Unlikely Angel

In this 1996 TV movie, Dolly plays selfish country music singer Ruby Diamond, who meets an untimely demise, but cannot enter heaven until she performs a good deed back on earth and that deed is to get a workaholic widower and his children back together again for Christmas.

Masquerading as an out-of-sorts governess, Ruby slowly but surely starts to knit father/widower Ben together with his rebellious yet conflicted daughter Sarah and lonely son Matthew. But when Christmas Eve rolls around and Matthew runs away from home, St. Peter arrives to remind Ruby of the deal's terms, to which she replies, "I don't care; I'm fixing this family whether I get into Heaven or not." Upon the successful completion of her mission, St. Peter urges her to leave, despite her protests. But he reminds her that they will no longer remember her, so she reluctantly accepts. As she is awarded her wings, we see the family celebrating their first Christmas together in years.
 

Its no classic by any means, but as a nice entertaining family movie it fits the bill perfectly. There are also three songs that feature in the movie, What’cha Tryin’ Do, Unlikely Angel and Hallelujah, but unfortunately none of them have ever been officially released.

Soundtrack (sung by Dolly, unless indicated)

1. What'cha Tryin' to Do to Me?
2. Jingle Bells - Eli Marienthal
3. Unlikely Angel
4. Hallelujah

Cast:

Dolly Parton              Ruby Diamond
Roddy McDowall       Saint Peter
Brian Kerwin             Ben Bartilson
Allison Mack             Sarah Bartilson
Eli Marienthal           Matthew Bartilson

Director:                  Michael Switzer
Running Time:         95 mins
Release Date:          17th December 1996