A TOWN WITHOUT CHRISTMAS (CBS-TVM 12/16/01)

An unlikely angel guides two strangers into the heart of a miracle. A grim letter to Santa brings together two lonely adults (Patricia Heaton, Rick Roberts). Workaholic TV reporter M.J. Jensen (Heaton), puts her holiday plans on hold to cover this season's hottest story. The search is on for a boy known only as Chris, who, fearing his parents are about to divorce, writes to St. Nick. "If you don't come to me on Christmas Eve, I will come to heaven to be with you in the angels." All too familiar with those feelings of despair is a struggling children's author (Roberts), who joins M.J. in her hunt after a mystery man (Peter Falk) sends him paintings that point to the child's whereabouts. Also starring Ernie Hudson. 120 min, chapter marks, includes original network commercials)