This movie is a GREAT Christmas movie. Lou Diamond Phillips was what I consider a newbie to the screens and was wonderful in this. My family and I had a copy off the TV and have lost it. We would love to be able to find another copy. This movie showed a very different perspective of "The Three Kings" and the journey they made to find the Christ Child. I think it is a movie that should be re-released at Christmas time. It is one of those movies that after you watch it, you really remember it. I first saw it in 1987 and still to this day love it and could re-watch it and find more detail to it that I missed the several other times I have seen it. I have tried to locate a copy of it but have had no luck. If anyone has a copy feel free to respond and let me know if you are will to share it.
9 Reviews
This was the best Christmas movie ever
melissacthompson22 November 2006
My family taped this movie when it was first aired on TV in 1987, we've been watching it yearly ever since. Needless to say the tape has been through a lot. I wish that they would release this on DVD or at least re-air the show. It was too good for so many people to have never seen it. The movie had a storyline and a general theme that isn't seen in Christmas movies anymore. This isn't a story about commercialism and getting the biggest and best present - this is a story about humanity and what it means to be a part of this world. The actors were incredible Lou Diamond Philips did an amazing job of making his character more than believable.
Three mental patients attempt to find Christ child
brinnerfamily20 December 2009
This wonderful Christmas movie comes to mind every year and I would love to see it again. ABC must have a copy somewhere and they should definitely rebroadcast it. Anyone found it on DVD yet? The three mental patients who believe they are the wise men in search of the Christ child are endearing and funny. As things get totally out of wack in their misadventure, one wonders if things will end well...I mostly remember the bond developed between these three men, the way the world misunderstands their intentions, and their attempts to "fix" things. I seem to remember that there was even a real camel involved or was that a horse? My mind is foggy on lots about this movie that came out in 1987, but know it's worth another look!
One of my favorite Christmas movies!
froglady9921 December 2008
This is one of my favorite Christmas movies ever! My parents recorded it when I was a kid, and we used to watch it every year. It's a really good story about three patients from a mental hospital who dress up as the three kings for a Christmas pageant and end up going to look for Baby Jesus. This movie is a good reminder of what Christmas is really all about, and I really wish they'd put it out on DVD. I saw it for sale on DVD on some foreign website, but I was naturally skeptical about how trustworthy the place was, and of course not all DVDs are viewable in all regions anyway. I was hoping that since it was for sale in a foreign country, they'd put it on DVD in the US not long after that, but no such luck. If you have the chance to watch this movie sometime, do it--you won't regret it!
the three kings
wfatkat5810 February 2010
the three kings was produced by Spelling Entertainment in 1987 and aired on ABC starring Jack Warden and Lou Diamond Phillips. It is now owned by CBS they it is in their vault and they don't know of anyone looking for the movie. You have to call them at 310-264-3300. Their is a lady there who worked for Spelling Enterteimant and knows the movie. They won't release it because of lack of interest. If this movie is to be released people have to call and (annoy) request it to be released. This is one great holiday movie and should be released again they say it's deep in their vault but until their is enough interest in the movie Don't forget call CBS
I loved The Three Kings
rhonda629 November 2005
This movie was so funny . I would love to see it again and it hasn't been back on TV since the first time. My mom and I laughed so much. We truly enjoyed it.The movie was really a stress reliever in such a stressful season of shopping , rushing around, and baking. It was just fun sitting down and taking a break and being able to watch something so funny. I love the movie Airplane and I would put this in the same category as Airplane except this one is Christmas. The Three Kings is still listed as one of my favorite Christmas movies. I would love to own it. I loved Lou Diamond Phillips in the movie. I thought all of the actors did a really good job. I wish they would put it back on TV or release it on DVD.
It is about 3 mental patients who participate in a Christmas Play
immerry211 June 2011
I loved this movie. It has a wonderful ending. I was unable to view it on TV because I was attending a meeting for parent's with troubled teenagers, so I recorded the movie to watch later. I watched it once but forgot to take it out of the VCR and accidentally recorded over it. I would love to see this excellent Christmas Movie again. I can't believe that it has not been made into a DVD for Christmas viewing of so many people who have not been able to watch it. Nor has it been shown again on TV. I would love to see it again.Please tell me that there is a way I can see this wonderful movie with Lou Diamond Phillips, one of my favorite actors again. I am confined to bed and one of my few pleasures is watching TV or DVD's.
This movie is about 3 mental patients who play 3 kings in a Christmas Pageant. They ride real camels who run away with them on a wild trip through the city until they finally meet a pregnant woman needing help.
This movie is about 3 mental patients who play 3 kings in a Christmas Pageant. They ride real camels who run away with them on a wild trip through the city until they finally meet a pregnant woman needing help.
They're the three kings of comedy but didn't even realize it.
mark.waltz25 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The uniqueness of the film's three stars (Jack Warden, Stan Shaw, Lou Diamond Phillips) adds to the charm of this holiday TV movie where three mental patients escape from their hospital on Christmas Eve and head out to find the newly born Christ child. Encounters with typical southern California archetypes as they roam around the city are presented in a very charming manner, including applause as they enter the Glendale Gallarria, deal with perfume salesman Charles Nelson Reilly, head to Van Nuys and end up in used car lot owner Vic Tayback's commercial, ultimately heading to Venice Beach, and making record time.
Plot elements I didn't care for was psychiatrist Jane Kaczmarek who recites her lines as if she's in a daze, pointless reporter Tiana Alexandra and flirtatious Tori Spelling, getting her jealous boyfriend angry enough to upset the fragile Phillips. All three men have their issues explained, far from dangerous but able to snap either into screaming or tears at any moment. This explains why they ended up psychiatric patients in the first place, the types people whom Jesus would have searched for to guide. The fact that all three believe in the real reason for Christmas makes this a lot better in my book, and the comic moments don't distract from that.
Plot elements I didn't care for was psychiatrist Jane Kaczmarek who recites her lines as if she's in a daze, pointless reporter Tiana Alexandra and flirtatious Tori Spelling, getting her jealous boyfriend angry enough to upset the fragile Phillips. All three men have their issues explained, far from dangerous but able to snap either into screaming or tears at any moment. This explains why they ended up psychiatric patients in the first place, the types people whom Jesus would have searched for to guide. The fact that all three believe in the real reason for Christmas makes this a lot better in my book, and the comic moments don't distract from that.
great message
frcasimir22 December 2017
Heartwarming story and superb acting. I just obtained a DVD copy of this movie at www.truetvmovies.net. The quality isn't the best, but for those who love the movie, it's a great way to get it on DVD, especially when your VHS copies wear out. Merry Christmas!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
