Happy New Year 2011

Five favorite Christmas-type movies not really classified as Christmas movies

Lady and the Tramp

The movie begins with Lady as a Christmas present.  The movie ends at Christmas-time.  In between is light-hearted fun, conflict and misunderstanding, and then a happy ending.  What a great family movie to watch over the holidays.



 


Little Women

It has snow!  It shows Christmas scenes, parties, and presents.  There is light-hearted fun, conflict and misunderstanding, some sadness with resolve, and then a warm ending.  Another great family movie to watch over the holidays.


Young at Heart
A happy family until Sinatra shows up and adds some tragedy.  Lessons learned.  Christmas scenes.









Falling in Love

It begins with Christmas and ends with Christmas.  One of the few movies where I actually like DeNiro.  Streep is good in this part.



You've Got Mail
Christmas scenes, cute, humorous, satisfying ending.

Classic Christmas Music

1940s music was largely built around the jazz and big band styles that were popular during the day. This was also the era of World War II, and many musical acts reflected the country's heartache, hope, and optimism about the impending future. World War II was taking its toll on America, but performers continued with upbeat styles to give America some escape time; and entertainment was brought to the troops to help their morale. Christmas music from the 1940's-50's/60's is still most popular today.
A Merry American Christmas - Kate Smith
Here Comes Santa Claus (down Santa Claus Lane)
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
The First Noel/Angels from the Realms of Glory - Richard Keys Biggs
Christmas Dreaming (a Little Early This Year)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Frank Sinatra
Little Jack Frost Get Lost - Frankie Carle
Blue Christmas - Hugo Winterhalter
Baby. It’s Cold Outside - Pearl Bailey & Hot Lips Page
White Christmas/Harry James  White Christmas/Movie
Ol’ Saint Nicholas - Doris Day
Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) - Lyn Murray Singers
Winter Wonderland - Buddy Clark
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
When You Trim Your Christmas Tree - Les Brown
All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt Up on the Rooftop
Ave Maria - Hour of Charm All Girl Orchestra & Choir
The Merry Christmas Polka - Dinah Shore
Winter Weather - Benny Goodman (Art Lund & Peggy Lee, vocal)
I’ll Be Home for Christmas - Jerry Wayne
The Skaters (Les Patineurs) - Al Goodman
The Jingle Bell Polka – Modernaires
The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) - Les Brown (Doris Day, vocal)
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Woody Herman
Auld Lang Syne - Tommy Tucker Time I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Jimmy Boyd 1950's Christmas shows, click here. Merry Christmas Everywhere - Frankie Laine You're all I want for Christmas - Frankie Laine May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You - Frankie Laine Christmas Roses - Laine/Stafford That Holiday Feeling - Steve and Eydie Hurry Home for Christmas - Steve and Eydie It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Steve and Eydie That Ol' Christmas Spirit - Steve and Eydie Christmas with Perry Como, click here. It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Perry Como Do You hear what I hear? - Perry Como There's no place like home for the holidays - Perry Como Silver Bells - Perry Como The Little Drummer Boy - Perry Como Santa Claus is coming to town - Perry Como Frosty the Snowman - Perry Como

Christmas with The Great Gildersleeve

Classic Old Time Radio from Wistful Vista to Summerfield


Built around Hal Peary as Throckmorton Philharmonic Gildersleeve, The Great Gildersleeve (8/31/41-6/2/54) was one of broadcast history's earliest spin-off programs.  Gildersleeve was first introduced on Fibber McGee and Molly as a bombastic nemesis to Fibber.  Willard Waterman, who sounded just like Peary, took over the part in 1950.


With the transition to his own show, Gildersleeve became a well-off uncle who takes domestic charge of a deceased siblings' children, Marjorie and LeRoy.  Rounding out the household is a cook named Birdie--a true treasure. 


Gildy is a pillar of the community, serving as Summerfield's water commissioner.  A loving and dedicated uncle, he also takes time to enjoy the bachelor side of his life with a regular boys' night out; and he finds himself to be something of a ladies' man as well.


The show was running throughout the war years, and there were frequent references to rationing, war bonds, and volunteer service.  It was at a time when doors were unlocked, newspapers were left to an honor system of pay, and children wandered around the neighborhood without fear. 


