Loving The Classics
What are the best Christmas movies of all time? Well, that would really depend on who you ask. But if you asked me I can whip out a list faster than you can say “What are the best Christmas movies of all time?” Over the last several years I have strategically been adding one or two titles to my video library. Starting right after Thanksgiving I watch a least a movie a week, sometimes more. I tend to lean towards the old favorites and love the classics. This is a cherished yearly tradition for me, and I watch these greats listed below. Maybe some of which you may not have heard of.
My Three Top Favorites
Of course, topping the list has to be White Christmas made in 1954 starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. These are two of my favorite performers. The music and dancing was incredible in this film. Actually, for a long time I didn’t know that Danny Kaye was such a great dancer. But some of the dance scenes with his co-star Vera Ellen, were so fantastic to watch. I’m blown away at how beautiful and intricate the choreography was in that movie. When I know a big dance scene is coming up, I snuggle down into my recliner and get ready to be amazed. Again!
I’ve always liked Danny Kaye, ever since I was a kid, but because of that movie I found out one very interesting fact. One year, after watching White Christmas, I wanted to know more about Danny Kaye. I was curious what other movies he had been in.
A Good Cause
So I was looking around on the internet. I found out that he was the original celebrity ambassador of UNICEF. He devoted much of this life to the purpose of helping children around the world. He strove to bring to the public the needs of our greatest resources and treasures, children. Traveling the world, he spent 33 years working to bring information to the masses. He diligently toured and held events. Speaking to everyone to show different ways that all of us can help. His commitment was steadfast. To see a person believe in something good and work tirelessly to help others is inspiring. It makes me want to do more and give back where I can.
Colorizing Classic Movies
But back to White Christmas. The famous scene by Rosemary Clooney when she’s singing “Love, you didn’t do right by me” after she has a falling out with Bing Crosby was very well done. I think she looked beautiful in the sleek black dress that was chosen for that scene. Now, I know that the subject of colorizing the old classics is up for debate. Many feel that colorizing black and white movies takes away from their aesthetic value. But I was thrilled when it came out in color. They did an amazing job and the “reds” of their Santa suits were perfect. I’ve watched this movie so many times, I can’t even count. But it never gets old and it tops off the Christmas season perfectly. I usually save it until Christmas week and it’s become a family tradition.
Another of my favorites is ELF starring Will Ferrell. Now I’ve seen a lot of Will Ferrell movies and this is not the usual type character that he plays. But his comedic genius and strong acting ability made me love this film. He pulls off the demeanor of being so innocent, sweet and kind that it makes the character very real even in this over the top Christmas fantasy. He draws you in with his exuberant love of Christmas and takes you on a ride of grins, chuckles and side busting laughs. I get a kick out of it each time I see it. Which is yearly, of course! If you haven’t seen this movies, watch the trailer below, it’s a great movie and sure to make you giggle!
Not The Traditional Story of Christmas
Another movie that rates in my top three films and falls into the category of what are the best Christmas movies of all time, is a little film maybe you’ve never heard of. It was made in Finland and tells the story of how Santa Claus became Santa Claus. It is called “Christmas Story” not to be confused with the famous “A Christmas Story” which is a movie made in America.
This Christmas Story was actually filmed in a region of the world that gets so cold that when I watched the “making of” section of the DVD, I learned something amazing. The filming crew actually talked about how they would have only a short window of time to shoot their scene as the cameras would freeze. The crew would then have to take them inside to thaw them out before they were damaged. The original movie is in Finnish, but you can buy a version that has been dubbed in English from Amazon and we have that title here. This is not the traditional story of Santa, but one that rates high for me on the list of favorites movies.
Leave a comment if you’ve seen these movies and share what’s rates on your list as the best Christmas movies of all time. There’s a chance that I’ve not seen it and I’m always looking for the next, great, holiday film!