Samantha: An American Girl Holiday is a 2004[1] television film, based on the American Girl children's books written by Susan S. Adler and Valerie Tripp. The film premiered on The WB on November 23, 2004. The film follows young, wealthy Samantha Parkington's adventures with three poor orphan girls.[3] Shot in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the 86-minute film features lavish period costumes and settings, and was nominated for three Young Artist Awards, winning one.
| Samantha: An American Girl Holiday | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Also known as | An American Girl Holiday |
| Written by | |
| Directed by | Nadia Tass[1] |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Chris Hajian |
| Production | |
| Running time | 86 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | The WB |
| Release | November 23, 2004 |
| Related | |
| Felicity: An American Girl Adventure | |
Samantha is the first in the series of An American Girl films.
Plot
Samantha and Nellie become fast friends. The girls turn to each other in happiness and sorrow, adventure and danger, and grow as close as sisters.
It is then learned that Nellie's mother died last fall and that Samantha is an orphan as her parents died in an accident by the river. One of the mementos she has of them is a locket with their pictures. Shortly, Samantha's Uncle Gardner, who is settled in New York, pays a visit home with his fiancé Cornelia. Uncle Gard announces that he and Cornelia are engaged. Samantha is unhappy by this turn of events but agrees to be the bridesmaid for the wedding. Soon after, Samantha moves to New York to attend a new school.
Cast
- AnnaSophia Robb as Samantha Parkington
- Kelsey Lewis as Nellie O'Malley
- Mia Farrow as Mary Edwards
- Jordan Bridges as Gardner Edwards
- Rebecca Mader as Cornelia Edwards
- Olivia Ballantyne as Jenny O'Malley
- Hannah Endicott-Douglas as Bridget O'Malley
- Michael Kanev as Eddie Ryland
- Karen Eyo as School Principal
- Keir Gilchrist as Factory Boy
- Shary Guthrie as Teacher
- Jackie Brown as Factory Lady
- Shae Norris as Agatha
- Clare Stone as Emma
- Nancy E.L. Ward as Lillian
- Janine Theriault as Beatrice
Awards and nominations
Young Artist Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Olivia Ballantyne | Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries Or Special — Supporting Young Actress | Won |
| Samantha: An American Girl Holiday | Best Family Television Movie or Special | Nominated | |
| AnnaSophia Robb | Best Performance in a TV Movie, Miniseries or Special – Leading Young Actress | Nominated |