The show is genuinely witty, warm, and wonderful.    Reference: Cinema media classics


Simple family-time Christmas magic: The Great Gildersleeve


Gildersleeve - Great Iron Reindeer 12-14-41 (Short of money for Christmas, each within the Gildersleeve household try to sell 'Buck,' an iron reindeer. Listen for Mel Blanc's voice.)


Gildersleeve - Fibber McGee's Christmas Gift 12-21-41 (Gildy receives gift via a singing telegram from Fibber which he isn't to open until Christmas. In the meantime, he finds an expensive gift for his old friend.)


Gildersleeve - Christmas Program 12-20-42 (Leila leaves for Savannah while Gildy and the Judge exchange gifts which they both bought at Peavy's drug store.)


Gildersleeve - Christmas 12-19-43  (The family goes to watch the school Christmas play. At home they enjoy their Christmas tree, friends, chocolates, and a surprise gift at the door.)


Gildersleeve - Christmas Eve Program 12-24-44 (Gildy invites friends to his home on Christmas Eve.  Once again, he reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' to the children who already have it memorized. 'Joy to the World.')
 
Gildersleeve - Christmas Eve at Home 12-23-45 (Gildy gets his feelings hurt because his niece seems to prefer spending Christmas with her boyfriend than with him, but that changes when her boyfriend's family wants him home with them. 'Joy to the World.')


Gildersleeve - LeRoy wants a motor scooter 12-18-46 (Craig is getting a motor scooter, Gildy's got a problem, and Eve helps him...but Gildy overplays her advice. Fortunately, a solution shows up on its own.)


Gildersleeve - Christmas Caroling at Gildersleeve's 12-25-46 (The children listen to their uncle read Dickens' 'Christmas Carol' once again. Gildy gets to feeling sentimental and wants to help neighbor boy Craig whose parents are away for Christmas, but the boy is a brat. The parents come home and are appreciative of Gildy's efforts. Intermission message: All good citizenship must come out of following the teachings of the greatest Teacher of all mankind. 'Joy to the World.')


Gildersleeve - Christmas Shopping 12-10-47 (Gildy knows LeRoy wants a model airplane already, so what's the hold-up? Women, of course. Gildy shows off his rich singing voice.)


Gildersleeve - Christmas Stray Puppy 12-24-47 (Gildy has trouble finding a model airplane for LeRoy. LeRoy is delighted with a stray puppy instead. LeRoy meets a 'twerp' named Donald White who brags about all his material possessions, but it turns out Donald needs the puppy more than LeRoy does. 'Joy to the World.')   


Gildersleeve - LeRoy's Holiday Job 12-01-48 (Gildy is slow getting off to work but not so slow to encourage LeRoy in finding holiday work. In fact, he'll help...even if it's a cold day. )


Gildersleeve - Disappearing Christmas Gifts 12-08-48 (The household thinks it's a joke, but Gildy is determined to hide presents this year. They're hidden all right.)


Gildersleeve - Economy this Christmas 12-15-48 (A Christmas list isn't so easy to make, not if you're trying to cut back on expenses. 'O Little Town of Bethlehem.')  


Gildersleeve - Family Christmas 12-22-48 (Baby's first Christmas, and this year Christmas is just for the family...with a few exceptions...and a surprise too many. 'Deck the Halls.')


Gildersleeve - The Christmas Spirit 12-14-49 (While waiting for Kathryn Milford to return so he can give her his present, Gildersleeve reads "Why the Chimes Rang" to children and learns a lesson for himself.)
 
Gildersleeve - Bronco and Marjorie Engaged 12-21-49 (So stunning a surprise. "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.")


Gildersleeve - Christmas 12-20-50 (Repeat from 1949.)

Gildersleeve - Leroy Sells Christmas Trees 12-12-51 (In order to show off to his girlfriend Babs, LeRoy starts a business - he buys 144 Christmas trees to sell. It doesn't go too well until the Jolly Boys and Birdie help out. "Deck the Halls" "Jingle Bells'" "O Christmas Tree.") 

Gildersleeve - Christmas Present for Paula 12-19-51 (While waiting for Paula Winthrop to return so he can give her his present, Gildersleeve reads "Why the Chimes Rang" to children and learns a lesson for himself. Repeat from 1949.)

Gildersleeve - Opening Last Christmas Presents 12-26-51 (LeRoy gets an expensive gift from his girlfriend Babs, and it's driving Gildy crazy. Then Gildy finds out that LeRoy got her an expensive gift as well. No wonder Bronco and Marjorie are dis-satisfied with their practical gifts.)

