---
title: "The Christmas Star"
year: 1986
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-christmas-star-1986"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 13705
imdb_id: "tt0090840"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 94
community_rating: 5.7
vote_count: 35
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Christmas Star (1986) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-christmas-star-1986

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Topic: Film "The Christmas Star" (1986).
Role: Meticulous television and film archivist.
Constraints:
Use ONLY verifiable facts from provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
No invented/guessed details (titles, names, dates, etc.).
Original, neutral, encyclopedic prose.
Format: Plain text only (no markdown, no asterisks, no headings, no bullet points).
Length: 150-190 words.
First sentence must not contain spoilers.
No markdown.
Title: The Christmas Star
Year: 1986
Release Date: December 14, 1986 (US)
Genres: Drama, Family, TV Movie
Runtime: 1h 34m
Synopsis: A counterfeiter finds the true meaning of the holidays. Two kids made a believer out of him.
Director: Alan Shapiro
Cast: Edward Asner (or Ed Asner), René Auberjonois, Jim Metzler, Susan Tyrrell.
Draft 1: The Christmas Star is a 1986 film categorized under the drama, family, and TV movie genres. Directed by Alan Shapiro, the production has a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. The story follows a counterfeiter who finds the true meaning of the holidays after two kids make a believer out of him. The film was released in the United States on December 14, 1986. The cast features Edward Asner, also credited as Ed

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Alan Shapiro
- **Networks / Studios**: Lake Walloon Productions, Walt Disney Television

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Ed Asner** as *Horace McNickle*
- **René Auberjonois** as *Sumner*
- **Jim Metzler** as *Stuart Jameson*
- **Susan Tyrrell** as *Sara*
- **Alan North** as *Captain Whittaker*
- **Fred Gwynne** as *Waters*
- **Frank C. Turner** as *Sad Sack Santa*
- **Karen Landry** as *Clara Jameson*
- **Philip Bruns** as *Lucky*
- **Nicolas Van Burek** as *Billy Jameson*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch The Christmas Star online?
The Christmas Star is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Apple TV Store. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is The Christmas Star worth watching?
The Christmas Star holds a community rating of 5.7/10 based on 35 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama, Family for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie The Christmas Star and when was it released?
The Christmas Star is a feature film with a runtime of 94 minutes. It was released in 1986. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed The Christmas Star?
The Christmas Star was directed by Alan Shapiro.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Christmas Star — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/13705)
- [The Christmas Star (1986) - Cast & Crew - The Movie Database ...](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/13705-the-christmas-star/cast)
- [The Christmas Star - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide](https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-christmas-star/cast/2000108988/)
- [The Christmas Star (1986) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090840/)
- [Where to Watch The Christmas Star (1986) Online](https://watch.plex.tv/movie/the-christmas-star)
- [The Christmas Star Cast & Crew - Moviefone](https://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-christmas-star/1085281/credits/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*