This program was a re-edited version from the Catholic Family Theater Program from the early 50s. In this episode the family of that noted Hollywood Catholic lay person, Pat O'Brien, hosts the show with a telling of a more involved working of the Christmas story that also includes the story of the birth of John the Baptist whom we are told was the cousin of Jesus as well as the prophet who foretold the coming of the Messiah.
As she did in so many of the Family Theater Programs Ruth Hussey plays the Virgin Mary with Nelson Leigh playing Joseph. The cast is long and extensive and I recognized such people as Percy Helton as an individual who refuses the Holy Family lodging for the night and Raymond Burr as a Roman centurion. I wish we could get a more extensive cast list for this film.
The production is low budget, but the tone is sincere and reverential and the cast of some of the best professional players around do a more than competent job. I'm sorry I might have to wait until next Christmas season to get a more extensive cast list to add.