This time of year always brings to mind favorite Christmas films. This list consists of some very popular films, and a few that are not always in the conversation. This list has movies directed by famous filmmakers and some famous actors. There are also some comedies, sprinkled in the mix.
10. The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1943) Betty Hutton, Eddie Bracken William Demarest Director-Preston Sturges
This movie gives the spirit of Christmas an interesting look. Trudy Kockenlocker, (Betty Hutton), goes to a party that a number of servicemen are attending. She has a great time. It is so good that she gets drunk, and gets married, but she can’t remember to who. She later finds out that she is pregnant. It is very troubling to her, and most of all to her father, Constable Edmund Kockenlocker. William Demarest plays the Constable, quite effectively; giving a new definition to the word cranky.
The situation seems desperate, for Trudy Kockenlocker. Enter Norval Jones, who is brought to life by Eddie Bracken. Bracken gives new meaning to the word pathos. His character is in love with Trudy, and even takes responsibility for fathering the child, that isn’t his. This doesn’t make Constable Kockenlocker happy. He doesn’t have a high opinion of Norval.
Norval does convince Trudy to marry him. He dresses up in a soldier’s uniform, to get a discount from the justice of the peace. It’s found out that he’s not a soldier, and can’t get married. He later breaks into a bank, to get his money, and is arrested, and held in the Constable’s jail. Constable Kockenlocker knows Norval is a good guy, caught in a bad situation. He does everything he can, to get Norval to escape from jail. Norval, not understanding Kockenlocker’s good intentions, doesn’t cooperate. This makes for some very comic scenes between Eddie Bracken and William Demarest.
After a time, everything is straightened out, and Eddie is a hero, and pardoned by the governor. He finally weds Trudy and she has sextuplets, setting off headlines, and causing poor Norval to faint.
Preston Sturges directing style, is poking fun at convention. In The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek, he’s given us an unlikely hero, in Norval Jones. He is an army reject, but behaves in an heroic manner throughout the film. This movie deserves to be viewed at Christmas. It has earned a rightful place among Christmas movies.
9. The Nativity Story (2006) Keisha Castle-Hughes Oscar Isaac Ciaran Hinds Director-Catherine Hardwicke
There have been many movies that tell the life of Jesus. This movie details his birth. Mary, (Keisha Castle Hughes and Joseph, (Oscar Isaac), embark on a long arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, for a census decreed by Caesar. Mary is carrying Jesus, who was given to her by The Holy Spirit. This is shown after God’s angel has told Mary that she will become the mother of Jesus. Mary says let it be done, and kneels, and the Holy Spirit goes over her. It is a beautifully done scene.
During the journey, Mary is crossing the river, and a serpent, (the devil), strikes at the donkey, and Mary falls into the river. Joseph casts away the serpent, and saves Mary from drowning. After this, an exhausted Joseph sleeps, while Mary watches over him. The couple continue on their journey, with Mary about to give birth to Jesus, and no lodging available. They are forced to spend the night in a stable. It is here that Mary gives birth to Jesus, The King and Savior.
The Lord’s humble birth has been noticed by three earthly kings, Melchior, Balthazar and Gaspar, respectively portrayed by Nadim Sawalha, Eriq Ebouaney, and Stefan Kalipha. They have tracked The King of Kings to the stable in Bethlehem, by following a star. They bow before him and recognize his greatness, giving him gifts. King Herod, (Ciaran Hinds) learns of the infant king, and orders the murder of all male infants. God sends an angel to Joseph, to tell him of Herod’s evil plan. Joseph awakens Mary and Jesus, and The Holy Family flees to Egypt.
Catherine Hardwicke has taken a beautiful bible story, and brought it to life for movie audiences. It couldn’t have been an easy task for Keisha Castle Hughes to play Mary. She has done as good a job as possible, playing one of the most revered figures in Christianity. The Nativity Story drives home the true meaning of Christmas, and should be viewed by anyone who appreciates the season.
8. Never Say Goodbye (1946) Errol Flynn Eleanor Parker Lucille Watson Patti Brady Director-James V. Kern
Errol Flynn became famous for his swashbuckling roles. Who knew he could do comedy well. He proves it in Never Say Goodbye, as Phil Gayley, a calendar artist. He is divorced from his wife, Ellen, (Eleanor Parker). He still loves her, but his interfering mother-in-law, Mrs. Hamilton, (Lucille Watson), convinced Ellen, that Phil had a wandering eye.
Phil and Ellen are still in love. The problem is they are involved with other people. Phil is seeing one of his calendar models, Nancy Graham, (Peggy Knudsen). Ellen is seeing straight laced lawyer, Rex DeVallon, (Donald Woods), who meets with the approval of Mrs. Hamilton.
