movies

Alastair Sim in "A Christmas Carol" (1951)

Ever thought of holding your own Christmas film festival? Let this "All-Time Top Ten Best Christmas Films" list, as assembled by Alan Herrmann (film expert and founder of the annual Alan Herrmann Christmas Film Festival) serve as inspiration...

1. A Christmas Carol (1951) The 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol” still seems to outshine any other version of the holiday classic. The film stands out because of its perfect balance of dark and light, which is what Dickens intended in his ghost story of misery, terror, loneliness and redemption. Shot in shadowy black and white, “A Christmas Carol” draws the audience into the bleak world of London during the early Industrial Revolution. The scenes of extreme poverty and despair are brief, but they strike a lingering chord. They make even more poignant Scrooge’s revelation that the misery that has surrounded him has a human face and he is in a position to make a difference.  By contrast, we do see light. We see it in the faces of the resilient and loving Cratchett family rejoicing over their Christmas goose.  We see it in the holiday merriment at Scrooge’s nephew Fred as he and his friends dance the Polka and play traditional Christmas games. But we see it most clearly in the wonderfully animated face of Alastair Sim as Scrooge on Christmas morning when he realizes that he has indeed been given a second chance. With his frantic jumping about, constant babbling to himself, and comical self-deprecation (“I don’t know anything, I never did know anything”) we witness the total transformation of a lonely embittered man into a joyous, albeit imperfect, creature who will keep the spirit of Christmas alive year round.

2. A Christmas Carol (1984) The 1984 version of “A Christmas Carol” is a beautifully shot film, particularly in its use of color. The film conveys the dreary misery of London during Dickens’ time and the blue tones used to reflect the spectre of Jacob Marley are near perfect. But the scenes of Christmas day with the bright snow shots juxtaposed against the colorful Victorian clothing and festive decorations is where the color is utilized to full effect. George C. Scott gives one of his finest performances as Scrooge, exhibiting cruel cynical humor, violent rage and agonizing, desperate loneliness.  There are many great supporting roles, but Frank Finlay stands out as the best Jacob Marley ever put on screen. He is truly frightening and goes beyond the simple moaning and chain rattling. His wails reflect not only his or Ebenezer’s pain, but all of mankind’s. Stephen Rees is also excellent as Scrooge’s nephew Fred.

3. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) One of the great things about “It’s a Wonderful Life” is how, despite the “aw gosh” presence of the wholesome Jimmy Stewart it is, in fact, a very dark film. There are, of course, home spun small town sentimental scenes and some great comic moments from veteran actors like Henry Travers as Clarence the angel. But consider some of the major elements in this film: money, scandal and alcoholism, child abuse, a genuinely decent man who becomes unhinged and contemplates suicide for insurance money for his family. This is a family holiday film directed by the great optimist Frank Capra? Sure, many of Capra’s films show the dark side of humanity, but somehow you know the good will prevail. The same can be said for “It’s a Wonderful Life”. But because it’s a holiday film, it is even more unnerving. The ending of the film pulls us all back from the brink and shows us the true generosity of those who appreciate the sacrifices George Bailey has made for his family and community for so many years.

4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) “Miracle on Thirty-fourth Street” is usually the first holiday film we view in our
house because it is a holiday “bridge film”. The story begins on Thanksgiving Day and ends on Christmas Day. Take note early shoppers and those putting up decorations the day after Halloween: the season begins at noon on Thanksgiving when Santa closes the Macy’s Parade – get it? Alright, I’ve had my say and feel better…now more about the film. This film is significant because it deals with the persona of Santa Claus perhaps more than any other. Edmond Gwenn is entirely believable as the jolly old elf and young Natalie Wood is terrific as the cynical yet quizzical little girl who is Santa’s hardest sell. It is the chemistry between these two that makes the story work so well. One of my favorite parts of “Miracle on 34th Street” is a small side plot involving the judge (Gene Lockhart) and his political advisor (William Frawley of “I Love Lucy” fame). Frawley wisely tells Lockhart it would be political suicide to find that Gwenn is not really Santa, but rather a delusional nut job. The search for approval on the face of Lockhart after he makes some sound decisions is confirmed by the cigar chomping mug on Frawley’s face.

5. The Bishop’s Wife (1947) It is impossible to imagine anyone else portraying the suave and sophisticated angel Dudley in “The Bishop’s Wife”. Who wouldn’t want Cary Grant looking after you? But there is a very unusual and controversial aspect of the movie. Initially we see Dudley sent to help the well meaning and overstressed bishop (David Niven) to help build a cathedral and deal with some of his more challenging patrons.  What changes is that Dudley senses the bishop’s wife, Julia (played by Loretta Young) is the unhappy one who needs to be reminded how truly special she is. The problem is that Dudley starts falling in love with her. This, of course, was a major taboo in 1947 and threw some audience members for a loop. By the end of the film all the right decisions are made for the time period, but there is no overly moral, cheery ending. The film simply ends with what needs to happen – a less stressed bishop doing what he knows is right and Julia feeling she has recaptured the strong partnership she once had with her husband.

