It's Christmas time, which means Christmas movies!! š
Do you have a favorite Christmas film? Here are a few of mine. Enjoy! š
#1 Itās A Wonderful Life (1946)
Director: Frank Capra
Main Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings," Janie āZuzuā Bailey.
Itās A Wonderful Life (1946) had an auspicious beginning as a film. It was not considered a Christmas film when it was first released. When it started gaining traction as a Christmas staple on television in the 1970s, director Frank Capra told the Wall Street Journal in 1984, āThe film has a life of its own now and I can look at it like I had nothing to do with it. Iām like a parent whose kid grows up to be president. Iām proud ... but itās the kid who did the work. I didnāt even think of it as a Christmas story when I first ran across it. I just liked the idea.ā
Capra is known for other film greats such as It Happened One Night (1934) with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) starring Cary Grant, and the WW2 documentary series Why We Fight (1943-45). He also worked with Jimmy Stewart on Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939).
The film tells the story of George Bailey (Stewart), a kind-hearted family man who dramatically loses everything during the Great Depression at the hands of a nefarious banker (Barrymore). Devastated and destitute, Bailey considers ending it all, but is shown what his life could have been had he never existed. The film ultimately shows that kindness always wins out, and that we impact othersā lives even more than we know.
#2 White Christmas (1954)
Director: Michael Curitz
Main Cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know..." -- Irving Berlin.
White Christmas (1954) signaled a second outing for Bing Crosby following his recording success with Irving Berlinās classic song of the same name. He first introduced the song in another holiday film, Holiday Inn (1942), starring alongside Fred Astaire.
The film opens in Europe during WWII, with soldiers Crosby and Danny Kaye bidding farewell to their general who has been relieved of his command. Crosby opens the farewell show with White Christmas (song, 1942), adding greatly to the filmās overall popularity. Stars considered for Kayeās costarring role included Fred Astaire and Donald OāConnor (Singinā in the Rain) but both had to back out of the role.
After some success as a performing duo, the two soldiers eventually find their way to an inn in Vermont with their fellow performers. They are surprised to learn that it is owned by their former general, who has fallen on hard times. The pair spend the rest of the film trying to raise some money and their generalās spirits by putting on a makeshift show at the hotel, while simultaneously romancing the Waverly sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen), who have traveled with them to Vermont.
This film is a musical at heart, with all the charm, humor, and romance of old Hollywood. The musical arrangements are also nostalgic compared to more modern soundtracks, employing a full orchestra almost exclusively. This article by Jac Kern (University of Cincinnati) details the differences between classic film scores and those of modern film.
#3 Home Alone (1990)
Director: Chris Columbus
Producer: John Hughes
Film Score: John Williams (Oscar-nominated for āBest Original Scoreā)
Main Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, and Catherine O'Hara (appearance by John Candy)
"I was going away on vacation and making a list of everything I didnāt want to forget. I thought, 'well, I'd better not forget my kids.' Then I thought, 'what if I left my 10-year-old son at home? What would he do?'" ā John Hughes on his conception of Home Alone (1990).
Home Alone (1990) is probably one of the most well known and best-loved films among those of its generation. It was a breakout role for child actor Macaulay Culkin, who was recommended by John Hughes after their work on Uncle Buck (1989) (also starring John Candy).
Kevin, the youngest in his family, is often overlooked and ignored by his family members. The night before everyone is set to leave on a lavish Christmas vacation to Paris, Kevin gets in trouble and is sent to the attic, where is he is sleeping temporarily.
Kevin awakens the next morning to find the house empty, having accidentally been left behind in the familyās confusion to leave for the airport. He is sad for only a moment but then revels in having the house to himself.
Meanwhile, two bandits are wreaking havoc in the neighborhood, breaking into homes that are left vacant for the holidays. Once Kevin realizes his home is targeted, he begins a plot of subterfuge with hilarious (and often painful) results for the bandits.