Since its Christmas, Rex DeVallon dresses up as Santa Claus and put presents under the tree, for Flip Gayley, (Patti Brady) Phil’s daughter. Phil has the same idea, and hilarity ensues when the two Santa’s meet. It is shortly after this, that Rex realizes he cant compete with Phil. It is also realized by Phil’s girlfriend Nancy, that she can’t wait around. Eleanor and Phil get back together, much to the delight of their daughter, and the grudging acceptance of Mrs. Hamilton.
Never Say Goodbye is a good comedy for the holidays. Errol Flynn proves that he is not a one dimensional actor, and has good screen chemistry, with Eleanor Parker.
7. White Christmas (1954) Bing Crosby Danny Kaye Rosemary Clooney Vera-Ellen Director-Michael Curtiz
White Christmas is a showcase for Irving Berlin songs, featuring two of the biggest stars of that era. It’s director, Michael Curtiz, was familiar with doing films featuring big stars, and hit songs. He won an academy award several years earlier, for Yankee Doodle Dandy. His efforts with this film, have given film audiences a very enjoyable movie about Christmas and its spirit.
The film is about two talented men, Bob Wallace, ( Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis, (Danny Kaye), who meet during the war. They perform a show for the men, and conclude with White Christmas. The only accompaniment Bing Crosby gets for this tune, is Danny Kaye playing a music box. Michael Curtiz gets the mood by focusing on the faces of the soldiers. They are sad and lonely: missing their family and friends. The mood is not lightened, when their commander, General Waverly, (Dean Jagger), is reassigned to the pentagon. They serenade him, and he leaves.
The war ends, and Wallace and Davis become a very successful song and dance team. While they are performing, they meet two down on their luck sisters, Betty Haines, (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy Haines, (Vera-Ellen). They can’t make the rent, and they are about to be evicted. Wallace and Ford, being nice guys, perform their number, Sisters; hilariously done in drag, by Crosby and Kaye, so the sisters can escape the landlord and the sheriff.
The sisters and Wallace and Davis, have caught a train going to Vermont. Along the way, the quartet perform the number, Snow. It’s a very feel good moment in the film. They arrive in Vermont, thinking it will put them in the Christmas mood. Instead, Vermont has had springlike weather, taking away from the tourist industry.
The unseasonably warm weather has adversely affected General Waverly. He runs an inn, and it is not doing well. This fact is found out from Emma Allen, (Mary Wickes), the general’s maid. Wallace and Davis have deep respect for the general. They’ve placed a call to the producer of a popular television show. Their plan is to broadcast live on Christmas Eve, from the inn. Unfortunately Judy hears the tail end of the conversation. She gets the impression that Bob Wallace just wants to make a fast buck off the general’s hard times.
Bob follows her to NYC, because she left, and took a performing job. He tries to explain, but she won’t listen. Bob goes back to Vermont, broken-hearted to put on the show. Its a secret, so they have to keep General Waverly from the tv. Phil Davis stages an accident to distract him. Emma Allen, further distracts the general from the show, by sending his suits to the cleaners. He is forced to wear his old uniform to dinner. As the general walks into dinner, he is serenaded by everyone in the room, including his old command. He is overwhelmed and expresses his sentiments to his troops.
After this, two things happen. It’s noticed that snow is falling; making everyone happy. The second thing is that Betty finds out Bob’s true intentions. Everyone is happy and the players perform White Christmas, in Santa Claus suits, accompanied by ballerinas. After this, Betty has placed a small gift in Bob’s Santa bag. It is a small model of a knight in shining armor. Bob sees it and embraces Betty.
White Christmas is an example of a Hollywood production on a massive scale: the stars, the sets etc. This movie is always on television, and there are probably people, who have not seen it. The best Christmas gift, for a movie lover, would be to take them to see White Christmas, on the big screen. They’ll thank you for it.
6. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) Chevy Chase Beverly Dangelo Randy Quaid Director-Jeremiah S. Chechik
Are you feeling stressed from the hustle and bustle of the Yuletide season? You can take a little time out, and watch one of the funniest Christmas movies ever made. For a short time your troubles will go away, watching The Griswolds attempt to celebrate Christmas.
A slight idea is given about this movie, during the opening credits. They are animated featuring Santa attempting to deliver presents to the Griswold home. The entire film revolves around Clark Griswold getting his family together for Christmas. Beverly D’angelo returns as Clark’s loving wife, Ellen. He decides to get a real Christmas tree. It’s hilarious to watch Clark put up the tree. He selected a beautiful tree, the problem is, it makes the White House tree seem small.
