Unlikely Angel is a 1996 American made-for-television Christmas fantasy-comedy film directed by Michael Switzer and starring Dolly Parton. It premiered on CBS on December 17, 1996.[1]

Unlikely Angel
GenreComedy
Fantasy
Written byLiz Coe
Robert L. Freedman
Story byKatherine Ann Jones
Directed byMichael Switzer
StarringDolly Parton
Brian Kerwin
Maria Del Mar
Allison Mack
Gary Sandy
Roddy McDowall
Music byVelton Ray Bunch
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersPeter Locke
Donald Kushner
ProducerJonathan Bernstein
CinematographyRobert Draper
EditorMark W. Rosenbaum
Running time95 minutes
Production companiesSandollar Productions
The Kushner-Locke Company
Budget$4,000,000 (estimated)
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseDecember 17, 1996 (1996-12-17)

Plot

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While driving home from a bar one night, straight-talking singer Ruby Diamond (Dolly Parton) crashes her car and dies. In heaven, she meets Saint Peter (Roddy McDowall) who reveals she can return to Earth, but only to reunite an estranged suburban family who have been torn apart since the mother died. If she succeeds by midnight on Christmas Eve, she will be granted her wings as an angel.

Ruby arrives at the Bartilson house, masquerading as a housekeeper and a nanny for rebellious teenager Sarah (Allison Mack) and her younger brother Matthew (Eli Marienthal), both of whom have trouble bonding with their distracted father Ben (Brian Kerwin) and spend most of their time alone in their bedrooms. The three are initially cold towards Ruby, but as time goes by, she slowly manages to bring the family back together.

Ruby develops feelings for Ben, much to Saint Peter's dismay who tells her a romantic relationship is against the rules of the deal. As Christmas Eve comes around, Matthew runs away from home, and Saint Peter appears to remind Ruby she must reunite them all by midnight. Ruby replies, "I don't care; I'm fixing this family whether I get into Heaven or not." Upon the successful completion of her mission, Saint Peter urges her to leave. As she has become very close with the family, she protests, but Saint Peter reminds her they will no longer remember.

As Ruby is finally awarded her wings, we see the Bartilson family celebrating their first Christmas together in years.

Cast

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Unlikely Angel". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2013.
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