6. A Christmas Story (1983) In terms of all-over nostalgia, “A Christmas Story” is a hands-down winner. This comic look at a 1940’s era mid-western industrial town boy who desperately desires a Red Ryder BB gun has become such a holiday favorite it is aired for twenty-four straight on Christmas. “A Christmas Story” works so well because it gives us nearly all the great traditions (some with mixed or disastrous results) that lead up to Christmas – bringing teachers gifts before recess, picking out and decorating a tree, a visit with Santa and, of course, the mad yet jubilant opening of presents on Christmas morning. The writing by humorist Jean Shepard from his book “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash” is a beautiful balance between fond nostalgia and nearly irreverent humor aimed at all of us, just as a reminder that it wasn’t all wonderful. Darren McGavin is wonderful as the “old man” who struggles against such great obstacles as failing furnaces, a sexy-lamp hating wife and the turkey-devouring hounds living next store.

7. Holiday Affair (1949) “Holiday Affair” is a film I only discovered about three years ago and it has become one of my holiday favorites. It is not a great film in the tradition of “A Christmas Carol” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” but it is a little gem.  It involves a little boy, a train set and a young widow (Janet Leigh) who is engaged to the patient and practical lawyer (Wendell Corey) but falls for the broke and less pragmatic Steve (Robert Mitchum). The film is slightly reminiscent of “A Miracle on 34th Street” because a fair portion of the story takes place in a department store. There are no large surprises in this film, but plenty of screwball fun including some great banter between Mitchum and Corey and a wise cracking cop, played by a young Harry Morgan, that all leads up to a satisfying ending.

8. Remember the Night (1940) “Remember the Night” has been a favorite holiday film of mine since I first saw it on the late show some thirty years ago. This 1940 film stars Barbara Stanwyck and Fred McMurray. The screenplay is by Preston Sturges, who directed such great screwball classics as “The Lady Eve” and “Hail the Conquering Hero”. What set this film apart from other holiday films is that it juxtaposes the cynical wise-cracking New York City court scenes (Stanwyck is caught shoplifting and is being prosecuted by attorney McMurray) with the innocent and sweet scenes in rural Indiana where the holidays are celebrated more simply, but with much more meaning and pure enjoyment. McMurray takes Stanwyck to the old family farm for the holidays before the trial continues. The cozy, sitting by the fireside Christmas scene complete with singing old songs and exchanging homemade gifts rings true without being too corny or forced. Stanwyck is entirely believable as the tough-as-nails savvy shoplifter, whose childlike wonderment and goodness shine through in the presence of those who shower her with kindness rather than judge her for her crime. This is a terrific holiday movie. My only warning to the viewer is the curve ball of an ending. It may take you unaware, but you will still be satisfied.

9. One Magic Christmas (1985) “One Magic Christmas” is off-beat, as far as Christmas films go. Even though there are classic themes such as greed, poverty, tragedy and redemption here; they are all played out in a unique and unexpected way.  The film was made in 1985 and takes place in a small industrial town hit by hard times. Mary Steenburgen plays a mother trying her best to keep her family afloat. But the experience has hardened her and Christmas is nothing but a burden. Her husband is more optimistic but things go from bad to worse when he is gunned down in a bank heist as he attempts to prevent a robbery. And when it seems things couldn’t get worse, her kids are kidnapped by the gunman. But hang in there! An angel shows up in western garb including a wide brimmed hat and duster, played in perfect low-key fashion by Harry Dean Stanton. There is also an appearance by a very different type of Santa, not an over-the-top cheerful type, but a more subdued European-style Kris Kringle who brings the true meaning of Christmas into focus in his own, unassuming way.  

10. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation  (1989) A Christmas film festival would simply not be complete without a Griswold old fashioned Christmas. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” still ranks as one of the funniest holiday films ever made. As outrageous as this movie is at times, it doesn’t rely on lowest-common-denominator, bathroom humor.  Chevy Chase is a family guy trying his hardest to give his family the best old fashioned Christmas he can. Of course he is thwarted at every turn by irritating relatives, technology gone awry, and boss from hell whose stinginess sets a whole series of mishaps in motion. There are solid performances by veteran actors E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts and Brian Doyle Murray. But it is Chevy Chase as the befuddled patriarch who gives the movie heart. Pay particular attention to the scene where Clark is trapped in the attic watching home movies of his childhood Christmas. As silly as this scene is, we get a good idea of what Clark Griswold is all about: the ultimate Christmas dad yearning to make the perfect holiday.

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