The next attempt to bring the holiday season to the family, is Clark’s light display. It’s hilarious watching his attempts to get the lights working. When he does get it working, he provides light for nearly the entire suburb. Griswold has also managed to provide his neighbors, The Chesters, Julia Louis- Dreyfus and Nicholas Guest, with unlimited light, in their bedroom. His conflict with the neighbors goes back and forth throughout the movie.
Things seem to go right for the celebration, until the surprise visit by cousin Eddie and his family. Eddie asks Clark if he’s surprised. Clark tells Eddie he couldn’t be more surprised, if he woke up with his face stapled to the carpet, on Christmas morning. Eddie is uncouth to say the least. He decides to empty the waste from his trailer’s toilet into the sewer. At the family dinner, he feeds the dog a bone, which he has trouble digesting.
Cousin Eddie’s antics are troubling to Clark. This doesn’t stop his plans of a wonderful family Christmas, even when his senile Aunt Bethany, (Mae Questel), has put cat food in the jello. The thing that sets Clark off is his Uncle Lewis, (William Hickey). He lights his cigar, and carelessly tosses the match, which ignites Clark’s beautiful tree. He has a meltdown, and promptly chops down the neighbor’s tree. It looks beautiful inside. The problem is a squirrel was nesting in it. It jumps out and everyone runs in terror. Cousin Eddie‘s dog pursues it. The chase ends when Clark opens the door, for the prey and its pursuer. The chase ends when the squirrel and dog jump on the Griswold’s very irate neighbor, Margo Chester.
While the chaos is going on, cousin Eddie has brought Clark’s boss, Frank Shirley, (Brian Doyle-Murray), to the Griswold house by force. Clark is upset because he didn’t get a Christmas bonus, which he intended to use to put in a pool. Frank Shirley’s wife, has called the police. The police tell everyone to freeze, and they do, looking like they’re playing a party game. Shirley explains to his wife. She is appalled at his stinginess. He then tells Clark, he will give him twenty percent more than last year. The family then goes outside. Uncle Lewis lights a cigar and tosses the match in the sewer. This causes an explosion, sending the plastic Santa on the roof into the sky. Clark smiles and is happy, that he’s had a family Christmas.
There were a total of four National Lampoon Vacation movies made. Christmas Vacation featuring the very dysfunctional Griswold’s is the best. Chevy Chase has given new meaning to slapstick comedy. The best example is when he crashes his sled into the front of the walmart. The examples could go on, but its best to watch the movie, and fall over with laughter.
5. Meet John Doe (1941) Gary Cooper Barbara Stanwyck Edward Arnold Walter Brennan Director-Frank Capra
Gary Cooper was the first movie star of the sound era. He was able to project the common man image. He manages this very well in Meet John Doe. This isn’t a typical Christmas movie. It makes a statement about society, and unwitting heroes.
A phony letter appears in a paper, written by John Doe. He is unhappy with the state of world affairs, and threatens to jump off a building on Christmas Eve. The letter generates many responses, with people wanting to know who wrote the letter. Ann Mitchell, (Barbara Stanwyck), a former reporter for the paper wrote it. She is given back her job, by her old boss, Connell, (James Gleason), on the condition she comes up with John Doe.
The paper interviews people, with Ann Mitchell leading the search. She finally gets the right man, Long John Willoughby, (Gary Cooper). He is a down on his luck, former pitcher, who’s been riding trains, without a ticket. During this time, he met The Colonel, (Walter Brennan), who’s skeptical of the plan.
Once Willoughby is introduced to the public, he is an immediate hit. John Doe clubs are formed all across the country. There is one moving scene where people tell John how much he’s affected their lives. The movement grows even more popular, with Willoughby making speeches written for him by Ann Mitchell, who’s now works exclusively for the scheming publisher of the paper, D.B. Norton. He is played by Edward Arnold, who excelled in that type of role. Norton’s goal is to create a third party, fronted by John Doe, with himself as a presidential candidate.
Willoughby begins to get a swelled head about his new status. He runs into Connell, who’s been drinking. He tells John the truth. This upsets him, and he confronts Ann and Norton. He is told what he heard is correct. Norton informs him that he will go along with the plan. John walks out disenchanted. Norton publishes a piece in the paper denouncing John Doe as a fraud.
John heads to a rally to speak, and Ann wants to go with him, but he says no. John goes to the rally, but those attending, have read the defaming article. John tries to speak over the boos, but Norton’s men cut the microphone cords. This scene is very effective, because its done during a rainstorm. John leaves the rally, and joins his friend, the colonel, under a bridge.
