My Six Loves, the film

Now that you're all done cooking and the kitchen is cleaned, it's time to put in a film that will relax the mind and make the heart soar. And what better film to watch on this day of Thanksgiving than "My Six Loves"?

The film first debuted in 1963 and stars Debbie Reynolds, Cliff Robertson, David Janssen, Eileen Heckart, Hans Conried, Mary McCarty, John McGiver, Max Showalter, Alice Ghostley, and Alice Pearce.

Debbie Reynolds plays Janice Courtney. Janice has worked as an actress since she was a teenager. Starring in many broadway shows, she finally reaches success as a film star only to find herself so exhausted that her doctor demands she take 6 weeks leave from the industry to recuperate.

Upon arriving at her Connecticut vacation home, she is greeted by a very ungrateful and rude housekeeper who seems to think Janice's arrival is an intrusion upon her lifestyle; uncertain how to treat the housekeeper, Janice lets the behavior slide.

Later that day, Janice discovers some odd happening in her home and sets out to uncover the mysteries. Within a matter of minutes she discovers 6 orphan children have set up camp in the wilderness part of her vacaion home--complete with a shack, a burning fire, and hanging laundry.

This is where things get really entertaining.

First, Janice has no clue how to cook, keep house, or take care of herself, let alone six children so she immediately becomes overwhelmed with the whole situation (how many of us can relate to that feeling during the holidays?).

Second, the housekeeper goes on strike upon hearing the news that she's to help care for the children until arrangements could be made for them only to quit an hour later--when the local pastor steps in to help persuade her to lend a helping hand and treat her employer better.

Third, while the children appear to be helpful misfits, they are truly resourceful and immediately begin to pull on Janice's heartstrings but it isn't until the so-called guardians show up that she realizes how much she's grown to care for them.

It is one of those films that makes you stop and think about the little blessings in your life and how easy it is to take for granted everyday things like: a roof over one's head, food in our bellies, more than one change of clothes, and the love of someone special. It's also one of those films that turns a dark topic into a it a light feel good movie that lifts your spirits and makes you feel good when it's over.

If you have not seen "My Six Loves", I encourage you to pick up a copy, or get on Netflix and watch it via instant streaming.