The Gift of the Magi's primary photo
  • The Gift of the Magi (1917)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Primary photo for The Gift of the Magi
The Gift of the Magi (1917)
Short | Short, Drama
"Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles," Delia sobbed the day before Christmas when she counted pennies, nickels and dimes she had dropped into the little bank for Jim's gift. A twenty dollar a week salary doesn't leave much surplus...See more"Life is made up of sobs, sniffles and smiles," Delia sobbed the day before Christmas when she counted pennies, nickels and dimes she had dropped into the little bank for Jim's gift. A twenty dollar a week salary doesn't leave much surplus. One dollar and eighty cents was all the bank would yield. The powder followed after the cry and the mirror gave the inspiration. Her hair fell below her waist, fine and heavy. It would bring money. To a hairdresser Delia hurries. The hairdresser offers $20. Shorn of her hair, Delia spends the afternoon looking for a watch chain worthy of Jim's watch, left him by his father. Before Jim gets home Delia curls her short hair into little rings. Supper ready, she sits waiting, the chain in her hand to keep her courage up. When she hears him she whispers a prayer, "Please God, make him think I am still pretty." Jim comes in and looks at her, with a stupefied expression of not understanding. She explains, but he looks about the room as if expecting to see her hair somewhere. She gives him the chain with a charming expression of love and Jim wakes up enough to express his thanks and to present his gift, a pair of long-coveted jeweled side combs bought with the price of his only treasure, the watch. The little "singed cat" and an adoring husband put their gifts of the magi away, but the spirit of them made happiness. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Brinsley Shaw
Writers
O. Henry (story) | Katherine S. Reed
See all filmmakers & crew (3)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Apr 21, 1917
Release date
Apr 21, 1917 (United States)

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3 cast members
Name Known for
William R. Dunn's primary photo
William R. Dunn
Mr. James Dillingham Young Mr. James Dillingham Young   See fewer
Beyond the Law (1918)
Patsy De Forest's primary photo
Patsy De Forest
Mrs. Delia Dillingham Young Mrs. Delia Dillingham Young   See fewer
Lost on Dress Parade (1918)
Claire McCormack's primary photo
Claire McCormack
Hairdresser Hairdresser   See fewer
Sowers and Reapers (1917)
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