On Christmas Eve, John Doe goes to a rooftop, to commit suicide, with a letter telling the truth. Norton and his men are waiting for John. He tells him that all forms of identification will be removed from his person, as well as the letter. John tells Norton that he already mailed a copy. Arriving after this, are members of the fan clubs. They tell John they made a mistake. Ann Mitchell arrives and begs John not to end his life, and says she sorry, before collapsing. John picks her up and carries her away in his arms. This scene is one of the best acting performances of Barbara Stanwyck’s career. After this Connell turns to Norton and says, “there’s something you can’t beat Norton, the people.”
This film proves beyond a doubt, if somebody wasn’t impressed by Gary Cooper in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Meet John Doe removes all doubt. He shows that sometimes people need a leader to show what was always there. That would be the nobility in people, and to see things as they are. This film rises above its dark subject of suicide, and gives hope in the long run. Hope is really what Christmas is about.
4. The Santa Clause (1994) Tim Allen Judge Reinhold Wendy Crewson Eric Lloyd Director-John Pasquin
There have been a few movies made about Santa Claus. This is one of the best. Tim Allen was a tv star on Home Improvement, this film gave him a screen presence.
Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin, a self absorbed toy company executive. He is spending Christmas Eve with his son, when he hears a noise outside. He investigates and sees a man on the roof. He yells at the man and he startles him. The man falls and is killed. When Scott Calvin searches the man, he sees a card, that says Santa Claus. It instructs the person with the card to put on the suit. After Scott reads the card, the man who delivered toys vanishes, and he puts on the suit; after the urging of his son, Charlie, (Eric Lloyd). He and Charlie finish Santa’s mission, and the reindeer take them to The North Pole.
At Santa’s home, they are greeted by Bernard, the head elf, (David Krumholtz). He informs Scott, that when he donned the suit, he was subject to The Santa Clause. This was the fine print on the card. It states that the wearer of the suit, will assume all of the duties and responsibilities of the jolly old elf. Bernard tells the new Santa that he reports to work after Thanksgiving. He also gives Charlie a special snow globe, that has Santa in it.
The following year brings a few changes to Scott. He starts to involuntarily grow a beard, which comes out gray and white. It grows no matter how many times a day he shaves. He begins to put on weight, and he gets huge cravings for milk and cookies. He goes to his doctor, who tells him that he’s completely healthy. His sudden changes affect his job. His boss tells him to get it together; when he shows up late for a meeting, unshaven and dressed in sweatpants and a tee shirt, because they fit him. Scott also loses a custody battle, because of his weird behavior. This is mainly due to Neal, (Judge Reingold), a psychologist, who is Scott’s ex-wife Laura’s boyfriend. Laura, (Wendy Crewson), is reluctant, but Neal has convinced her that Scott is an unfit father.
Christmas Eve arrives and before Scott takes off on his yearly mission, he goes to see Charlie. Bernard appears and the three disappear. Laura, frantic, calls the police, who promptly take all Santa’s into custody. The police finally get Scott when he makes a visit to drop off toys at Laura’s house.
The elves become aware of Santa’s disappearance, and send a special team to get him. They succeed in their mission, and Scott gives everyone presents including his wife. Santa goes on his way. Charlie looks at his special globe, which tracks Santa’s movements. Scott comes back after ten minutes, and takes Charlie with him. Laura looks up and smiles and so does Neal. Their faith has been restored, and they both believe in Santa Claus.
This film takes modern Christmas movies to another level. It made these films popular again. There is plenty of humor in The Santa Clause. There are some very warm and touching sequences in the movie. It made a lot of money for the studio, and two sequels were made. It shows the magic of Christmas, to both children and adults.
3. Its a Wonderful Life (1946) James Stewart Donna Reed Lionel Barrymore Thomas Mitchell Henry Travers
Frank Capra could probably share Bing Crosby’s nickname, Mr. Christmas. Crosby earned his because of White Christmas and countless other holiday songs. Capra could get the title due to Meet John Doe, and It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s a Wonderful Life is a holiday staple. It is considered by many to be a great Christmas film. It is also considered to be one of the greatest films ever made. This movie has some very powerful acting by James Stewart. Lionel Barrymore stands out as the villain, Mr. Potter. Barrymore was used to playing less than shining examples of people. He played Ebenezer Scrooge for years on the radio. Among the other players are Donna Reed as Mary Bailey, Thomas Mitchell as Uncle Billy and Henry Travers as Clarence. This movie with the efforts of the director and the cast, tells a warm tale of human kindness.
Clarence is an angel waiting for his wings. He is summoned by senior angels, to help George Bailey, a desperate man contemplating suicide. Before he can act, he views the highlights of George’s life. George Bailey throughout his time on earth, has done countless good deeds for people. He starts by saving his brother, Harry from drowning. This causes him to lose hearing in his ear. He later stops the druggist, Mr. Gower, (H.B. Warner), his employer, from giving poison to a child. Gower is grief stricken, by the sudden death of his son.
