of it now. I published 3000 books and have sold over 600 books. It won't be in bookstores until the second printing. It is published by Koalaroo Publications in Salt Lake City. Call them at 801-910-0714 or write to them at 3359 South Main Street #284 Salt Lake City, Utah 84115. All of them are signed and numbered by me. They are sent to you postage free anywhere in the USA.
  • Credited cast:
    Hermione Baddeley Hermione Baddeley - Mrs. McCleary
    Pat Billingsley Pat Billingsley - Dr. Winchester
    Art Carney Art Carney - Mr. Behrman
    Jane Kaczmarek Jane Kaczmarek - Joanna Brady
    Jane MacIver Jane MacIver - Grocery Lady
    William Munchow William Munchow - Schlosser
    Sydney Penny Sydney Penny - Susan
    Chelcie Ross Chelcie Ross - Constable
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