Menu of Reviews:
Classic Movies
Modern Movies
Romance Movies
Remake Movies

Menu of Reviews:
Classic Movies
Modern Movies
Romance Movies
Remake Movies

A Christmas Carol
1984
Emmy-nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor Limited Series or Special (George C. Scott)

George C. Scott, Frank Finlay, Susannah York

The famous Dickens story has been filmed for movies a number of times but this television version emerges as the strongest presentation, due largely to Scott's portrayal of Scrooge. As a ghost story, suspense is mild because the outcome is so well known. But the overall tone is dark and children may not like this drama. Pre-teen and younger children can be introduced to the Carol through books or one of the many "remakes" that offer a milder treatment. The Carol is essentially a ghost story (not a welcomed topic by all children) with an imagined death of a young boy, Tiny Tim.

A Christmas Story
1983

Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon

Based on a Jean Shepherd book set in the 1940s, this film chronicles Ralphie's intense desire for a BB gun. The nostalgia is punctuated by realistic family dynamics. Children will be amused by most scenes and older children will understand the sibling rivalry within the family. While most children will not focus on the setting in the past, they will see an enactment of "wash your mouth out with soap," and be able to relate that scene to a common phrase not taken literally today.

Christmas in Connecticut
1945

Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet

Placed in late WW2, the story revolves around a food columnist who cannot cook, a soldier returning from war, and a publisher who brings them together. Stanwyck, a Manhattan sophisticate, must adopt a farm and home persona to protect her reputation (and job). The action will be slow for children. The movie has already enjoyed one re-make, with another announced for 2009.

Holiday Inn
1942
Oscar-winner for Best Music (Original song: White Christmas)

Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds

Pre-WW2, show people spend Christmas and a lot of other holidays at a Connecticut farm turned lodge. Similarity to the later White Christmas film includes overlap of music and, of course, Crosby. Holiday movie aficionados prefer this earlier movie but younger audiences will follow the plot of White Christmas more easily. One of the musical numbers in Holiday Inn is performed in black face; historical commentary aside, the segment is offensive to audiences today.

It's a Wonderful Life
1947
Oscar-nominated for Best Actor (Jimmy Stewart), Best Director (Frank Capra), Best Picture, Best Film Editing, Best Sound (Recording)

Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore

A glimpse of the world had he never been born inspires Jimmy Stewart's character to abandon suicidal thoughts. The movie regularly wins polls as "favorite Christmas movie." Children may find the theme distressing; older children may relate better but will still need some explanation as to the film's message.

Miracle on 34th Street
1947
Oscar-winner for Best Actor (Supporting Role: Edmund Gwenn) and Best Writing (Original Story & Screenplay)

Maureen O'Hara, Edmund Gwenn, John Payne, Natalie Wood

Famously set on 34th Street in Manhattan, belief in Santa Claus is tested by a young girl and her mother. At a time when single moms were rarely the subject of movies, Miracle presents a warm portrayal of a family doing its best. This film is satisfying both for children who do believe in Claus—and for children who do not.

White Christmas
1954
Oscar-nominated for Best Music (Original song: Count your blessings instead of sheep)

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen

Post-WW2, show people spend Christmas at a Vermont lodge suffering from lack of snow. Two songs are likely to stand out for children: White Christmas and Sisters. (Pre-teen girls, especially, enjoy Sisters.) The movie's glimpse of train travel is entertaining for children who haven't experienced that, but the sleeper car deserves explanation in modern terms.