In a nostalgic trip down memory lane, actor Henry Winkler shared an amusing incident from his time directing country music legend Dolly Parton's first made-for-TV movie, 'A Smoky Mountain Christmas', during a panel at Rhode Island Comic Con in November. The story revolves around a humorous misunderstanding involving a prop and an actor who wanted a souvenir from the set.
According to People's report, while directing the 1986 holiday fantasy, Winkler was strict about no props leaving the lot without permission. However, a clever workaround was proposed by the boom mic operator when an actor playing a cop expressed his desire for a keepsake. The operator suggested that the crumpled sheet of paper Dolly's character had discarded during a scene could be taken, as it was destined for the trash anyway. The actor left with a piece of memorabilia, making for an unusual yet memorable moment on set.
Winkler fondly recalled this incident as emblematic of Parton's force of nature and her impact on the set. Speaking about his experience working with the iconic star, Winkler expressed admiration and respect, describing her as "everything you can imagine she was and more." He also praised her work ethic and the aura she brought to the production, which marked her debut in television films.
'A Smoky Mountain Christmas', released in 1986, tells the story of a country-western singer who encounters a reclusive backwoodsman and a witch in the Tennessee mountains. The film also starred Lee Majors, Bo Hopkins, and Dan Hedaya. For Winkler, directing Dolly Parton left an indelible impression that he continues to cherish nearly four decades later.