Christmas Means Holiday Films — Here Are Our Faves (Now Streaming)
For many of us, the holidays are inextricably linked with movies, both classic and contemporary. Christmas night finds theaters across the country packed to capacity, but for those of us who prefer to relax at home after all the hustle and bustle, Warner Archive has a terrific selection of popular favorites for your holiday viewing pleasure. Newly revamped and available on desktop as well as Roku, Apple TV, iPhone and iPad apps, it’s the perfect classic movie companion. Just pop some corn (preferably in the fireplace, if you have one handy), grab your favorite cozy throw and curl up with one of our seasonal favorites.
The Shop Around the Corner (1939). This marvelous film definitely exhibits the legendary “Lubitsch Touch.” It’s got it all: humor, drama and romance, not to mention a wonderful cast that includes James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan and Frank Morgan. It’s perfect for Christmas Eve, once the kids are tucked snug in their beds. If you liked “You’ve Got Mail,” you’ll love the movie that inspired it.
Bachelor Mother (1939). Ginger Rogers plays a single, newly unemployed woman who, on Christmas Eve, is mistaken for the mother of an infant that has been left on the steps of an orphanage. The orphanage calls the department store where she was recently employed, and soon Ginger has her job back — and a child, to boot. Charles Coburn delivers a typically strong performance as the store’s owner, who is convinced his son (David Niven) is the child’s father.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). This family favorite is a nostalgic look at a year in the life of the Smiths, a family living in St. Louis just after the turn of the last century. The Christmas scenes are a relatively small part of the film, but they’re so lovely, this film has come to be associated with the holiday season. The highlight? Judy Garland’s moving performance of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947). Victor Moore shines as a homeless man who sneaks into and resides in the homes of the wealthy when their owners are away. Charles Ruggles portrays the owner of Moore’s current Fifth Avenue lodgings, where Moore is soon joined by handful of other unfortunates, several of whom are without a place to live because of the post-war housing shortage. The premise may sound a bit far-fetched, but this film is just as sweet and warmhearted as you’d want a Christmas movie to be.
Little Women (1949). This Technicolor treasure is a delightful adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel of the four March sisters muddling through with their mother while their preacher father serves with Union troops in the Civil War. June Allyson, Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Leigh and Margaret O’Brien delight as sisters Jo, Amy, Meg and Beth, and Mary Astor shines as their mother.
Holiday Affair (1949). Today, Robert Mitchum is widely associated with films noir, war movies and westerns, but this modest romantic comedy, set in NYC during the holidays, is a favorite with many movie buffs. Janet Leigh plays a single mom with a steady boyfriend (Wendell Corey) whose life is disrupted when she meets a hunky war veteran who spells trouble for her current beau. You’ll enjoy seeing Mitchum playing against type, and Leigh is at her loveliest.
On Moonlight Bay (1951). Fans of Meet Me in St. Louis will want to check out this nostalgic musical set about a decade later and based on Booth Tarkington’s Penrod stories. Doris Day plays a tomboy who’s smitten by her new neighbor (Gordon MacRae) and is intent upon behaving more like a lady to draw his attention. Day and MacRae team to perform a lovely holiday tune, “Christmas Story.”
Susan Slept Here (1954). An Oscar-winning comedy screenwriter (Dick Powell) mentions to a policeman pal that he’d like to write a serious film about juvenile delinquent. The cop shows up at the writer’s flat on Christmas Eve with a 17-year-old delinquent (Debbie Reynolds) in tow, figuring his buddy could put her up for a few days — y’know, for research purposes. Powell agrees, and zaniness ensues. The premise seems sketchy, but it’s handled with a light, witty touch.
All Mine to Give (1957). Tissues alert: This story of Scottish immigrants (Glynis Johns and Cameron Mitchell) who struggle to forge a better life in 19th-century Wisconsin is among the saddest of holiday films. It’s a rare movie buff who can watch this one without tearing up, but let’s face it, sometimes a good cry at Christmas is just what’s called for.
The Gathering (1977). This made-for-TV drama, a rare live-action offering from Hanna-Barbera, stars Ed Asner as a disgruntled business executive who leaves his wife of many years (Maureen Stapleton), only to learn that he is terminally ill. He shares the news with his wife, but doesn’t want their four grown children, who resent his treatment of their mother, to know he’s dying, which makes for a tense reunion at the holidays. This drama, which boasts solid performances from its stars (including Gregory Harrison, who plays Asner’s estranged son), was nominated for five Emmys. As a holiday treat, Warner Archive is offering The Gathering free to watch as a way to get a taste of the service. Classic movie fans can try a full month free, and for a limited time you can subscribe for as low as $4.99 per month. That’s 40% off the regular price of access to the finest trove of classic movies and television available online. Happy Holidays!
