“Still Safe At Home At the Movies….Yule Tide Spirit” December 2020 Vol. I, No.9 by Stephanie Mardesich
“Still Safe At Home At the Movies….Yule Tide Spirit” December 2020
by Stephanie Mardesich
It’s December and time of good cheer with Christmas, Hanukah, Quanza and other valued rituals and celebrations. So many movies that express sentiments of the season, with joy and introspection. Take your pick (pun intended!). Happy and Merry!
Christmas In Connecticut (USA, Warner Bros., 1945, 101 min., dir. Peter Godfrey)
Ladies magazine home arts writer Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) is actually a “fraud” and can’t cook, let alone keep house. Punctilious publisher Alexander Yardley (Sydney Greenstreet) invites himself to Elizabeth’s country home for Christmas. And as a PR gimmick convalescing GI officer elegant Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan) is also included in the cozy Christmas. A “fake baby”, pancakes on the kitchen ceiling, midnight sleigh rides in the snow. Romance ensues, and you’ll have to see it to know the outcome.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037595/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
The Bishops Wife (USA, MGM, 1947, 109 min., dir. Henry Koster)
A troubled clergyman Episcopal Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) married to lovely Julia (Loretta Young) with a heavy load on his mind and heart regarding fundraising for a new church. It’s Christmas season and he seems to have lost his spiritual path and his marriage is in trouble. Enter Dudley (Cary Grant) a suave “angel” with some supernatural influence that heals and saves. Strong supporting cast includes Elsa Lancaster (Matilda, the maid), Monty Wooley (Professor Wutheridge), Gladys Cooper (Mrs. Hamilton), James Gleason (Sylvester). Five Academy Award® nods, one win (Best Sound Recording).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039190/awards?ref_=tt_awd
A Christmas Carol (UK, George Minter Productions, 1951, 96 min., TV-PG, dir. Brian Desmond Hurst )
This is (my) personal favorite version of the Charles Dickens classic story of the archetype curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge (Alastir Sim) who on Christmas Eve has the ultimate epiphany that changes him from miser to benefactor of the Bob Cratchit family and endearing Tiny Tim (Glyn Dearman) when he is visited by the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. Many version have been made of the story that could be a “festival” of viewing unto itself.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044008/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast
An American Tail (USA, Universal Pictures, 1986, 80 min., G dir. Don Bluth)
This beloved animated film begins with a Hanukkah celebration where a young Russian-Jewish mouse named Fievel (voice of Phillip Glass) learns all about the great United States of America from his father who reveals that America is a place where there are no "cats" to attack them for simply being who they are. The family emigrates to the USA and Fievel is separated from them. He bravely continues on his own searching for his family, making friends, and having lots of adventures. Though he has a rude awakening that there are cats everywhere, he perseveres. Charming movie from acclaimed director Don Bluth with stellar “voice” cast including: Christopher Plummer, Madeline Kahn, and Dom DeLuise. Oscar® nod for Best Song.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090633/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Die Hard (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1988, 132 min., R, dir. John McTiernan)
An exciting tale of New York police officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) on Christmas vacation in Los Angeles and his heroic effort to release hostages, that include his family, taken by German terrorists at a corporate Christmas party given by employer of his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia). When local tactics don’t work John is forced to take over and come to the rescue. Stellar acting including Alan Rickman as villain Hans Gruber. First of what became a “franchise” and probably made Willis a star. Four Oscar® nods
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095016/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Home Alone (USA, 1990, 20th Century Fox/Hughes Entertainment. 103 min., PG, dir. Chris Columbus)
The McCallister family is preparing for a Christmas holiday in Paris, France. The youngest child Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) has a fight with his older brother Buzz (Devin Ratray) and was sent to his room on the third floor of his house. The next morning the family was in a rush to make it to the airport on time and some how completely forgot about Kevin, who now has the house all to himself. At first being home alone is fun for Kevin having free reign to do what he want until two burglars, Harry (Joe Pesci) and (Daniel Stern) turn up to rob his house on Christmas Eve. Resourceful Kevin takes charge to stop the culprits who are undone by his clever antics and probably giving up the life of crime forever. Two Academy Award® nods for Best Song and Score. Terrific script by John Hughes should have also had a “nod.” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099785/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Love Actually (UK/USA, Universal Pictures, 2003, 135 min. R, dir. Richard Curtis)
Eight stories in one movie with a rapid pace and music at the heart of the ultimately romantic movie set in London, England, with many amusing and poignant moments. Hugh Grant (Prime Minister) reminds of (better looking ) Tony Blair, Martine McCutcheon (Natalie) is adorable, Colin Firth as pent up write (Jamie) finds true love, and Bill Nighy (Billy Mack) as the rock & roller revived is a hoot. Acting “spot on” as the English say includes convincing performances from Liam Neasom (Daniel), Kiera Knightly (Juliet) Emma Thompson (Karen), Laura Linney (Sarah) and many more. Highly entertaining, a movie to watch over and over again. Film made a (bigger) hit out of the song “All I Want For Christmas” so sing along! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314331/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast
The Holiday (UK/USA), 2006, 136 min. PG-13, dir. Nancy Meyers)
From Christmas to New Year's, including Hanukkah, the film is a “holiday” unto itself.
