The story of Chris Millard is one that has been inspiring people for over 30 years. There is a Four Diamonds fund that was set up by Chris's parents to help children with childhood cancer. The story itself was written by Chris Millard before he passed away from cancer. The four diamonds are courage, honesty, strength and wisdom, which were all things that he needed to fight his battle with cancer. It is such a great story, I wish they would run the movie again so that more people could see it. It is a great way for children to understand what cancer is without having to actually realize what cancer really is. Disney should release it as an anniversary edition next year.
11 Reviews
The story behind The Four Diamonds
doubledown168 February 2005
Christopher Millard created this beautifully written story in an effort to describe the four qualities that he believed a person would need to defeat cancer: Courage, Wisdom, Honesty, and Strength...the Four Diamonds. Unfortunately, Christopher lost his battle with cancer a few years after writing the story, but his spirit and captivating message lives on. This story led to Chris' parents, Charles & Irma Millard, to name the organization that would raise money for families who children have to deal with the disease, the "Four Diamonds Fund" which is located at the Penn State Children's Hospital. The story and the fund have become the basis for the world's largest student run philanthropy...the Penn State Dance Marathon. In it's 30 year history, THON (as it is affectionately called by the Penn State community) has raised over $30 million in an effort to "Conquer Pediatric Cancer". Over 10,000 students coming together and do what they can monetarily, spiritually, and physically to find a cure for cancer giving these "Four Diamonds" a face.
If such a story can inspire such an amazing event, it would be hard to believe it could not inspire a great movie.
If such a story can inspire such an amazing event, it would be hard to believe it could not inspire a great movie.
A powerful, creative, well done film
jirth68912 February 2006
This movie is perfect in every way i can think of. Great acting so the characters fell very real; great script, with very funny lines at times; great score; interesting story; and great morals presented in an interesting way. The story of Chris is a moving one, where, when he gets cancer, goes through tough times by losing his friends and the family starts to drift apart, while sir Millard wishes to gain his freedom and rid the land of an evil sorceress and become a knight by going on quests that teach him valuable lessons of life that everyone should possess: courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength. The scenes near the end, about memories of the family together, and Chris expressing his feeling of frustration and Dr. Burke trying to help are sad and moving.
an excellent film.
an excellent film.
Inspirational
mountain9125 November 2003
This movie was great and I loved it. I saw this movie back when I was 10 years old on Disney on the premiere showing in August 1995. It aired a few times after that and then it never aired again. This movie would be great for support groups dealing with cancer and other illnesses. I love Thomas Guiry's acting like 'The Sandlot'. I had tears in my eyes at the end of the film when I first saw it. I loved it how Chris Millard shared his feelings with his fantasy story and what he did while he was battling his cancer, tragically Chris Millard lost his battle with cancer in 1972 at the age of 14. The Disney Channel should air this wonderful, inspirational movie again.
I THINK THOMAS GUIRY IS THE MOST TALENTED ACTOR OUT THERE.
angellynne1 March 2001
WOW!I never thought that I would get a chance to tell anybody how much I love this movie.Even though the last time It was on tv.was 1995 on the Disney channel. I have asked Disney if they could air it again, but they said that they could not do that.Even though I never got to really see it I still loved it.It was on in 1995 at 3:00A.M. The picture was all snowy at the time because we didn't get Disney, but I just stayed up listening to it, every word. That was the last I heard of it & now it's 2001. & still no Four Diamonds to be found on video. I'v asked all the video stores & everything. I would love to get a chance to actually see the film since I love Thomas Guirys acting. I have seen every movie of his made, but this one when people ask if I'v seen the Four Diamonds? I have to say no but I'v heard of it. I read the book & I understood the story, I look at tv. listing's everyday but still no luck, maybe one of these days I will be able to relive the magic of this movie.I still believe it deserves*****Tom Guiry was great at portraying Chris Millard.The story was very touching & deserves more attention than it gets hopefully that will happen in the near future.
Great movie
dbajayo19 June 2001
This movie is wonderful. The way every single person handles disease and death is not well understood. This young boy fantasies every time he gets the chemo, as if he was fighting with Knights. Let me tell You, you have no idea how hard I have been looking for this movie to buy it, because it would be perfect for my support group. Unfortunately is not good business for Disney.
A beautiful movie that continues to haunt me 15 years after I first saw it.
ladybeetle-959-89582125 January 2011
I was 15 when I saw The Four Diamonds, but I adored it. It made me laugh; it made me cry. It made me believe and hope and care. The movie presented a story that was at one time honest and blunt about the challenges of being a teenager with a critical illness, and at the same time beautiful with hope and inspiration and dreams. I always wanted to tape the movie, but I never did, and then it went off the air and I never saw it again. I have tried to track down a copy of it and I have tried to e-mail Disney in the hopes of getting it re-aired. It's a great movie and people deserve to see it again. People need to see it again. I need to see it again.
A great film, very moving.
purplenorthstarx11 November 2006
I remember when this movie aired and I taped it at the time. I was so moved by what I saw that I took the tape to my 8th grade English teacher so that we could watch it in class. We never had the opportunity to watch it and I ended up leaving it at the school. I wish that I still had that tape because I think about the film often. I've tried to remember specifics about the acting and writing but sadly I can't.If anyone knows how to secure a copy of the movie please post some info. I work with terminally ill children and I think this movie would inspire them to fight hard for as long as they can and to not give up. If anyone can help I would appreciate it. Thank you.
