“Sleigh Bells Ring At The Movies” Volume II, No. 10 (Dec. 2021)

By Stephanie Mardesich

We might not have much if any snow in the southern part of California, however leave it to Hollywood to bring on the dazzle of sleet and sleighs, and the warmth of the December holiday season with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, presents under the tree, or the religious eight days of Hanukah, December 26th Kwanza and in Great Britain “Boxing Day.” Get cozy by the telly with some popcorn and cider (perhaps “spiked”!), and view some stories of good cheer and soulful spirit. Merry & Happy to all!

Holiday (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1938, 95 min., dir. George Cukor)

New York City debutante Julia Seaton (Doris Nolan) meets Johnny Case (Cary Grant) while on holiday in Lake Placid. They seem to be in love and want to marry, however Julia must persuade her stalwart upper class business tycoon father Edward (Henry Kolker) that it’s an appropriate match. Johnny arrives at the family mans to be “presented” and has no idea of Julia’s background, though he remains undaunted in his desire to go off and see the world taking her along as his bride. He meets her siblings, more independent Linda (Katharine Hepburn) and “lush” brother Ned (Lew Ayres). It’s clear that he’s picked the wrong sister because Linda loves his bold and exciting vision, yet defers to her sibling loyalty. Johnny is (Harvard) educated, yet humble, and considered rather a genius in business and he’s more about living life as he chooses, rather than what’s predictable and expected. Julia however believes Johnny will be cooperative to carry in the patrician life style she prefers (or is it her father’s preference?). Plans go forward to announce their engagement on New Year’s Eve, though Linda had asked for a small family gathering in their top floor play room that Julia agreed to she then succumbs to her father’s preference. Delightful counterpoint is Johnny’s steadfast friendship with married couple Professor Potter (Edward Everett Horton) and wife Susan (Jean Dixon) and the ultimate outcome restores one’s faith in destiny or true love.

Based on play by Philip Barry (Philadelphia Story) There’s a carefree quality to this movie that belies the onset of WWII and the world exploding. Also the consciousness of (old) money and values that clash with new ideas and being frivolous in a way beyond what wealth might permit and to live by one’s own creed, yet respecting others.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030241/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_45

Miracle On 34th Street (USA, 20th Century Fox, 1947, 97 min., dir. George Seaton)

To consternation of Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara), events director of Macy’s in NYC, performer hired to play Santa Claus is intoxicated. Miraculously she finds quick substitute in Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwen). Doris is a cynical divorce with young daughter Susan (Natalie Wood) who eschews any sort belief in fairy tales let alone the favorite symbol of Christmas. Kris, who claims he’s the real thing is an endearing challenge for her and Susan as the sincere embodiment of giving and kindness.

His claim is challenged suggesting he’s a kook and he’s arrested and arraigned. His defense counsel Fred Gailey (John Payne), who happens to be Doris’s neighbor with romantic potential, pleads a strong case before Honorable Judge Henry X. Harper (Gene Lockhart) for his identify to be confirmed that’s supported by plethora of letters to Santa that show up in court. In meantime Fred and Kris make a pact when Susan reveals to Kris she wants a house for Christmas, showing him a photo of her dream home torn from a magazine, and he promises do his bestow make her dream come true. The story of hope, faith and some charity (at least in business “if Macy’s doesn’t have it go to Gimbals”) is inspiring any time of year though a perennial sentimental favorite in the holiday season. Rounding out cast are: Jerome Cowan, William Frawley, Thelma Ritter among other reliable actors. Four Academy Award® nods; three wins for “Best” supporting actor, writing-original screenplay and writing-original story.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039628/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Mr. Soft Touch (USA, Columbia Pictures, 1949, 93 min., dir. Gordon Douglas & Henry Levin)

It’s almost Christmas and WWII veteran Joe Miracle (Glenn Ford) arrives home to learn that gangster Barney Teener (Roman Bohnen) has taken over his nightclub and murdered his business partner. Joe breaks into the club's safe and absconds with $100,000. He’s “on the lam” and finds refuge in a settlement house run by Jenny Jones (Evelyn Keyes) who mistakes him for a down-and-out musician, and counsels him. Rather cynical Joe comes to understand the importance of her work as their romantic attraction builds. Early Byrd (John Ireland), a newspaper columnist discovers Joe's true identity and writes a story that puts adversary Teener on his trail. The gangsters recover the stolen money after setting fire to the settlement house, but Joe retrieves it and returns to the gutted welfare house disguised as Santa Claus and giving the money to Jenny to rebuild. There’s a parade of Santas that are part of the climactic (happy) ending.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041663/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_84

Lemon Drop Kid (USA, Hope Enterprises, 1951, 91 min., dir. Sidney Lanfield)

When the Sidney Milburn aka the Lemon Drop Kid (Bob Hope) accidentally steers Moose Moran's (Fred Clark) girl away from a winning bet, he is forced to come up with $10,000 to repay the angry gangster. Trying to get some funds the Kid pays a visit to local crime boss Oxford Charlie (Lloyd Nolan),however Charlie has serious tax trouble and does not particularly care for the Kid anyway. When departs from Charlie's the Kid notices a street corner Santa Claus and his donation kettle.