To gals decide to swap homes over the yule tide season: Iris from England (Kate Winslet) moves into swank California abode of Amanda (Cameron Diaz). She befriends elderly (90 something) screenwriter Arthur (Eli Wallach) and has flirtation with Miles (Jack Black). In meantime American abroad Amanda is ensconced in Iris’s cozy cottage near London replete with snow, meets her former beau Graham (Jude Law) and there’s “chemistry.” Both ladies are “escaping” their own devastating emotional embroilments. Though Christmas dominates the mood, there's a scene when Iris has a Hanukkah party with some of her elderly neighbors. Romantic and a happy ending in this “feel good” film. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457939/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Call Me By Your Name (Italy, Frenesy Film Co. et al, 2017, 132 min., R, dir. Luca Guadagnino)
Based on 2007 novel of same name this serious and soulful film is a unique “coming of age” story about young love .It’s 2007 and 17 year old Elio (Timothee Chalomet) lives with his Italian-Jewish parents in northern Italy. His father is a professor of archeology. An American student 24 year old Oliver (Arnie Hammer) of the same faith arrives in the summer to help the professor with his academic endeavors. The two young men develop a friendship that’s more than on the surface, with underlying love. They have a romantic sojourn that culminates ass Oliver’s time with the family is nearly over. It’s Hanukah and a scene where there's prominent display of potato latkes (pancakes), gelt, and a menorah is memorable time.
Four Oscar® nods and one win for Best Screenplay (James Ivory). Challomet nominated for Best Actor is a compelling performer to take heed of. Watch for eventual release of The King and mesmerizing performance as Henry V (this writer viewed the movie at BFI London Film Festival in 2019 and duly impressed, pondering why it’s not been released).
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5726616/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
And maybe the “best” (or certainly a favorite) for last:
It’s A Wonderful Life (USA, Liberty Films/RKO, 1947, 130 min., PG, dir. Frank Capra
What would life be like for all the inhabitants of Beford Falls if George Bailey (James Stewart) has not been born? George has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of his beloved town. Though he’s longed to travel he hasn’t had the opportunity. Instead he marries his sweetheart Mary (Donna Reed) and fighting the good fight carries on the savings and loan company founded by his father and attempting to prevent rich ogre Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) from taking over the entire town.
On Christmas Eve his absent minded Uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) loses the bank deposit. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night George realizes he’s responsible and could be sent to jail, the company will collapse, residents who trusted him will lose their savings and homes, and Potter could take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. The prayers of his loved ones result in an angel Clarence (Henry Travers) coming to earth to help George, with the promise of finally earning his wings.
The movie has become a true “classic” and denotes the holiday season for its warm sentiments. Though it received four Academy Award® nominations (including Best Actor, Picture, Director, and Sound & Film Editing) it didn’t win, though in the end it has!
Stephanie Mardesich, a native of San Pedro from a family who arrived in the harbor area over 100 years ago. An alumna of U.S.C. School of Cinematic Arts; founder-director of the LA Harbor International Film Festival; accredited journalist and public relations consultant, she launched "Cinema Stephanie" film critique blogette in 2017. More recently, she created "Eclectic Culture" lifestyle stories and reviews blog. She is also co-producer with Jack Baric (S.P. native and R.P.V. resident) of the oral history project Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) - Volume II debuted in March 2020.
For more see:
(to look up films) www.imdb.com
www.laharborfilmfest.com( Cinema Stephanie blogette)
www.storieslaharborarea.com (histories/stories)