Ever since I researched 1940s Hollywood for Stars in the Night, I’ve been a bigger fan than ever of classic movies. Growing up, my favorite movies were from the 30s and 40s…that hasn’t changed. There’s something I love about the simplicity of that time that shines through in movies that make me laugh and feel. So today I thought I’d share a few of my favorites. (Be sure to read to the end to learn about a huge giveaway I’m participating in that ends today!)
There’s so much I can learn as a writer from watching these fun old movies. Great dialogue. Characterization. The importance of a great supporting cast.
- White Christmas: I adore this relatively simple story set during the post WWII years. I love the theme of honoring those we admire…even at great cost to ourselves. The ending scene with the general makes me tear up every time. And hearing Bing Crosby croon White Christmas? And Danny Kaye is the perfect comedic foil. Sing with me “Sisters, Sisters….” Perfection! My family adores this movie.
- Holiday Inn: This is more than a Christmas movie because it features 13 Irving Berlin songs that are set around the holidays. Fred Astaire’s fire cracker dance has always been a favorite of mine, but I love the theme of letting a loved one go so they can chase their dream. Happy sigh.
- It Happened on 5th Avenue: I shocked some folks last year, because I’d never seen this movie. Oh my! They were all right. I love it! It’s the story of a rich girl who stumbles on some homeless men who are living in her father’s seasonally abandoned mansion in NYC. She joins them and their friends, and before long her dad and mom have joined them — while pretending to be people other than they are. This is a story of realizing the hold things and money can have on us and turning instead to the value of people. A beautiful story.
- It’s a Wonderful Life: I have to admit that I watched this so many times growing up, it lost some of its appeal. But my husband loves this movie, and it’s growing on me again. Who hasn’t felt like their dreams died and in the process their life didn’t matter. I love the way this story shows the long-lasting impact we can have on people without realizing it. The imagining what life would be like without us. It’s a definite keeper and one to watch each year for the reminders that we do matter — even when we feel like our story has no meaning or value.
Is there a favorite holiday go-to movie in your family?
By the way, have you met The Grove? We’re doing a massive giveaway and I’d love to have you join us! You can learn more about the giveaway and enter here. Merry Christmas!
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We love It’s a Wonderful Life. Actually I love anything with Cary Grant or Jimmy Stewart.
Merry Christmas from our house to yours.
I haven’t heard of “It Happened on 5th Avenue” either. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation, and have a wonderful Christmas, Cara.
our top 4 are Miracle on 34th street,charlie brown christmas,home alone 1,2,3 and The christmas carol
My sister and I started a tradition last year of spending a December Saturday watching as many Chrustmas movies as we can while we work on Christmas cards and such. My favorite is White Christmas and hers is It’s a Wonderful Life, so those are always part of the mix. We live near the hometown of Jimmy Stewart, so the whole town has a very Bedford Falls theme for the holiday, including a free showing of the movie at the main street theatre after the light-up night parade, and a weekly showing in the Jimmy Stewart Museum through December. Seeing it in a crowd gives a whole new appreciation for the film!