Christmas Without Snow

A Christmas Without Snow is a 1980 American made-for-television drama starring Michael Learned and John Houseman. Leaving her son behind at her parents' home in Omaha, Neb., recent divorcee Zoe (Michael Learned) attempts to start her life anew by moving to San Francisco. Seeking something to fill her lonely hours, she begins singing with a church choir. When new choirmaster Ephraim Adams (John Houseman) is hired, Zoe finds his attitudes and ideas difficult to tolerate. Faced with the challenging task of satisfying Adams' unrelenting perfectionism, Zoe is tempted once more to run away from her problems. At a pre-performance holiday dinner the choir sees a different side of Ephraim Adams as he presents gifts to the choir members and joins in the merriment. Suddenly, weakness overtakes Adams and he collapses with a stroke. But all is not lost, as the ending is a happy one in this superb and deeply moving Christmas story!

• drama