Four sisters come 'Home for the Holidays' when it appears that their father is dying. Their father tells them that his new wife Elizabeth is slowly poisoning him to death, and that he summoned them all there to kill her before she kills him! They just think he's a silly old man, but eventually the sister's begin being stalked (and some of them even killed) by a person in a bright yellow raincoat. This new wife of his was also suspected years ago of killing her first husband, but was never charged. It's a Christmas murder mystery, and with seemingly unhinged Elizabeth as the main suspect... will anyone survive?
I enjoyed 'Home for the Holidays', it's even become a Christmas tradition here at my place to watch it. However, it's not the best "Made for TV" movie put out there that's for sure. It drags on just a little too much, so some people might lose interest with it early on. Some of it plays off like a soap opera, with all of the in fighting with the sisters. It can get a little tedious, but I enjoyed the family squabbles to be honest. The acting was very dramatic and over the top, perfect for 1972. Sally Field puts in a good performance as the good sister Christine, and Julie Harris does well as Elizabeth.
'Home for the Holidays' has an interesting twist to the end of the mystery, which most people could probably see coming a mile away. Nevertheless, it's a good one and adds up to the story we get from the four sister's and how messed up they all are (minus Christine). I'd check this one out if you find it, it's a good addition to the "Holiday Horror" sub-genre.
7/10