The quick witted Kid fashions himself a Santa suit and begins collecting donations though he’s recognized by a policeman and arrested for panhandling and gets a ten day jail sentence because he can’t pay the fine. After his on and off again girlfriend Brainey Baxter (Marilyn Maxwell) bails him out, he turns the scam legitimate by finding a charity to represent with a city license. The Kid remembers that Nellie Thursday (Jane Darwell), kindly neighborhood local, has been denied entry to a retirement home because of her convict husband's past. He comes up with a great scheme and converts a former casino owned by Moose to the “Nellie Thursday Home For Old Dolls” and he’s almost legit, until Charlie sees the potential to take over. They kidnap the dolls and use the front for their own illicit gambling action. Crazy antics, misunderstanding, and ultimately the Kid redeems himself and saves Nellie and the “dolls.” Based on a short story by Damon Runyon (Guys & Dolls) the curious names Runyon dubbed his characters are ever charming and oddly distinctive.

Note from SM: The well known song “Silver Bells” was written for the movie, though Bing Crosby had made it popular prior. In the 1980s I was privileged to attend actress Mitzi Gaynor and her beloved husband Jack Bean’s holiday party several times – what an illustrious guest list including Gene Kelly, William Windom, Jess Marlow, among others - and met the part of Academy Awardâ nominated song writing team – Ray Evans and Jay Livingston - who wrote the tune. Jay’s wife told me the charming story of how the lyric was originally “tinkle bells” and when she heard it she advised her husband to change “tinkle” to “silver” because she thought it might be confusing, if not cause the audience to need to use the restroom!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043733/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

White Christmas (USA, Paramount Pictures, 1954, 120 min., dir. Michael Curtiz)

It’s the end of WW II and army buddies “song and dance” chaps Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye)exit service and have a successful night club act. They meet the Haynes sisters Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy (Vera Ellen) and help them out of a bind, then end up heading to same destination of Vermont to play at the country hotel where the proprietor is the boys former commanding officer Major General Thomas Waverly (Dean Jagger). The Irving Berlin songs are classic from “Sisters” to “Snow” to “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep”(Oscar® nod for “Best Song”) and the ultimate “White Christmas.” Romance blooms, confusion occurs, Betty exits Vermont for NYC and eventually lured back for the finale and all is well with Betty & Bob and Judy & Phil. Delightful, heartwarming, entertaining. Costumes are the epitome of 1950s style and chic, the ladies naturally beautiful and effervescent. (Note the scene where Clooney “vamps” the tune “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” in the fabulous black evening gown and find uncredited dancer George Chakiris who just a few years later dazzled and received best supporting actor Academy Award®for his role as Bernardo in West Side Story). Every time this writer sees this favorite holiday movie it just gets better.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047673/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Scrooged (USA, 1988, 101 min., dir. Richard Donner)

To say this film is “inspired” by Charles Dickens classic book A Christmas Carol is correct. There’s a similar thread to the age old story, yet it’s a contemporary twist the Victorian although no sign of beloved “Tiny Tim.” Because of casting Bill Murray, who plays Frank Cross (new name for Ebenezer Scrooge), there’s more comedic element to the story.

Frank is an egotistical and cynical television executive. It’s Christmas Eve and he’s “visited” by three ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future and ultimately regains the spirit of the season and more positive attitude for life. Supporting cast includes: Karen Allen, John Forsythe, Carol Kane, Robert Mitchum, Michael J. Pollard, Alfre Woodard. One Oscar® nod for best make-up (Beetlejuice won the statue that year).

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096061/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

The Black Candle (USA, Asante Filmworx, 2008, 71 min., dir. M.K. Asante)

This award winning documentary, narrated by esteemed poet and performer Maya Angelou, explores and celebrates the African-American experience and the struggle and triumph of family, community, and culture tracing the growth of the unique holiday Kwanza that evolved out of the black power movement of the 1960s.

In December 2020 the American Film Institute (AFI) designated the movie a "holiday classic" featuring it in AFI Movie Club Presents: Home for the Holiday showcasing the very best of the holiday cinema.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1204882/?ref_=k

The Nutcracker And The Four Realms

(USA/Canada, Walt Disney Pictures, 2018, 99 min., PG, dir. Lasse Halstrom & Joe Johnston)

This variation of The Nutcracker (ballet), adapted from The Nutcracker & The Mouse King short story by E.T.A. Hoffman, is dazzling fantasy entertainment that appeals to family viewing and especially young girls.

It’s Christmas Eve in Victorian England and Clara (Mackenzie Foy) is one of four siblings whose mother has passed away though left presents for them. For Clara it’s a unique box that takes a special key to unlock and retrieve a priceless gift from her late mother. A golden thread, presented to her at her godfather Drosselmeyer's (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party leads her to the key that soon disappears. Her search to find it taking her to a strange and mysterious parallel world where she encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice, and the regents who preside over “three Realms: the Land of Snowflakes Shiver (Richard Grant) , Land of Flowers Hawthorne (Eugenio Derbez), and Land of Sweets Sugar Plum (Kiera Knightly). Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm to return home and defy the tyrant Mother Ginger (Dame Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara's key and restore harmony to the unstable world. Sound like 2021? Local connection: Misty Copland, who hales from San Pedro and the surrounding area, exhibits terpsichorean prowess as the Ballerina Princess.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5523010/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

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; credited 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)