A Dickens of a Holiday! (2021): Cast & Ratings
A Dickens of a Holiday! is a 2021 romantic comedy directed by Paul Ziller, starring Brooke D'Orsay as Cassie, Kristoffer Polaha and Camille Sullivan. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes and was made on a reported $2.6 million budget. Its Echo Score is 79/100.
- Echo Score
- 79
- budget
- $2.6M
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 24m (84 min)
- Director
- Paul Ziller
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Timeless Pictures
- Budget
- $2.6M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is A Dickens of a Holiday! About?
The premise of A Dickens of a Holiday! without spoilers.
To ensure the 100th anniversary of her hometown's Victorian festival is a success, Cassie invites Jake, an action movie star and former classmate, to play Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. The story explores the unexpected events and personal journeys that unfold behind the festive facade.
A Dickens of a Holiday! Themes & Keywords
· 37 tags- christmas
- ohio
- 100th anniversary
- christmas festival
- action movie star
- female protagonist
- theater director
- community theater
- high school classmate
- reference to off broadway
- single man divorced woman relationship
- female talent agent
+25 more Show fewer
- personal assistant
- bed and breakfast
- product placement
- brother brother estrangement
- uncle nephew relationship
- prima donna behavior
- family restaurant business
- tv interview
- pocket watch
- mix tape
- reference to a christmas carol
- brother brother reconciliation
- job promotion
- interrupted kiss
- christmas eve
- stage play
- trademark
- ends with a kiss
- horse and carriage
- five word title
- exclamation point in title
- television movie
- made for television
- author name in title
- christmas movie
A Dickens of a Holiday! Cast & Characters
Brooke D'Orsay leads the cast as Cassie, with Kristoffer Polaha as Jake and Camille Sullivan as Marilyn. Directed by Paul Ziller; 19 actors are credited in all.
- Director Paul Ziller
- Brooke D'Orsay as Cassie
-
Kristoffer Polaha as Jake -
Camille Sullivan as Marilyn - Lauren K. Robek as Denise
Also Starring in A Dickens of a Holiday!
· 15 more- Greg Rogers Mayor Givens
- Chad Willett Craig
- Laura Yenga Millie
- Eric Pollins Andy
- Jovanna Huguet Allison
- Nathan Lynn Ben
- Todd Matthews Robert
- Nevin Burkholder Hank
- David Santana Nathan
- Cheyenne Rouleau Leah
- Robert Leaf Ray
- Cheryl Swan Nancy
- Max Archibald Brandon
- Anthony Demare Thomas
- Neetu Garcha TV Interviewer
More from Paul Ziller
More films directed by Paul Ziller, best-rated first: Love in Store, Private Princess Christmas, Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans and Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows.
A Dickens of a Holiday! Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 79/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (68).
A Dickens of a Holiday! Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, the film delivers a warm holiday experience anchored by strong lead performances and appealing production design. Reviewers consistently note the chemistry between the protagonists and the charming festive atmosphere, while acknowledging a predictable plot and occasional visual missteps. The combination of heartfelt moments and seasonal visuals creates a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry in the Hallmark catalog, making it enjoyable for most viewers.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
In terms of art and craft, the movie benefits from inviting set pieces and period‑appropriate décor that reinforce the holiday mood. Several reviewers highlight the beautiful props and scenery, though one critic points out distracting cinematography choices. The overall production design is competent, but the visual execution shows occasional inconsistency.
- Character & Emotion 85
When it comes to character and emotion, the leads receive abundant praise for nuanced performances and palpable chemistry. Multiple users describe the actors as engaging and capable of conveying genuine affection. A minority of comments note wooden delivery from one lead, but the dominant sentiment affirms the characters as a strong point of the film.
- Story & Flow 68
Story and flow are seen as enjoyable yet familiar, with a plot that follows a conventional Hallmark template. Reviewers appreciate the premise of a play‑within‑a‑play and find the narrative entertaining, though several mention predictable resolutions and a forced climax. The pacing remains steady, but originality is limited.
- Sensory Experience 70
Sensory experience is characterized by a cozy holiday soundtrack and cohesive visual style that supports the festive setting. While most viewers find the overall aesthetic appealing, one reviewer cites unsatisfying shot composition that detracts from immersion. The sensory elements generally reinforce the film's warm atmosphere.
- Rewatch Factor 82
Rewatch factor is high, as many users express a desire to view the movie repeatedly during the season. The combination of charming performances, festive visuals, and comforting storyline fuels lasting appeal. Even critics who note flaws agree the film remains a pleasant repeat watch for holiday audiences.
A Dickens of a Holiday! Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 1 teaser, 1 clip and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Clip Sneak Peek
- Behind the Scenes On Location
A Dickens of a Holiday! Also Known As
8 alternative titles, including “Christmas Stand-In” and “Um Show de Natal”.
- Also known as
-
- Christmas Stand-In
- Um Show de Natal
- Коледа по Дикенс
- Dickensovské Vánoce
- Dickens-i ünnep
- Dickens na Święta
- ¡Un Dickens de vacaciones!
- Vianočná koleda
Seen A Dickens of a Holiday!?
Movies Like A Dickens of a Holiday!
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including A Holiday Spectacular, A Christmas Movie Christmas and A Christmas for the Books.
-
A Holiday Spectacular 2022 -
A Christmas Movie Christmas 2019 -
A Christmas for the Books 2018 -
Christmas on the Coast 2018 -
A Date by Christmas Eve 2019 -
A Kindhearted Christmas 2021 -
A Holiday for Love 1996 -
On the 12th Date of Christmas 2020 -
On the 12th Date of Christmas 2020 -
A Crafty Christmas Romance 2020 -
Coming Home for Christmas 2017 -
Entertaining Christmas 2018
A Dickens of a Holiday! FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget and post-credit scenes of A Dickens of a Holiday!, each answered in a sentence.
How long is A Dickens of a Holiday!?
A Dickens of a Holiday! runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).
When was A Dickens of a Holiday! released?
A Dickens of a Holiday! was released on December 10, 2021.
Who directed A Dickens of a Holiday!?
A Dickens of a Holiday! was directed by Paul Ziller.
More films by Paul Ziller Who is in the cast of A Dickens of a Holiday!?
A Dickens of a Holiday! stars Brooke D'Orsay as Cassie, Kristoffer Polaha as Jake and Camille Sullivan as Marilyn, among 19 credited actors.
What was the budget of A Dickens of a Holiday!?
A Dickens of a Holiday! had a reported budget of $2.6 million.
Does A Dickens of a Holiday! have a post-credit scene?
No. A Dickens of a Holiday! has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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