As I write this there are only thirteen days left until Christmas and it’s snowing outside. While the snow whirls outside, I’m deciding myself what movie to watch next as I’m planning on rewatching most movies off the list I’m about to present you. I don’t recall the last time snow hung around for a whole week! And I must admit it’s getting me in the mood for all those black and white movies set around Christmastime. It’s funny, I always know the snow is fake in those films but that magic feeling still doesn’t falter. There’s just something about those old movies.
To be honest, I’ve noticed this year that my excitement for Christmas has lessened. Back in college, it was the idea of coming back home to my puppy for Christmastime that delighted me but it’s different now. I’m not trying to go somewhere where I feel happier and more at home because I’m already there. That combined with the fact that Grégory is not the most enthusiastic fan of Christmas, it takes me a while to get into the Christmas mood. But the neverending snow of late helped this year so I decided to write my favorite Christmas movies down.
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
First up on the list is the endearing The Shop Around the Corner, starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. The two of them work together in the aforementioned shop but they don’t really like one another. In fact, they can barely stand one another’s presence. But what they don’t know is that they’re each other’s anonymous pen pal, whom they like very much. Set in the weeks before Christmas, you’ll be charmed away by this sweet movie! And you’ve probably seen its modern remake You’ve Got Mail so you can watch the original that inspired it.
Alfred Kralik: “There might be a lot we don’t know about each other. You know, people seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface of things to find the inner truth.”
The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
The Bishop’s Wife is your classic Christmas movie, one about miracles and hope. I’m pretty certain the reason I liked this movie was Cary Grant because the plot wouldn’t normally grab my attention – an angel taking on the form of a man tries to help a bishop with his church and his marriage. But with Cary Grant playing the angel, this movie is such a delight to watch, as is every other movie starring him.
Sylvester: “The main trouble is there are too many people who don’t know where they’re going and they want to get there too fast!”
Holiday Affair (1949)
This movie was one of my relatively recent finds and it was a very pleasant surprise. I remember looking for any old movie set around Christmastime that I hadn’t seen and found this hidden gem. Robert Mitchum plays a store clerk who gets fired because of Janet Leigh, a single mother who works as a comparison shopper. It’s a movie about people who hold on to the past and individuals who encourage them to let the change in.
Steve Mason: “You ought to know it’s impossible to be safe and secure when in love.”
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
You all know this one and there’s a good reason this movie is such a classic. I used to watch it every Christmas Eve and get the coziest feeling ever. Since it has been three years since the last time I saw it, I decided it was about time to revisit it. Most of the movie isn’t even set during Christmastime, just the very ending. As you might know, James Stewart plays George Bailey, a young man set on leaving his small hometown but something always keeps him there. His mindset about it was always a negative one so he’s unable to be happy and see the positive sides of him living and working there. So others decide to show it to him!
Clarence: “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Certainly, the funniest on this list, Christmas in Connecticut always has me laughing out loud. Barbara Stanwyck plays a woman who made a career out of writing food recipes and giving housewife advice, whilst she is, in fact, single and doesn’t know the first thing about cooking. This becomes a problem when a rescued sailor gets sent to her supposed countryside home for a real family Christmas. You can only imagine the hilarity that ensues as she tries to keep up the charade while accidentally falling in love with the sailor. Out of the whole list, this is my strongest recommendation because I’m sure you’ll love it!
Judge Crowthers: “I suppose you’ll give the bride away, Uncle Felix?”
Felix Bassenak: “Me? I don’t give nobody away. Always I keep my mouth shut.”
Conclusion
I could name a few other movies but this is the general list, followed by the movies presented solely through images. And what about you? What are your favorite Christmas movies, black and white or in color? I’d love to hear your favorites!
Loading Likes...
[…] My favorite classic Christmas movies December 14, 2017 […]