Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions
Starring: Tatyana Ali, Dondre Whitfield
Directed by: Ron Oliver

Cat Out of the Bag Alert!  This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: Lucy Toomey (Tatyana Ali) is devastated by the sudden death of her sister Alice and returns to her hometown where she learns of the incredible impact Alice has had on the community.

Featured Feline: When Lucy walks into Alice’s home she picks up a photograph of her sister holding an orange tabby cat. Lucy soon finds out that her sister has willed her the house but that Lucy must stay there for several weeks to inherit.

Later in the film, Lucy is surprised when two little girls approach her holding a cat carrier and announce that they are returning Alice’s cat, Mr. Freckles.

Lucy takes the carrier inside and opens the door, expecting to get acquainted with Mr. Freckles, but he immediately runs away and hides.

For much of the film Mr. Freckles is elusive, remaining hidden under furniture. Lucy’s former beau Peter (Dondre Whitfield) tries to show her how to lure Mr. Freckles out with some cat food, but mostly he tells her to just give it time.

Lucy thinks she may have a chance when Mr. Freckles starts playing with a fallen Christmas ornament, but he still does not emerge.

Alice’s friends befriend Lucy and Mr. Freckles is not shy about coming to them. Slowly he seems to accept Lucy and comes closer to her.

Closer to the end of the movie Mr. Freckles finally jumps up in Lucy’s lap and they are no longer strangers.

When Lucy finds out that her sister secretly had a daughter, she invites the young woman over. Mr. Freckles immediately approaches her and lets her pet him.

Lucy decides to stay and everyone has a Merry Christmas!

Kitty Cameos:  In addition to Mr. Freckles, some other cats are seen in the movie. Alice was an animal lover and worked at the local shelter so she paired many residents with their pets, including the bank receptionist Carla (Kelly Collins Lintz) who tells Lucy how Alice brought her a cat which became her beloved pet. The cat is also seen on her desk later in the show.

At the funeral, Lucy is amazed that pets are allowed in the church. Peter explains that was directly due to Alice who petitioned for animals to be allowed.

Final Mewsings: People love people who love cats (and all animals!)

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