George loves his father Pa Bailey, (Samuel S. Hinds), who owns The Bailey Savings and Loan. It is here where George has his first run in with Mr. Potter. Potter has insinuated that the elder Bailey is foolish to grant loans to anyone in need. George fiercely defends his father. His dad says its ok. Sadly Pa Bailey passes away, after a stroke. George has firm plans of an adventurous life, but is convinced by Uncle Billy, to take over the family business or Potter will seize it.
George’s life has taken an unexpected turn. He is hoping that his younger brother Harry, (Todd Karns) will take over when he graduates college. Harry gets married and his bride gets him a job, working for her father. George is unhappy, but is happy for his brother. He gives him a big send off, and goes off, ending at Mary Hatch’s house. He tells her his life plans don’t include her, but then realizes in an instant, that he loves her. They later get married, and George’s friends Bert, (Ward Bond) and Ernie, (Frank Falen) serenade the newlyweds in their new/old house. Mary sees George and says “welcome home Mr. Bailey.” It is a beautiful scene showing a radiant Donna Reed, and a set table, with chickens roasting on a spit in the fireplace.
The couple don’t get to have a proper honeymoon. It’s the depression, and there’s a run on the bank. Mr. Potter is offering the shareholders discounted buyouts. Bailey gets to the bank, and persuades everyone that their money helps everybody, and avoids a crisis. Much later George Bailey manages to get a housing development built, called Bailey Park. People in the town of Bedford Falls are able to get homes because of George Bailey. One resident of the town, who benefits is Mr. Martini, (William Edmunds) and his wife, Mrs. Martini, (Angela Brunetti). It’s a touching scene when Mary Bailey gives various food items to the couple, for luck, blessings and happiness.
George Bailey has given many people in the town happiness. He has given great unhappiness to Mr. Potter: whose grip of power on the townsfolk, is fading with every good deed and gesture by George Bailey. He speaks to George about working for him, with a good salary and many perks. George hesitates momentarily, and turns Potter down. He not only turns down the offer, but tells Potter what a wicked man he is.
George is settling down into the business and domestic life. He and Mary now have four children. Unfortunately George is getting stressed by Potter. The stress becomes a nightmare, when Uncle Billy forgets to deposit $8,000 into the bank. He is distracted, and leaves the cash in a rolled up newspaper. It is found by one of Potter’s flunkies, who gives it to him. Potter holds onto it, delighting in the fact, that he can cause George Bailey’s ruin. Uncle Billy realizes he’s misplaced the money. He looks everywhere, but can’t find it. He tells George and he explodes in anger. He furiously tells his very upset uncle, the consequences, and says he’s not taking the blame for Uncle Billy’s mistake.
George Bailey at his wits end, goes to Potter, explaining the situation. Potter laughs and says he’ll do the shareholders a favor. He will swear out a warrant for his arrest. Bailey leaves and heads to Martini’s where he drinks too much. He leaves and crashes his car into a tree. He leaves the scene, and goes to the bridge, ready to jump into the river. This is when Clarence comes in. He jumps in and George is forced to save him. They are found by a lighthouse keeper, who leaves after Clarence says odd things. Clarence and George have a conversation, and George says he wishes he was never born. This is where the film gets interesting.
Clarence grants George’s wish. They go back to Bedford Falls. It isn’t a beautiful town. It is a seedy place, with dance halls and dive bars. One of those bars was Martini’s. Clarence and George go inside. Clarence is talking silly things to George. He also orders a flaming rum punch, forgetting what century it is. While they are there, Mr. Gower comes in. He has become an alcoholic, because he served time in prison, because of poisoning a child. George Bailey wasn’t there to stop him. The owner sprays him with water, and kicks out George and Clarence. George hails a cab driven by his friend Ernie. He is disturbed that George knows him and his wife. Ernie said his wife left him, and he lives in a shack in Potter‘s Field. Mr. Potter controls all the real estate, because George was never born. George Bailey goes to see his mother, who is a bitter woman, running a boarding house, and doesn’t know him. He then asks Clarence about his brother, who was awarded the congressional Medal of Honor, saving the lives of sailors on a ship. Clarence shows George Harry’s grave, and says Harry drowned, because George wasn’t there to save him. Also, because Harry drowned, all the sailors died as well. George decides to see his wife. Clarence says she’s a spinster librarian. George scares her by what he tells her, and she screams. The screams attract Bert the cop. George runs away, and Clarence asks for heavenly intervention, and he disappears.