A subplot that featured prominently was that of Kevinās elderly neighbor, Marley, played by Roberts Blossom, a popular character actor. Marley is first perceived by Kevin as a surly, frightening man, with a dark past and nefarious intentions. It is revealed that he is merely quiet and lonely, as he and his family are estranged.
Eventually, Kevin begins to learn lessons about empathy and what the Christmas spirit is all about. He outwits the bandits, saves his home from being ransacked, and is reunited with his mother at the end of the film.
Set against the backdrop of hometown nostalgia, with a Christmas music-infused score, and memorable scenes and one-liners, Home Alone (1990) is a classic addition to any holiday film collection.
#4 The Holiday (2006)
Director: Nancy Meyers
Co-Producer: Bruce A. Block
Main Cast: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black
"You're supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for god's sake!" -- Iris Simpkins.
The Holiday (2006) is a romantic comedy about two women who find love and purpose during the Christmas season. Iris (Winslet), who lives just outside London, and Amanda (Diaz) who lives in L.A., suddenly find themselves alone for the holidays. By chance, they meet online and decide to swap houses temporarily for a change of scene.
Once in L.A., Iris meets film composer Miles (Black) and her quirky but loveable neighbor, Arthur (played brilliantly by veteran actor Eli Wallach), a screenwriter from the golden age of Hollywood. Together, Iris and Miles work to get Arthur down the aisle at a prestigious award show and manage to fall for each other along the way.
As a character development subplot, Iris is tortured by feelings for her insensitive and opportunistic ex, Jasper (played by Rufus Sewell), who has recently become engaged to another woman. Over the course of the film, we see Iris grow into her own and find her own voice, finding the strength to kick Jasper to the curb for good.
Over in London, Amanda adjusts hilariously to life in a small English town (and even smaller cottage!). She unknowingly meets Irisā brother, Graham (Law), a widower with two charming daughters.
Amanda wrestles with her feelings of abandonment, contrasted with Grahamās loneliness as a widower and single father. Over time, both begin to realize their freewheeling ways were just a distraction from their pain. They ultimately decide to leave it behind for the comfort of a family with each other and the girls.
In the end, both women find their own definition of strength and learn that they are not alone. As a film directed by and starring strong women, this film is a wonderful (and sorely needed) addition to the holiday film canon.
#5 Angels in the Snow (2015)
Director: George Erschbamer
Main Cast: Kristy Swanson, Chris Potter, Colin Lawrence, Catherine Lough Haggquist
"Life goes quickly, but kindness lasts forever." -- Amy Tucker
Angels in the Snow (2015) tells the story of the Montgomerys, a fractured family who struggle to communicate and show affection. Traveling for the holidays, they become stranded at a cabin that husband Charles (Potter) has built for his wife Judith (Swanson) in an attempt to heal their relationship. This plan backfires, however, as Judith is unimpressed.
As the family continues to squabble a desperate knock sounds at the door. Enter the Tuckers, a family of four who have become stranded when their car broke down in the snow. The Tuckers, a close-knit family with love to share, are a stark contrast to the Montgomery family.
Both families become trapped in the cabin by a sudden blizzard. Over time, husband Joe (Lawrence), wife Amy (Haggquist) and their two kids, show the Montgomerys what the true meaning of family (and Christmas!) really is.
Although this film could be categorized with the unceasing barrage of āfeel-goodā television films produced at this time of year, the acting, storyline, and lessons of the film make it a worthwhile watch.
Need more ideas for your next holiday film? Click one of the links below to find more inspiration!
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
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About the Author
Jayme Nelson holds a bachelor's degree in music education from West Texas A&M University and a master's degree in library science from Texas Woman's University, with a focus in archives and special collections. She plays bassoon in the Austin Symphonic Band and serves as a collections volunteer at the Austin History Center, a local city archive. As part of her graduate studies, she recently helped to draft a collection development policy for the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History in Austin, TX.
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