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 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Who knew that Boris Karloff narrating a little tale for 26 minutes could have such an impact on our lives? Yet here it is, a perennial favorite, complete with Cindy Lou Who, a little dog-turned-reindeer, and all the people of Whoville. This movie continues to steal our hearts, no matter how many times we see it. There’s no doubt that "you’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch." But that’s ok. We love you anyway.
Who should watch: Great for all ages. |
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 Frosty the Snowman (1969)
A discarded silk top hat magically brings a snowman to life, then becomes the focus of a struggle between a greedy magician and a group of schoolchildren. Realizing that Frosty will melt unless he takes refuge in a colder climate, he and a young friend stow away on a freight train headed for the North Pole. Will they make it there before he melts? And will the magician steal back his hat? Yeah, we all know the answer, but let’s pretend we don’t.
Who should watch: Great for all ages. |
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 Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Journalist Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) is one of the country's most famous food writers, passing herself off as a hard-working farm wife and mother in her magazine column. But it’s lies, all lies! In real life, she can’t even boil water. But when the magazine decides that a heroic serviceman (Dennis Morgan) will spend Christmas on her farm, she has to do some pretty fancy acting to pull it off. A 1992 version was made starring Dyan Cannon, Kris Kristofferson and Tony Curtis, but if you love vintage movies, opt for the black-and-white original. This is a simple, old-fashioned story filled with good cheer, a warm feeling, and the ultimate message of caring for other people.
Who should watch: Best suited for ages 7 and up. |
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 A Christmas Carol (a.k.a. Scrooge) (1951)
There are a million screen versions of this tale -- well, more like 33 -- but the 1951 version starring Alastair Sim gets my vote as the best. This film has plum pudding, roaring fires, snow-strewn streets, and carolers. We all know the story of the bitter curmudgeon who’s visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, but it gets better with each passing year. It reminds us that Christmas isn’t about gifts and money, but rather friends, family and love.
Who should watch: The ghosts in this movie might be a bit scary for very young kids, but those 8 and up should be fine with it. |
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 Holiday Inn (1942)
Ok, so this movie isn’t just about Christmas, but it’s one of the holidays that Jim Hardy (Bing Crosby) celebrates at his New England inn. Fed up after being dumped by his dance partner, Lila Dixon (Virginia Dale), he opts for a low-key life in the country. But when Linda Mason (Marjorie Reynolds) enters the picture, he’s thrown into a love triangle with dancer Ted Hanover (Fred Astaire). This feel-good movie harks back to a time when men wore hats and women could truly dance in high heels. It also has one of the best dance numbers in the history of cinema, with Astaire dancing his drunken socks off.
Who should watch: When my son turned five, he would clamor for this movie during the Christmas season - thanks to a few wacky hijinks like the dance scene and an old-fashioned car speeding into the middle of a small lake. Overall, though, I’d say this movie is great for kids 8 and up. Anyone younger might get restless during the long musical numbers. |
Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries. Email her at jboursaw@charter.net.
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