Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays

Year: 1972

Runtime: 73 mins

Language: English

Director: John Llewellyn Moxey

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A frail patriarch gathers his four estranged daughters for a Christmas reunion, but his concern is far from festive. Convinced his young wife is slowly poisoning him, he implores the sisters to eliminate her, setting the holiday gathering into a deadly, twisted family drama.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Home for the Holidays (1972)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Home for the Holidays (1972). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events occur during Christmas time, with a cold winter atmosphere and a rainstorm that traps the family inside the farmhouse. The holiday gathering provides a veneer of warmth that contrasts with growing suspicion and violence. The time frame centers on a single, fateful night of confrontation and revelation.

Location

Morgan farmhouse

The primary setting is the Morgan farmhouse, a sprawling family estate. The story unfolds on a stormy Christmas night, surrounded by wintry woods that heighten the sense of isolation. The house becomes a stage for tension, secrets, and deadly confrontations among the siblings and their stepmother.

🏠 Farmhouse ❄️ Winter 🎄 Christmas

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:42

Main Characters – Home for the Holidays (1972)

Meet the key characters of Home for the Holidays (1972), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Christine Morgan (Sally Field)

Christine, known as Chris, is one of the Morgan sisters who convenes the family at the farmhouse amid mounting suspicion. She approaches the crisis with pragmatic skepticism and protective instincts toward her siblings. Throughout the night, she tries to navigate the web of accusations and dangers, remaining a key voice of reason until the dramatic finale.

👪 Family 🔎 Suspense 💬 Dialogue 🗝️ Mystery

Elizabeth Hall Morgan (Julie Harris)

Elizabeth is the stepmother and target of accusations regarding Benjamin's wellbeing. She denies plans to poison him and becomes a central figure in the tension surrounding the household. Though she survives the night, she is positioned as a potential culprit, illustrating the theme of misdirection and suspicion.

👪 Family 🧩 Suspense 🔍 Investigation

Alexandra Morgan (Alex) (Eleanor Parker)

Alex is the eldest sister, often perceived as composed and strategic. Behind her calm facade lies a controlling resolve; the summary reveals that she orchestrates events and frames Elizabeth, driven by childhood resentments toward her siblings. Her revelation as the actual killer turns the narrative on its head and exposes a chilling blend of intelligence and cruelty.

🧠 Mind Games 🗡️ Murder 💔 Betrayal

Frederica Morgan (Freddie) (Jessica Walter)

Freddie is the sister who drinks heavily and becomes part of the escalating danger. Her vulnerability and erratic behavior contribute to the night's chaos, culminating in a brutal murder that helps propel the mystery forward. Her fate underscores the fragility of trust within the family.

🧪 Risk 🩸 Danger 🍷 Alcohol

Joanna Morgan (Jo) (Jill Haworth)

Jo is the restless sister who seeks escape from the tense gathering. Her attempt to leave leads to a deadly encounter with the mysterious killer in a yellow rain slicker, marking a critical turning point in the night's events. Her disappearance intensifies the danger and deepens the sense of peril around the house.

🚶‍♀️ Escape 🕵️ Suspense 💔 Betrayal

Benjamin Morgan (Ben) (Walter Brennan)

Benjamin is the wealthy, infirm patriarch whose skepticism and control shape the family dynamics. His death becomes a focal point for the night's investigations, and his status as the central male authority heightens the stakes of the unfolding drama. He embodies the legacy and fragility of the Morgan fortune.

👑 Patriarchy 💼 Wealth 🕯️ Mystery

Sheriff Nolan (Med Flory)

Sheriff Nolan appears as the local lawman involved in piecing together what happened at the farmhouse. He represents external investigation and order, helping to guide the resolution once the extent of the deception is revealed. His presence underscores the shift from family intrigue to formal inquiry.

🕵️ Law 🚓 Investigation ⚖️ Authority

Dr. Ted Lindsay (John Fink)

Dr. Lindsay is the local physician called into the family crisis, adding an element of professional scrutiny to the unfolding events. He represents a rational, outside perspective amid the escalating distrust among the sisters and Elizabeth. His role anchors the medical and investigative aspects of the mystery.

👨‍⚕️ Medical 🧭 Examination 🧩 Clue

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:42

Major Themes – Home for the Holidays (1972)

Explore the central themes of Home for the Holidays (1972), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔎 Deception

The plot revolves around layered deceptions, with Elizabeth framed as the killer while Alexandra manipulates the family to hide her own guilt. Truth becomes a puzzle that shifts as red herrings emerge and disappear. The final reveal exposes a calculated fabrication designed to mislead investigators and family members alike.

👪 Family Dynamics

Sibling rivalry and loyalty collide as the sisters navigate trust, resentment, and protection of one another. Childhood persecutions and hidden resentments surface, driving choices that blur lines between victim and perpetrator. The farmhouse becomes a crowded stage where family history erupts into violence.

⚖️ Power & Inheritance

The story hinges on control within a fractured family structure: a wealthy patriarch, a new wife under suspicion, and siblings jockeying for position. Inheritance and authority fuel paranoia, as each member weighs their own safety against the others. The eventual truth exposes how power can corrupt perception and justice.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:42

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Unlock the Full Story of Home for the Holidays

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Home for the Holidays Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Home for the Holidays, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Home for the Holidays Summary

Home for the Holidays Timeline

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Home for the Holidays Timeline

More About Home for the Holidays

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