By Rosie Moore
There are very few people who do not watch the same movies year after year at the same season–Christmas time. Out of habit or simply for the love of these movies compels us to watch even though we know most of them by heart. There are many of them but I’m only naming four of my favorites.
For instance: “Miracle on 34th Street.” First filmed in UK in 1947, then here in U.S. in 1994, a little girl discovers that dreams do come true. Six-year-old Susan has doubts about childhood’s most endearing miracle–Santa Claus. Her mother told her the “secret” about Santa a long time ago so Susan doesn’t expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who’s convinced he’s the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all–something to believe in.
We certainly can’t neglect watching “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Filmed in 1946, an angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would be like if he never existed. The angel receives his wings when he is successful in turning George Bailey’s thoughts around from whence comes the saying, “every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”
Who doesn’t watch “The Christmas Story”? A movie for all ages filmed in 1983, Ralphie, a young boy growing up in the 1940’s, tries to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa, that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift. His mother is convinced that he will shoot his eye out. Does he get his BB gun? Does he shoot his eye out? Watch this funny movie to find out.
And my very favorite, “White Christmas,” a 1954 film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. After leaving the Army after World War 11, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis join sister act Betty and Judy Haynes to perform a Christmas show in rural Vermont. While there, they run into the boys’ commander, who, they learn, is having financial difficulties. So the foursome plan a Yuletide miracle. Snow is needed to put this failing inn in the “black” and, at the end, it is a White Christmas.
Will we have a “White Christmas”? Weather forecasters are doubtful so watch this movie and dream.
Thought for the day: God’s gifts put men’s best dreams to shame. Elizabeth Barrett Browning