George finds himself back at the bridge. He realizes life is a precious gift, and asks God to restore his life. His wish is granted. He goes home, where there is a warrant for his arrest. His children see him, and wish him Merry Christmas. His wife Mary, is overjoyed to see him. George is happy, and ready to accept the consequences. It is at this moment, that Uncle Billy bursts through the door. He told everyone about George, and they took up a collection to raise the $8,000. Everyone is happy even the detective, who tears up the warrant. Everybody begins singing Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Harry Bailey arrives and they sing Auld Lang Syne. In the collection basket, is a copy of Tom Sawyer, which Clarence had. He has written a note to George, that says, “a man who has friends is never a failure. Thanks for the wings.”
It’s a Wonderful Life could be considered a reverse version of A Christmas Carol, where a man is shown the good he has done. Of all the Christmas movies, this one hammers home that good deeds override evil ones. It gave James Stewart a different look as an actor. He would be taken seriously after his role as George Bailey. James Stewart was fortunate in later years, because this film found a home on television, keeping the film and his legacy alive. He made other movies which are better, but just a few. Donna Reed is great as George’s loving wife. She was a star for several years, before becoming famous with her tv show, named after her. This film isn’t a comedy, but has a serious tone, although Henry Travers and Thomas Mitchell do lighten the mood a bit.
The academy award winning director, Frank Capra, was famous for using the little man fighting big business or corrupt people. He has in this case, used a man corrupt to his core in Mr. Potter. He is irredeemable, and played perfectly by Lionel Barrymore. This film definitely has virtues and evil. The best part is evil can’t win because the angels take George’s side.
This film didn’t make money. However, a film doesn’t have to make money to be good. It’s a Wonderful Life has been giving film goers a good feeling for many years. It is a feat that is difficult for filmmakers and actors to accomplish. Everyone should enjoy Frank Capra’s wonderful film not just at Christmas, but anytime.
2. Miracle on 34th St. (1947) Edmund Gwenn Maureen O’Hara John Payne Natalie Wood Director-George Seaton
Miracle on 34th St, is a film that brings into focus on what is and isn’t real, in a Hollywood kind of way. This movie wasn’t released around Christmas, but a few months before. The trailers don’t mention anything regarding the holiday. Maureen O’Hara is very good in her role as Doris Walker, a cynical executive at Macy’s department store. She has passed her cynicism along to her daughter, Susan, played very well by Natalie Wood. Suddenly, into their lives comes Kris.
Kris is a kind old fellow, played by Edmund Gwenn. He is first seen passing a store window, where a display is set up, of Santa’s reindeer. Kris sees the store clerk ,and instructs him exactly how they should be positioned. Doris Walker is frantically trying to organize Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Kris walks by and sees the Santa Claus, who’s drunk. Kris lets Doris know, and she asks Kris to replace the drunk Santa, and he accepts. He is a huge hit, and is asked to be the store Santa, which he also accepts.
Kris begins taking requests from the children. One child asks for a toy, that the store doesn’t have. The child’s mother is upset, and lectures Kris. He tells her she can get the toy at Gimbals, Macys competitor. The mother is shocked, but thanks Kris. An executive has listened, and informed Mr. Macy. He doesn’t get angry, but thinks its good publicity.
Doris’ daughter has been told that Santa Claus is a myth. She is watching Kris listen to requests. A little girl from Holland, sits on his lap. Her mother says the girl doesn’t speak English. This doesn’t deter Kris. In a very touching moment, he speaks to her in her native tongue, and then sings a song about Santa Claus with her. Doris is not moved when her daughter tells her what happened. She tells her she speaks French, but she’s not Joan of Arc. Nevertheless her daughter begins to like Kris, and wonders if he really is the true Santa.
After Susan tells her mother, about Kris, Mrs. Walker, pulls his employment card. She looks at it, and sees his last name is Kringle. Mr. Kringle has also listed his next of kin, as Santa’s reindeer. He’s listed his address as a senior citizens home. She calls Dr. Pierce, ( James Seay), the resident. He says Kris is a harmless man. Mrs. Walker is still unsure about his working at Macy’s and fires him. Her decision is overturned, by her bosses, and Kris is rehired.
Kris Kringle has made friends with a young janitor named Alfred, (Alvin Greenman). Alfred tells Kris how much he enjoys playing Santa for the kids. He also tells him that the store psychologist, Dr. Sawyer, (Porter Hall) has said he has serious issues. This angers Kris, and he walks over to the his office, and hits him with his cane. It is this incident, that gets Kris sent to Bellevue.
Kris intentionally fails a mental exam, because he feels he failed Susan Walker; who he thought was getting her to believe. Mrs. Walker is beside herself, because she likes Kris as Santa Claus and as a person. He was taken without her knowledge, or consent to Bellevue, by Dr. Sawyer.