Gildersleeve - Gildy and Leroy Alone for Christmas 12-24-52 ('It Came Upon a Midnight Clear' Gildy and LeRoy tell each other they don't need to be with a lot of people for Christmas. Gildy decides to get LeRoy an extra gift from Hogan Bros. and runs into LeRoy there. They see other friends as well and listen to carolers. Back home it's too quiet and lonely until a little magic shows up.)

Gildersleeve - Gildy Raises Christmas Money 12-02-53 (Gildy looks for ideas to make extra money. He finds one but isn't too successful with it. In fact, he makes Irene mad.)

Gildersleeve - Gildy and Judge Renew Friendship at Christmas 12-16-53 (Has the Judge been neglected? Guess not. Peavy fixes things with a Christmas present.) 

Gildersleeve - Selling Trees for Needy Children's Party 12-23-53 (Gildy brags about his so-called business sense to impress 'his girl' Irene Henshaw. Then he uses his knowhow to raise money for a good cause and volunteers himself for a few other jobs as well. 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,' 'DingDong Bells,' 'Joy to the World.')

Notes: "Where yesterdays live," click here.   Cinema media classics, click here. 
OTR.CAT  IT'S A GILDERSLEEVE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS Gildersleeve Episodic Log  Listing The Great Gildersleeve The Great Gildersleeve Gildersleeve

Two holiday movies from 2006: Soft, reflective, light-hearted fun-HIGHLY RECOMMEND

One custom that most Americans have as part of their getting into the Christmas spirit tradition are the movies we watch--often the same ones every year. 

There are so many great ones from the 30's and 40's on through the 70's, and even some on into the next decades.  Following are two from this past decade that are my choices for becoming part of one's Christmas movie cavalcade (unless you have small children).

The Holiday (Romantic comedy, 2006):
Amanda in California (Diaz) and Iris in England (Winslet) are troubled with guy-problems, and both decide they need a holiday.  Finding each other on line, they swap homes to find a world so different from what they're used to and where solutions to their unfulfilled love lives knock on doors. 
Improbable situations, but that doesn't matter--it's the holidays where joyful magic is allowed.  Good acting, pleasant scenery, amusing, and easy to watch.  Even Jack Black is cute and most endearing in this movie. 

The side segments with story-line conclusion concerning Eli Wallach are satisfying.  If you haven't yet seen this movie and tend to enjoy romantic comedies, then this is a recommended two thumbs up for you.  Movie is often found in discount bins at movie sections of many one-stop shopping stores.

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and some strong language

Cameron Diaz ... Amanda
Kate Winslet ... Iris
Jude Law ... Graham
Jack Black ... Miles
Eli Wallach ... Arthur
Edward Burns ... Ethan
Rufus Sewell ... Jasper



Last Holiday  (Adventure comedy, 2006)
This movie is so much fun.  It's got adventure, snooty villains who learn lessons, beautiful food which serves far beyond comfort, opulence, hilarity, sentimentality, optimism/faith in God while striving through tragedy, compassion, pure holiday magic, and Queen Latifah--one of the most delightful actresses ever.

Toward the beginning, we see Georgia (Latifah) at church where there is a poster which reads, "Keep Christ in Christmas." The members of the choir, including Georgia, are preparing their performance for a visit from Senator Dillings, only it turns out that he doesn't think the church is important enough for him to bother with.  Wait'll he meets dazzling, mysterious Georgia later on in the movie.

Exotic food is her hobby interest, cookware sales is her job, and Sean is her love interest--but she doesn't have nerve to tell him just yet.  Maybe he's interested, but perhaps she'll never know.  She learns that she's got Lampington's Disease and only weeks to live, weeks that she decides must be spent on something other than her usual "playing it safe." 

She quits the job (fun in itself) and cleans out her savings for a first-class plane (another great comedy scene) trip to a resort village far away where she stays at the Hotel Pupp and befriends Chef Didier.  He appreciates her appetite and knowledge on the finer points of food preparation.

All in all, a feel-good movie with a wonderful ending.  Emeril makes a cameo appearance.  

Rated PG-13

Queen Latifah...Georgia  
LL Cool J...Sean
Timothy Hutton...Kragen
Giancarlo Esposito...Senator Dillings 
Alicia Witt...Ms. Burns 
Gérard Depardieu...Chef Didier 
Michael Nouri...Congressman Stewart

For original article and video preview, click here.

