Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree facts for kids

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree is a fun Christmas television special from 1995. It stars famous actors like Robert Downey Jr., Stockard Channing, and Leslie Nielsen. Plus, Kermit the Frog is the narrator! You'll also see many special Muppets made just for this show.

This special was based on a book from 1963 by Robert Barry. It first aired on December 6, 1995, on the CBS network. Later, in 2005, it even became a play for children's theater!

Story of the Perfect Tree

The special starts with a song called “The Perfect Tree.” Mr. Willowby (Robert Downey Jr.) sings about wanting the best Christmas tree ever. Inside his house, a father mouse also sings about finding a tree for his family. His two children, Beverly and Ned, decide to join him on the search.

The Mouse Family's Adventure

After the song, Mr. Willowby asks his butler, Baxter (Leslie Nielsen), where his tree is. Meanwhile, the mouse family is out in the woods. The father mouse finds what he thinks is "the perfect tree." But it's way too big for their tiny home! So, the family climbs to the very top to chop off just the tip.

Suddenly, Mr. Willowby’s lumberjacks arrive. They cut down the entire tree while singing “We’re Lumberjacks.” The mouse family holds on tight as the giant tree is taken to Mr. Willowby’s house.

A Tree for Everyone

The huge tree is set up in Mr. Willowby's house. He notices it's a little too tall. He tells Baxter to cut off the very top. Then, he asks Baxter to take that top part to Miss Adelaide (Stockard Channing). She is Mr. Willowby's Swedish maid. He says she is lonely and doesn't even come down for Christmas.

But Mr. Willowby has a secret plan! He wants Baxter and Adelaide to admit they like each other.

Baxter takes the tree top to Adelaide. She tells him about her family's Christmas traditions. As they talk, it seems like they might like each other. Baxter spots the father mouse on the floor. But Adelaide says it's Christmas, so it would be wrong to hurt the mouse. She puts the mouse on a banister. He quickly goes back to the tree top with his children.

The Tree Travels On

After Baxter leaves, Adelaide sees that the tree in her room is also too tall. She cuts off the top and throws it out the window. The mouse family is still on it! Before the father mouse can cut off his small piece, a bear picks up the tree. The bear takes it home for her family's Christmas.

The bears celebrate Christmas with their new tree. They dance and have fun. Soon, they notice their tree is too tall too. They cut off the top, and the mice are still on it! They throw it outside. The mouse family laughs about their wild night. Then, an owl picks them up, along with the tree piece.

Home for Christmas

Back at the manor, Mr. Willowby is putting gifts around his tree. He realizes Baxter isn't there. To his delight, he finds Baxter standing in the snow. Baxter is listening to Miss Adelaide sing from her window.

The owls set up the tree in their den. They sing a beautiful song. The mouse family is surprised by how musical owls can be! But the owls also find their tree too tall. They cut off the top and throw it outside with the mice.

The father mouse is about to cut a tiny tree from the leftover pieces. Then he realizes the piece they have is now the perfect size for their home! He and the other mice rush back to the manor. Baxter sees Beverly mouse by her tail. He worries about mice in the house. But just then, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas party is about to start. He hears Miss Adelaide leaving her room. Knowing how she would feel, he lets Beverly go. He tells her to "Hurry home for Christmas." The mice race into their den with their perfect tree, cheering that their Christmas can finally begin.

Mr. Willowby's Christmas party is now in full swing. Adelaide comes downstairs this time. She starts dancing with Baxter. Mr. Willowby joins their dance for a moment. He looks at the tree and sings "The Perfect Tree" one last time.

The show ends with Kermit the Frog leaving the dark manor after the party. He wishes everyone Happy Holidays and good night. As the credits roll, Ned and Beverly tell their mother about their adventure. Their father is dozing by the fireplace.

Cast

• Robert Downey Jr. as Mr. Willowby
• Stockard Channing as Miss Adelaide
• Leslie Nielsen as Baxter the Butler

Muppet Performers

• Bill Barretta as Bear
• Julianne Buescher as Beverly Mouse
• Steve Whitmire as Bear, Kermit the Frog, Owl
• Kevin Clash as Father Mouse, Owl
• Bruce Lanoil as Owl, Bear
• David Rudman as Ned Mouse

Awards and Recognition

The songwriters, Patty and Michael Silversher, were nominated for an Emmy award. This was for their song “The Perfect Tree.” The special also won an award from the Casting Society of America. It was for “Best Casting for TV Nighttime Special.”