Doris boyfriend and attorney, Fred Gailey, (John Payne) is also friends with Kris, as well as his roommate. He agrees to defend Kris, when the state wants to prove he’s insane, because he believes he’s Santa Claus. It seems the state’s case is ironclad. The district attorney, Thomas Mara, ( Jerome Cowan), feels cause for celebration, and Judge Henry X. Harper, (Gene Lockhart) looks at it as cut and dried. The judge has a few problems because of the case. His grandchildren are angry at him and he’s up for re-election. His friend and adviser, Charlie Halloran, (William Frawley) is advising him to not rule on the issue of Kris Kringle’s sanity. These scenes between Lockhart and Frawley are very entertaining.
Mister Gailey, is a very smart attorney. He gets Thomas Mara Jr., on the stand. He asks him questions about Santa Claus, and if he believes in him. He answers yes, and says his daddy told him about Santa Claus. This line of questioning brings laughter to the crowd in the courtroom. It also makes the D.A. look foolish. Despite this, the judge asks Mr. Gailey, if he has proof that Kris Kringle is Santa Claus. Fred Gailey answers no, but asks for time. Its granted.
Meanwhile, at the post office, a clerk sees a letter addressed to Kris Kringle, NYC courthouse. His boss explains it to him. The clerk gets an idea, to bring all the letters addressed to Santa to the courthouse. Mr. Gailey is asked by Judge Harper, to show proof. He gives a brief history of the postal service, and then motions the postal clerks to bring in bags of mail, addressed to Kris. They are dumped on the judges desk as definitive proof about that Kris is Santa. Judge Harper decides if the government recognizes the existence of Santa Claus, he won’t dispute it. Everyone is happy, and Kris looks at a letter from Susan, saying she believes in him. There is also a note from Doris, saying she believes in him too.
The next day, Kris and his friend, Alfred both dressed in the red suit, deliver presents. Susan is disappointed, because she didn’t get what she wanted, a house.Even though she is disappointed, she says over and over, “I believe” Later, Doris, Fred, and Susan are driving back, and Susan tells them to stop in front of a beautiful home, with a for sale sign. The three go inside and there, in the corner, is Kris Kringle’s cane. They all stare in disbelief, and Fred Gailey says, “Maybe I didn’t do a good thing after all”.
Miracle on 34th St is a movie that questions beliefs in general. It shows a corrupt adult world, with only the kids, Kris Kringle and Fred Gailey seeing things clearly. Edmund Gwenn won the academy award as Kris Kringle, deservedly so. His portrayal gives us a feeling that the spirit of Santa Claus can always be with us.
1. Scrooge (1951) Alastair Sim Mervyn Johns Brian Worth Michael Hordern Director-Brian Desmond Hurst
There have been many filmed versions of A Christmas Carol. Scrooge is the best version. It would make Charles Dickens proud. Brian Desmond Hurst has given this film a great atmosphere. Alastair Sim is outstanding as the heartless miser, Ebenezer Scrooge.
We are given an insight into Scrooge’s character, when he chases away Christmas Carolers. It continues this way. He has a man asking for more time to repay his debt. His response is, “Did I ask you for more time, when I loaned you the money?” Scrooge’s lack of compassion continues when he gets to his office. He is approached by two men collecting for the poor and destitute. When told many have nowhere to go, he says, “Are there no prisons, are there no workhouses?” The men say there are but many would rather die than go there. Scrooge’s response is “if they are to die, they’d better do it, and decrease the surplus population.” After this statement, the two men leave. Scrooge’s day is ruined, when his happy go lucky nephew, Fred, (Brian Worth), drops by. It is inconceivable to him, that his nephew is poor and happy. Fred also married against Scrooge’s wishes because he fell in love. This is something Scrooge ridicules. His nephew invites him to Christmas dinner, which he turns down. Fred wishes Scrooge a Merry Christmas, before he leaves. He shouts humbug. Scrooge then turns his lack of Christmas cheer on his clerk, Bob Cratchit. He has asked to be off Christmas. He berates him, wondering how he can be happy on his small salary. It escapes Scrooge that he could make Cratchit happy, by giving him more money.
Scrooge leaves his office for his home. When he goes to the door, he sees the face of his long dead partner, Jacob Marley,(Michael Horden). When he goes to bed, he hears Marley. He investigates, and it is the spirit of his long dead partner. Scrooge, doubts Marley’s spiritual existence. Marley yells, asking if Scrooge believes in him or not? Scrooge, on his knees and trembling, acknowledges Marley as real. Scrooge tells him he was a man of business. Marley again raises his voice saying, “Mankind was my business.” He shows the old miser the chains he forged in life, and cautions him to turn his life around. He departs and says look to see me no more, and warns Scrooge of more spiritual visitors. Outside his window, he sees Marley with other tormented souls. Its a chilling scene by the director. Alastair Sim and Michael Horden do their scene together, as good as any two actors could.
