
The Gift
“Why is my Father is so hard on me?”
Synopsis
On a cold winter morning Tav wakes his son Samuel at 4 A.M. to help with chores on the family farm. He sternly comments on Sam's work, such as napping while milking, or spilling a little milk, causing Sam to tell his mother how hard it is to please his father. She explains that Tav is just teaching him traits he will need as a man, and although his father loves him very much he finds it hard to express this in words. Sam admits to having the same problem. She says that there are unspoken ways to communicate love, and Sam volunteers, "Like Christmas presents ?" She agrees, but will not tell him how to select a special gift for his father. On Christmas morning Sam goes out to the barn alone (except for the cows, pigs, and chickens) to deliver his special gift in a setting very similar to where the very first Christmas gifts were bestowed.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1977
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Douglas G. Johnson
- Screenplay & Story
- Pearl S. Buck
- Original Title
- The Gift
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 16m
- Production Studios
- Brigham Young University
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Douglas G. Johnson
Pearl S. Buck
Reed Smoot
Peter G. Czerny
Douglas G. Johnson
Department Leadership Roster
Douglas G. Johnson
Director
Douglas G. Johnson
Producer
Peter G. Czerny
Editor
Reed Smoot
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Gift.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Gift.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Gift
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Gift about?
On a cold winter morning Tav wakes his son Samuel at 4 A.M. to help with chores on the family farm. He sternly comments on Sam's work, such as napping while milking, or spilling a little milk, causing Sam to tell his mother how hard it is to please his father. She explains that Tav is just teaching him traits he will need as a man, and although his father loves him very much he finds it hard to express this in words. Sam admits to having the same problem. She says that there are unspoken ways to communicate love, and Sam volunteers, "Like Christmas presents ?" She agrees, but will not tell him how to select a special gift for his father. On Christmas morning Sam goes out to the barn alone (except for the cows, pigs, and chickens) to deliver his special gift in a setting very similar to where the very first Christmas gifts were bestowed.
Who directed The Gift?
The Gift was directed by Douglas G. Johnson.
Who stars in The Gift?
The principal cast of The Gift includes James Griffith, Francis L. Urry, Brett Palmer, Joy Sansom, Debbie van Orden.
When was The Gift released and how long is it?
The Gift was released in 1977 with a total runtime of 16m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Gift?
The Gift holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).



















