This movie tells the story of Henry W Longfellow and his writing the poem "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day" which became the Christmas song. Longfellow (Stephen Atherholt) had become morose over the death of his wife. Her dress had caught fire and she died of her injuries. Longfellow attempted to put it out and burn himself in the process, scarring his face. He wore a beard after this.
Longfellow had determined not to write poetry again, even though he had great success with poems such as Hiawatha, Paul Revere's Ride and Evangeline. Add to this his son left home and joined the military. This was during the Civil War. He son was severely wounded, and forced to come home as a result. He told Longfellow how he was in a church, and the bell, even though lieing on the floor, had inspired him. This set Longfellow to writing his poem.
This historical drama is very good. I would recommend it. I understand it is fairly accurate, although there are different stories about how his wife's dress caught fire.
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