Christmas Movies and specials

[Ed. note: I started writing this on Monday morning before work. When I got home from work Monday night, Scrooged was on ( the first of four nights in a row AMC) and tonight Rudolph is on, I have already seen Miracle on 34th Street and Elf. It's not even December yet, something is very wrong here]


Wednesday is December 1st so bring on the Christmas specials. Oh, I guess I'm a little late, they have been showing Christmas movies for a couple of weeks now. Here is my list of the must see movie and specials for Christmas.



The Classics

A classic doesn't have to be in black and white but some times it helps.



It's a Wonderful Life, The 1946 Frank Capra film tells the story of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) who his entire life puts the needs of others ahead of his own. When all seems doomed for George he finds out just who his friends are with the help of Clarence (Henry Travers) his guarding angel. Also staring, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore and Thomas Mitchell.

remade in 1977 with Marlo Thomas as a TV movie It Happened One Christmas. Pass on the remake.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947), is the tale of Kris Kringle (Edmond Gwenn) who believes he is Santa Claus. He is hired by Macy's and they find he has instilled the spirit of Christmas in everyone. He becomes friends with Macy's staffer Doris Walker (Maureen O'Hara) and her daughter Susan (Natalie Wood). The Walker's neighbor, Fred Gailey (John Pyane) a lawyer, has the hopeless job of defending Kris in court when the state wants him committed because of his beliefs. Remade for TV in 1959 with Ed Wynn as Kris Kringle and again in 1973 with Sebastien Cabot in the Kringle role. The film returned to the big screen in 1994 starring Richard Attenborough, again stick with the original.

White Christmas (1954), A successful song and dance team ( Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) team up with a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen) to save the Vermont Inn of their old commanding General. If this sounds a lot like the plot of the 1942 film Holiday Inn, you're right. Holiday Inn is the story of an Inn only open on holidays where a crooner (Crosby) and a hoofer (Fred Astaire) vie for the affections of a beautiful up and coming performer (Marjorie Reynolds). The song White Christmas is sung in both films. This is one of those times that the remake is better than the original but if you have the chance give Holiday Inn a viewing.

Scrooged (1988). Director Richard Donner's take on the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. This comedy version stars Bill Murry and Karen Allen. A Christmas Carol has been done no less than 30 times, Ebenezer Scrooge has been played by actors ranging from Mister Magoo and

Fred Flintstone to Fredric March and Albert Finney. This is one of those things were you just can't go wrong with your choice. Sit back and relax and enjoy Dickens at his best.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) This animated special is a mainstay of TV. Lovable loser Charlie Brown wants the best Christmas pageant ever and all his friends, including his dog Snoopy, want glitz. Does anybody know the real meaning of Christmas? Charlie Brown's choice of the tiny neglected tree is the center point of the pageant and his friends come through in the end. (sorry if I spoiled the ending for anyone). A must see with your family.

Elf (2003) The story of Buddy (Will Ferrell) the adopted elf, on his quest to find his real father in New York City. Ferrell excels in the role of naive Buddy heading to the big city. Santa (Ed Asner) gives Buddy some advise for New York, "you see gum on the street, leave it there. It's not free candy" and "there are like 30, Ray's Pizza, they all claim to be the original. But the real one's on 11th"

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964) This stop-action animation special tells the story of the Christmas that was almost cancelled due to bad weather. The story is told by Sam, the snowman (Burl Ives) and includes the songs Holly Jolly Christmas, Silver and Gold and of course the title song, all sung by Ives.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) Chevy Chase and Beverly DeAngelo return as the Griswalds in the third film in the vacation series. This time the Griswalds stay home for the holidays and end up with a house full of obnoxious guests. Anyone who ever put up a set of Christmas lights will love this movie.

Honorable mention

The Homecoming The depression era story of John Boy Walton heading out into the snowy night to help his father get home for Christmas. This led to the TV series The Waltons

A Christmas Story. really, how many times can you watch that kid stick his tongue on the pole.

Little Drummer Boy another stop-action animation. What worked in the snows of the north pole doesn't do as well in the desert.

Die Hard My son Michael's favorite Christmas movie. It all happens at a Christmas party on Christmas eve.

Home Alone What happens when the family goes away for the holidays and leave ten year old Kevin home. More three stooges than Christmas.

Alright then, here's the list, I hope some of your favorites are on it, if not enjoy my picks.