"Saint Nick of Bethlehem" – A Movie Review

Loosely based on a true story, "Saint Nick of Bethlehem", is a Christmas movie that covers the themes of coping with grief and spreading hope and joy to others. As Nick McNulty, portrayed by the American actor, Daniel Roebuck, finds himself in a down period of his life. At one time he was happily married with a wife and son and an award-winning math teacher. But, now his wife has left him and his son is no more. He returns to his hometown of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and takes care of his demanding, cranky, and elderly mother, who is expertly portrayed by Cathy Moriarty, an American actress of Irish descent. To further compound matters, Nicholas McNulty attempts to find some form of employment, but is beat out for most of the jobs he applies for by the sixteen-year-old local boy, Jeremiah.

Yet, just when his life appears to be going nowhere, Nick McNulty, runs into his former high school sweetheart by accident while out shopping with his mother, Betty. As a travel nurse, she is working at the local hospital in the pediatrics ward over Christmas, so she can help take care of her own mother. Inspired by this unexpected turn of events, Nick McNulty, swallows his pride and takes a job working at his brother's used car dealership, at only half-commission.

Surprisingly, Nicholas McNulty turns out to have an affinity for selling cars. As being a stout fellow with a beard, people mistake Nicholas McNulty for being Santa Claus when he wears his red coat. Leading them to trust him more while shopping for a vehicle. Also, the children in the pediatrics ward of the hospital, when he goes to visit his high school sweetheart, Mary, get excited upon seeing him, since they mistake him for Santa Claus, as well. This inspires Nicholas McNulty to spend his daily half- commission that he earns from selling cars, to buy presents for the children all throughout Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. For as he puts it in the film, one has to keep decorating for Christmas and celebrating Christmas, " 'cause you are the hope others need."

A heartwarming film, "Saint Nick of Bethlehem", is just over an hour and half in length and was shot on location in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the birthplace of the actor portraying Nicholas McNulty in the movie. It features some regional traditions such as the Eastern European pastries, "kiffles", that are mentioned often throughout the movie. And while the film was originally released in 2024, the PG-rated movie is now available for streaming on angel.com and Amazon Prime. The cast for the film is a very average looking crew, but it is charming to find out that it is actually based on the true story of Allen and Gina Smith of Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania. With the film being dedicated to Allen's late son, Garrett Smith.

Luisa Reyes is a Tuscaloosa attorney, piano instructor, and vocalist.