The Four Diamonds movie is now back on youtube
crosswalkx26 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
As you know by now, the hard to find Disney Channel movie "The Four Diamonds" that only aired once in 1995 on Disney Channel is finally available to view on youtube which I'm happy about because I thought this forgotten Disney movie was lost forever. But sadly the Disney Channel company had to take it down which is stupid since no one can watch it anymore.
This Disney movie is very sad because Chris has cancer which is a brain tumor which causes him to become sick and eventually go blind and later on dies. But during that time he imagines himself as a knight in King Arthur's time who has to face four challenges to get the four diamonds. Get the apple, pet the swan, get the magicians medallion, fight a duel with the black knight.
Also while he daydreams about his fantasy adventures, he meets a friend at the hospital who is a big fan of baseball and helps him out, Chris also has trouble at school getting bullied for having no hair, he has to write a paper about what he did over the summer break. Also his sister dances in the ballet in Swan Lake school play. His family almost got into a car crash but didn't crash but they got a flat tire and his parents are stressed out and upset. Chris is frustrated at the doctors and nurses that he's not getting better. Later on, his family built a new house and moved Chris into his room. Later on he succumbs to cancer and dies.
It's a really good Disney movie, they don't make these Disney Channel movies like they used to anymore. Also be aware this movie does contain some profanity like Damn and Hell in the PG rating sense.
Disney Channel company needs to release this movie with their Disney Channel on demand for digital download or on DVD and Blu Ray. Please Disney Channel don't forget about this movie anymore or at least do a movie remake of "The Four Diamonds" we need more movies like this one.
This Disney movie is very sad because Chris has cancer which is a brain tumor which causes him to become sick and eventually go blind and later on dies. But during that time he imagines himself as a knight in King Arthur's time who has to face four challenges to get the four diamonds. Get the apple, pet the swan, get the magicians medallion, fight a duel with the black knight.
Also while he daydreams about his fantasy adventures, he meets a friend at the hospital who is a big fan of baseball and helps him out, Chris also has trouble at school getting bullied for having no hair, he has to write a paper about what he did over the summer break. Also his sister dances in the ballet in Swan Lake school play. His family almost got into a car crash but didn't crash but they got a flat tire and his parents are stressed out and upset. Chris is frustrated at the doctors and nurses that he's not getting better. Later on, his family built a new house and moved Chris into his room. Later on he succumbs to cancer and dies.
It's a really good Disney movie, they don't make these Disney Channel movies like they used to anymore. Also be aware this movie does contain some profanity like Damn and Hell in the PG rating sense.
Disney Channel company needs to release this movie with their Disney Channel on demand for digital download or on DVD and Blu Ray. Please Disney Channel don't forget about this movie anymore or at least do a movie remake of "The Four Diamonds" we need more movies like this one.
Based on the true story of a young cancer victim in 1972 and his creativity while fighting the cancer.
MermaidLyric24 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Potential Spoiler Alert! Based on a true story adapted by Disney, this enchanting and inspirational story revolves around the fight of a young boy against debilitating cancer in 1972 and how he chooses to deal with his devastating malady thanks to a school writing assignment. Anyone who loves a child or has ever known a child who is fighting a serious illness can find magic in a world designed by the youngster in the movie and his unique way of coping with the ups and downs of fighting the disease. Through his assignment, he finds a way to magically explore the feelings that come from suffering, especially from the perspective of children going through serious health conditions.
Personally, I feel it's a shame that it aired from what I'm aware, only in 1995 on the Disney Channel. The story is well done, with a young Tom Guiry in an excellent portrayal of the primary character. Disney needs a retro channel to re-air some of these most impressive movies. They open a world to children and adults who may never have been through such a situation. I can't imagine a better way to encourage compassion in children that have never faced such issues. If you have a chance to view the story, do so. Unfortunately, to even find it on video or DVD, from what I can tell, is near impossible. If only the book is available, it is also an excellent investment!
Personally, I feel it's a shame that it aired from what I'm aware, only in 1995 on the Disney Channel. The story is well done, with a young Tom Guiry in an excellent portrayal of the primary character. Disney needs a retro channel to re-air some of these most impressive movies. They open a world to children and adults who may never have been through such a situation. I can't imagine a better way to encourage compassion in children that have never faced such issues. If you have a chance to view the story, do so. Unfortunately, to even find it on video or DVD, from what I can tell, is near impossible. If only the book is available, it is also an excellent investment!
Great Movie
Kevin-82319 September 2013
I stumbled across this movie while looking through Thomas Guiry's filmography. I enjoyed his other earlier works and really wanted to see The Four Diamonds. After years of searching I'd almost given up hope of finding a source for it. Finally I found one. For those looking for it, contact The Four Diamond Fund at Penn State University. They have a few copies they will let people borrow. All they ask is that they be returned within two weeks.
It was worth the wait. Thomas did such a great job portraying Chris and Squire Millard. Between the fantasy world of Squire Millard and the real life of Chris Millard the movies was at times enjoyable to watch, at times painful to watch, with a little bit of everything else in between. This movie really deserves a DVD release.
It was worth the wait. Thomas did such a great job portraying Chris and Squire Millard. Between the fantasy world of Squire Millard and the real life of Chris Millard the movies was at times enjoyable to watch, at times painful to watch, with a little bit of everything else in between. This movie really deserves a DVD release.
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