gives me the spirit of Christmas, in a film that doesn't really seem to age or to be too sentimental.
A few years ago I received this vintage copy of Miracle on 34th Street
by Valentine Davies as a gift from my parents. It is a mass-market Pocket Book paper-bound publication from 1952.
The cover is beautifully illustrated on both front and back. I also love the red sketch illustrations throughout the book, with the giant letters at the beginning of each chapter.
The film and book were released in 1947, a wonderful time of hope and belief for the American public. Valentine Davies, the author of this classic story, wrote several Broadway plays, was president of the Screen Writers Guild and general chairman of the Academy Awards, but few of us know his name. Valentine Davies won the Academy Award in 1947 for best original story, Edmund Gwenn, who played Kris Kringle, won an Oscar for best supporting actor, and for best screenplay it was George Seaton, who adapted Davies novel. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, but lost out to Gentleman's Agreement.
Do you remember about 12 years ago when someone decided it would be a good idea to colorize the black and white classics? At the time, I thought it was a good idea, having grown up with only color films. But then I saw one and was horrified! Skin looked blueish, eyes were too white, it all was just kind of creepy. I'm sure it would be better if done today, but I've aged and come to appreciate things in their original form.
I don't know how you could have gotten away with not seeing this perennial favorite, or either of the other two I mentioned! If you have, get them now; I'm sure your local library has them for check out! As I do every year, I will watch all 3 at some point before Christmas, usually with a fun Christmas snack!Do you traditionally watch any of these films? What are some of your favorites?
18 comments:
I like "A Christmas Story" the best!
I love all the ones you mentioned as I am a HUGE Christmas movie fan. I also watch all the Scrooge movies ... yes, even Mr. Magoo's. If You Believe, Elf, all the Christmas cartoon classics which includes the Grinch, Christmas Comes to Willow Creek. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Love my Christmas collection! Sometimes I watch them all year long when I'm in the mood.
Thanks Elizabeth, this was fun! xxoo
I don't think I've ever seen It's a Wonderful Life all the way through. I love White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street (the original one in B&W). Dom always wants to watch A Christmas Story, but I think I'm about Ralphie'd out.
My all time favorite is Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. I could watch that every day of the year.
Love that flick...The house that they use at the end of the movie is in my town! xoh
A little known one is my favorite, and I hunt for it each year. NBC made Amahl and the Night Visitors into a operetta one Christmas season. I absolutely LOVED it then and still do, whenever I get to see it. Hmmmm, I wonder if there's a video of it somewhere?
I used to watch Christmas movies and shows with the kids when we could catch them on TV. Like The Grinch, Rudolph, Frosty, Charlie Brown and so on. I enjoy watching Christmas movies now that we can rent them and they are captioned.
I love Its A Wonderful Life, watch it every year and usually shed a tear or two. I know it is schmaltzy, but the holiday season brings out the schmaltz in me. ;)
Of the versions of Miracle on 34th Street, I like the original the best. The classic animated Christmas specials (Peanuts, Muppets, Dr Seuess) are always enjoyable to me even though I don't have little ones around to watch with me.
Least favorites for me would be A Christmas Story and Elf. I really can't get past Will Ferrell in anything for some reason.
This was a great post - loved seeing that vintage copy of Miracle on 34th Street! I am a BIG Christmas movie lover - enjoy them all year long - sometimes I just get "in the mood" to see a Christmas movie - always put a smile on my face!
I totally agree with you - the black and white version of 34th street is the BEST! An yes, I also prefer the black and white version of Its A Wonderful Life and The Bishops Wife. But one of my favorite - in COLOR - Christmas movies is Christmas Vacation - makes us laugh everytime! Kerri is watching it now while we wait for the clemetine cookies to bake! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
White Christmas and I always end up
crying, (its a family history thing)
with WWII and my dad. There's nothing
like Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
Classic Christmas - love it!!!!
You know Elizabeth there probably isn't too many Christmas Movies I do NOT like... I love them all even the animated ones... The classics by far are my very favorites but I still like the new ones released every year... I am easily entertained especially during the holidays... I probably own most of them too... Have a blessed Sunday...
(((HUGS)))
Donna
Christmas week always includes:
Christmas Vacation
A Christmas Story
Elf
And just yesterday I got my wishes of:
Miracle on 34th Street
White Christmas
It's a Wonderful Life
Good family watching!!
I also love the Christmas movies, but my all time favorite is Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. I laugh till I cry everytime I watch it.
♥
Chris
I love the Christmas movies. I like to watch the 25 days of Christmas on the ABC family channel. Besides the usual favorites like Rudolph and Frosty, we like to watch the Little Drummer Boy, Nestor the Donkey, and Prancer. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! ~ Robyn
Hi Elizabeth
What a treasure to have that version of Miracle on 34th Street. I have the newer version. i really love that movie and watch it every year. I also like Lampoons Christmas Vacation and laugh with that every year. Chevy Chase is so good in that movie. There is another one that is a favourite and I can't recall the name...hmmmm...I'll have to think on that. There are so many wonderful Christmas shows out there.
We'll soon be watching them...
have a lovely evening Elizabeth.
Come by and visit...
Judi
Speaking of MOVIES.. come stop by for a visit! See you soon!
Absolutely MUST watch all of them including the new AND old Miracle on 34th Street and Holiday Inn.
I don't think I've seen any of those all the way through, but the classics like those are my hubby's favorite so I'm sure we'll be watching them this year :)
Bells of St Mary is my holiday favorite but Christmas is the only time of year that I will watch television. I love old holiday black and white movies the best!
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