Mr. Scrooge tries to drift off to sleep. He is awakened by a kindly gentleman, going by the name of The Ghost of Christmas Past, (Michael Dolan). It is here, where we see the reasons behind Scrooge’s less than sunny personality. He is shown some happy and unhappy times at boarding school. We see his happiest moment, when his loving sister Fan, comes to take him home. Scrooge is shown enjoying a Christmas party thrown by his employer, Mr. Fezziwig. He later sees his employer close up shop, and a young Scrooge working for the competition that drove him out of business. It is here he meets his future partner, Marley. Scrooge is shown in love with Alice, (Rona Anderson). Scrooge’s breakup with her is shown. Alice sees his love of money greater than his love for her. Scrooge isn’t really upset, because he doesn’t understand her decision. The worst of all, is his loss of the only person that he ever cared about, his sister, who dies giving birth to his nephew, Fred. He is shown his business partnership with Marley, and a hostile takeover they engineered. Lastly, he is shown Marley’s last night on earth, Christmas Eve. He is such a greedy selfish person, that he can’t see him until business closes. Marley does hold out, for Scrooge’s visit. It is before he takes his final breath, that he warns Scrooge to save himself. The spirit harshly reminds Scrooge that he felt nothing selling off Marley’s estate. The spirit then departs.
Our money loving (bad guy), is again kept from slumbering. This time it is a jolly fellow, with a full beard, a hearty laugh and surrounded by bright light. His name is The Ghost of Christmas Present. He’s played by Francis de Wolff, who plays very well against Alastair Sim. He’s shows Scrooge common laborers who are happy and are celebrating Christmas. He shows Scrooge, Alice, helping the less fortunate, pointing out to Scrooge, the contrast between them. They then visit the Cratchit home. A Christmas feast is about to take place. The spirit reminds Scrooge that they are happy with little. Bob Cratchit offers a toast, to Mr. Scrooge. Everybody is appalled, particularly Mrs. Cratchit, (Hermione Gingold). She’s reminded it’s Christmas, by her husband. She tells him its only at Christmas, that she would toast him. Tiny Tim, the Cratchit’s lame son, toasts, “God bless us, everyone”. Scrooge inquires about Tim, and is told he sees a vacant seat by the fireplace. The spirit reminds Scrooge about what he said about the poor and destitute. The spirit then shows Scrooge two children, a boy, ignorance and a girl, want. He says beware them both, but most of all, beware the boy. The spirit then departs.
Scrooge then finds himself on the street, being beckoned by The Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. The spirit takes him to The Cratchit home. Bob Cratchit enters, and talks about visiting his son, Tiny Tim. Unfortunately, he died and Cratchit was visiting his grave. He discusses the visit, and breaks down, in his wife’s arms. The next stop is where Scrooge meets with other businessmen. He isn’t at his usual place, and hears them discussing an associate’s death. He then sees his maid selling clothes that belong to this man. Scrooge is transported to a cemetery after he wonders who died. The wraith waves his arm, and shows him a gravestone, with the name, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge falls on his knees in terror, and the spirit leaves, and Scrooge is alive in his bedroom.
Scrooge, because of the spirits, has seen the error of his ways. He scares his maid with his rejoicing, orders a huge goose for the Cratchit family, and takes his nephew, Fred up on his offer for dinner, asking for forgiveness, which is gladly given.
The next day Cratchit is late for work. Scrooge feigns anger, and then tells him he is going to raise his salary. He says he will do everything to help the family, especially Tim. After, the narrator says, Tiny Tim got better, and Scrooge knew how to keep Christmas in his heart, and may the same be said of every man.
Scrooge is the Christmas movie. It hits the viewer over the head, that if you don’t live a good life, you will reap the consequences. This was a British production, and there is the feel of early Victorian London. It shows the destitution that Dickens wrote about. Brian Desmond Hurst through his tremendous effort, and Alastair Sim’s very believable portrayal of the miserly Scrooge, give filmgoers the best Christmas movie. Its message of redemption comes through loud and clear, as well as the simple and beautiful meaning of Christmas.
These Christmas movies were a mix of new and classic films. It’s speaks of Frank Capra’s greatness, as a director, since he has two films on the list. Of course, the two Santa Claus films, which deliver the message of belief and faith in symbols, shouldn’t be surprising. The most important thing about all the movies on the list, is the messages about Christmas they deliver. No matter what movie or movies you like on the list, remember to keep Christmas in your heart. Enjoy these movies during the holiday season, and have a Merry Christmas.