SDS - Underappreciated Christmas Films
The Start
Shownotes Transcript
Behind-The-Glass "Jingle" Gerry gives a list of "Lesser Known" Christmas Movies that he thinks deserve some attention. So, if you are looking for a festive film, but are tired of the usual suspects like It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, or even Christmas Vacation, here are a few to take a look at:
1. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)) - Barbara Stanwyk starrs as a magazine Columnist who is the "Martha Stewart" of her time. Giving hints and tips to homemakers on how to do things properly. All is well until her editor invites himself and a war veteran to her house for Christmas... the problem? She has no idea how to do any of the things she writes about.
The Shop Around The Corner (1940)) - Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan star as co-working shop clerks who can not stand one another. What they don't know is that they are each other's secret pen pal... who are about to meet face to face for the first time. Does the plot sound familiar? The Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie Youv'e Got Mail was based on this classic
A Christmas Wish (AKA The Great Rupert) (1950)) - Jimmy Durante stars in this film about a down-and-out family who moves into a basement apartment not knowing that a trained squirrel has taken up residence in the walls, and has found some cash hidden there by "bad guys" and starts doling it out to the family. Early stop-motion animation with a stuffed squirrel make this a rare gem.
Fred Claus (2007)) Vince Vaughn stars as Fred Claus, the underachieving, bitter brother of Nick "Santa" (who is played by Paul Giamatti). Fred has to move back to The North Pole and ends up helping save Christmas... wait... was that a spolier?
Honourable Mentions
If your tastes lean more towards the horror-side of things, you might want to give "Santa's Slay"(2005)) a spin. This Horror/Comedy stars Bill Goldberg as Santa, an evil demon who lost a bet hundreds of years ago and had to deliver joy and presents on Christmas... well the bet is now over... and Santa is ready to return to his evil ways. A great supporting cast includes Robert Culp, Dave Thomas, Emilie De Raven, Saul Rubinek, Fran Drescher & Kris Kattan.
If you are more of an action lover, check out some Local Fare with the TBS made for TV movie "Christmas Rush" AKA "Breakaway"(2002).) This Die Hard rip-off was filmed right here in Winnipeg and stars Dean Cain and Erika Eleniak along with Eric Roberts and Aleks Paunovic.