There’s something magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to classic films like A Christmas Story and White Christmas. To dive deeper into what makes these movies so timeless, we chatted with Jeremy Arnold, the author of Christmas in the Movies (Revised & Expanded Edition). In this exclusive conversation with Closer’s Katie Bruno, Arnold shares insights into the making of some of our favorite holiday flicks and why they continue to resonate with audiences year after year.
Starting with The Shop Around the Corner: What Makes It a Classic?
So, let’s dive right in with The Shop Around the Corner. What’s the backstory, and why does it remain such a beloved classic?
The Shop Around the Corner is a deeply personal project for its director, Ernst Lubitsch. It’s a film that has resonated with audiences across generations, and that’s because it taps into universal themes of love and misunderstanding. The story revolves around Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, two co-workers who can’t stand each other. Little do they know, they’re secretly pen pals, sharing heartfelt letters that reveal a side of themselves they’ve hidden from the world. As the film progresses, the holiday season takes center stage, with Christmas decorations, music, and snow becoming more prominent. The story reaches its climax on Christmas Day, where the characters finally find love amidst the festive backdrop. This journey from conflict to connection is a hallmark of Christmas movies, where the season serves as both a catalyst and a backdrop for transformation.
Read also:Donny Osmond Hints At His Retirement Its Inevitable But I Still Have Fuel In The Tank
Was The Shop Around the Corner Always Seen as a Christmas Movie?
When The Shop Around the Corner was first released, was it marketed as a Christmas film, or did that perception develop over time?
Back in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, the concept of a "Christmas movie" didn’t really exist as a genre. Filmmakers didn’t set out to make movies specifically for the holiday season. Instead, films like The Shop Around the Corner were crafted with broader themes in mind. Over time, audiences began to associate these films with Christmas because of their holiday settings and emotional resonance. The debate over what qualifies as a Christmas movie is ongoing, and that’s because the definition varies from person to person. What one person sees as a Christmas film, another might not. That’s the beauty of it—these movies capture the essence of the season in different ways, allowing everyone to find something they connect with.
Moving on to The Man Who Came to Dinner: A Relatable Holiday Tale
Next up is The Man Who Came to Dinner, starring the legendary Bette Davis. What makes this film stand out?
The Man Who Came to Dinner is a comedy that resonates with anyone who’s ever had a houseguest who overstayed their welcome—or been that guest themselves. The story follows a self-absorbed writer, played by Monty Woolley, who ends up staying with a midwestern couple over the holidays. As he recovers from an injury, he takes over their home, making outrageous demands and turning their lives upside down. Bette Davis plays his assistant, who’s trying to break free from his control. The film is packed with witty dialogue and zingers, reminiscent of the Marx Brothers’ style. Despite its zany plot, the movie captures the chaos and humor that often accompany holiday gatherings, making it a timeless classic.
Bing Crosby and Holiday Inn: A Musical Holiday Classic
Let’s talk about Holiday Inn, which stars Bing Crosby. Was he always associated with Christmas, or did that image develop over time?
When Holiday Inn was released, it wasn’t marketed as a Christmas movie but rather as a musical. The film follows a group of entertainers who open a nightclub that only operates on holidays. While Christmas plays a significant role in the plot, the movie encompasses other holidays as well. Bing Crosby’s connection to Christmas was solidified by the song “White Christmas,” which he debuted on the radio in 1941. By the time the film was released, the song had already become a massive hit. Crosby’s performance of “White Christmas” in Holiday Inn further cemented his status as “Mr. Christmas.” The song’s enduring popularity ensures that Crosby’s name will forever be linked with the holiday season.
Read also:When Savannah Guthrie Asked Tom Hanks To Coanchor On Today
Meet Me in St. Louis: A Heartfelt Holiday Moment
What about Meet Me in St. Louis? How does this film fit into the Christmas movie canon?
Meet Me in St. Louis is a unique case when it comes to defining a Christmas movie. While the holiday only occupies a portion of the film, it’s the unforgettable scene where Judy Garland sings “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” that makes it a Christmas classic. The song is filled with a bittersweet melancholy that resonates with many of our own holiday experiences. Garland’s character sings it to comfort her young sister, who is upset about the family’s impending move. The film also resolves its central conflict on Christmas Eve, emphasizing the transformative power of the holiday. It’s a reminder that Christmas can bring people together, even in the face of change and uncertainty.
It’s a Wonderful Life: The Ultimate Christmas Film
It’s a Wonderful Life is often regarded as the quintessential Christmas movie. Was it always seen that way?
Not at all. When It’s a Wonderful Life was released, it wasn’t marketed specifically as a Christmas film. In fact, it didn’t perform exceptionally well at the box office. It wasn’t until the movie entered the public domain and began airing repeatedly on television that it gained its iconic status. The film captures the highs and lows of the holiday season, following George Bailey as he faces a crisis of faith on Christmas Eve. The contrast between his despair and the ultimate joy of his reunion with loved ones is what makes the film so powerful. It’s a reminder that family and friends are the most important things in life, a message that resonates deeply during the holiday season.