Featuring Private Snafu in honor of Pearl Harbor Day

It is interesting to note that some of the shorts were written by Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel.

Private Snafu, a character created by Frank Capra, starred in a series of cartoon shorts produced between 1943 and 1945 during World War II.   Although the Army first offered Disney the task of creating the cartoons, Warner Bros. underbid Disney by two-thirds and won the contract.

Private Snafu shorts — 28 titles

Released shorts — 23 titles
Coming Snafu 
Gripes 
Spies 
The Goldbrick 
The Infantry Blues  Fighting Tools
The Home Front 
Rumors
Booby Traps 

Snafuperman 
Private Snafu vs. Malaria Mike 
A Lecture on Camouflage 
Gas 
The Chow Hound 
Censored 
Outpost 
Pay Day 
Three Brothers 
Target Snafu  In the Aleutians - Isles of Enchantment 
It's Murder She Says 
Hot Spot 
Operation Snafu

 
Unreleased shorts — 5 titles         (Tokyo Woes)
Going Home
No Buddy Atoll
Seaman Tarfu
Secrets of the Caribbean Mop Up (How To Get A Fat Jap Out Of A Cave)

List of WWII movies, click here.
Donald Duck, Spirit of 1943.   Der Furher's Face. 
Three Little Pigs.  Popeye.  Bugs Bunny.

Christmas Movies of the 1940s

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

1940
REMEMBER THE NIGHT
Barbara Stanwyck/Fred MacMurray

1945
THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S
Bing Crosby/Ingrid Bergman

1940
BEYOND CHRISTMAS
Harry Carey/C. Aubrey Smith/Charles Winningar

Melton, Chadwick and O'Brien, engineering firm bigwigs, invite three strangers to dinner on Christmas Eve. Two show up (a kindergarten teacher and a rodeo performer), and those two eventually fall in love with each other while becoming friends with the three businessmen. The businessmen are later killed in a blizzard's plane crash, come back to their old home as guardian angels, and help the two young lovers over some rough patches.



1949
HOLIDAY AFFAIR
Robert Mitchum/Janet Leigh

Connie Ennis (Janet Leigh) is widowed with a young boy, engaged to lawyer Carl Davis (Wendell Corey), and works as a comparison shopper.  She meets war veteran Steve Mason (Robert Mitchum) while he's working at Crowley's Department Store, and she's never quite the same again. 

1942
HOLIDAY INN
Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire

1944
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Gene Kelly/Deanna Durbin

1944
I'LL BE SEEING YOU
Ginger Rogers/Joseph Cotton/Shirley Temple

Sergeant Joseph Cotton (Zachary Morgan) suffering from battle fatigue meets Ginger Rogers (Mary Marshall), a convict (accidental manslaughter) on Christmas furlough.  Troubled and lonely, they find love and laughter with each other. 

1946
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Jimmy Steward/Donna Reed

1947
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Maureen O'Hara

1945
CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT
Barbara Stanwyk/Dennis Morgan

1947
THE BISHOP'S WIFE
Cary Grant/Loretta Young/David Niven

My Personal Favorite - Little Women (1949)
(All the warmth of a Christmas movie with several Christmas scenes.)

Tom and Jerry in The Night Before Christmas (1941)


Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer (1948)




Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) 
"FDR enjoyed receiving Christmas cards as much as he enjoyed sending them. He established his own private collection of Christmas cards, and by 1940, the collection contained over 3,000 designs. The National Christmas Tree was decorated sans lights that year because electric lights were being rationed while America was at war."

Harry S. Truman (1945-1953)
1945: "For the first time since 1941, the National Community Christmas Tree contained electric lights for decorations. 10,000 people attended Truman’s first Christmas tree lighting ceremony as President, which took place on the South Lawn of the White House. Truman declared to his audience: 'This is the Christmas that a war-weary world has prayed for through long and awful years. With peace come joy and gladness. The gloom of the war years fades as once more we light the National Community Christmas Tree.'”

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Disney: Snow White (1937), Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), Dumbo (1941), Bambi (1943), Cinderella (1950), Alice in Wonderland (1951), Peter Pan (1953), Lady and the Tramp (1955), Sleeping Beauty (1959).
1952: Pluto's Christmas Tree

 Donald Duck's Christmas