When it comes to Christmas movies, everybody has a favorite. From the classic comedy of 2003’s “Elf” to the cinematic warmth of 1990’s “Home Alone,” there’s a yuletide flick that suits virtually anybody’s tastes. But what all of the most commonly cited Christmas favorites have in common—aside from the holiday backdrop itself—is their use of color. In fact, it may be difficult for modern audiences to imagine a time when most of the films on screen presented moviegoers with a literal black and White Christmas, devoid of the traditional flurry of colors that now define the season. As these films continue to grow in age, there’s little doubt that the disconnect between these old films and modern audiences will continue to grow wider.
Even though they may be old, these black and white relics of Christmas past are still well worth watching for those looking to embrace the spirit of the holidays, because they still possess the fundamental element found in any good Christmas classic: heart. Let’s take a look at three such examples from a time when color in film was still a novelty and not the norm.
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Perhaps the most unknown film on this list, “The Shop Around the Corner” offers a unique take on the holidays in that its story unfolds almost entirely in a retail store during the Christmastime busy season. In the midst of this hectic environment unfolds a charming love story between two rival retail workers in love with their respective pen pals, neither realizing that they’re actually writing to each other. The principal players in this romance, Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart (remember that name, he’ll be back) have undeniable chemistry, whether they’re unknowingly writing the other love letters or figuratively clawing at each other’s throats at work. Whatever the context of the scene, their dynamic is a joy to watch, and all of this is underscored by a sense of holiday hustle and bustle that still feels shockingly true to life, even 85 years later. While its 97-minute runtime may not be filled with Christmas iconography, it still manages to effectively deliver a distinct holiday vibe, offering a unique look into the season that not many films have attempted since.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The circumstances surrounding “Miracle on 34th Street” were peculiar during its release. Released in June due to a Hollywood executive’s bizarre reasoning that more people went to the movies in the summer than the winter, promotional materials deliberately hid the fact that “Miracle” was in fact a Christmas movie. Despite the odd timing of the picture, it was an instant hit, remaining in theaters for over six months during a time when most theatrical runs lasted just two weeks. Even when watching 78 years later, it’s easy to see why it so quickly became a classic. The film tells the story of an old man, played by Edmund Gwenn, who claims to be Santa Claus trying to convince a single mother and her daughter to believe in him. He also takes up a job at Macy’s department store along the way, and his conviction in his identity eventually lands him in legal trouble. This leads to one of the most unexpected third acts in all of cinema, a climax that takes place in a courtroom as lawyers debate the existence of Santa Claus in a court of law.
Underlying the rollercoaster story of “Miracle” is a moral about having faith even when common sense tells you not to, a theme that is especially resonant around the holidays. But aside from the movie’s artistic merits, it is also a very culturally significant vie’s artistic merits, film. Not only did the film offer sharp criticism of the rapidly commercializing nature of Christmas, it also helped elevate the popularity of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to new heights. It also features what may very well be the most classic version of Santa Claus every put to the screen.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Out of every Christmas movie made during the 1940s, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is without question the most enduring. The film tells the story of George Bailey, who, after dedicating his whole life to his small hometown of Bedford Falls, finally reaches a breaking point one desperate Christmas Eve and wishes he had never been born at all. When a wingless angel named Clarence comes to Earth to grant him his wish, the ensuing glimpse into a world without George Bailey reveals just how much every man touches the lives of those around him for the better.
James Stewart stars in the role of George Bailey, and the range of his acting ability truly shines in this flick. From goofy charm to genuinely unsettling despair, he is the undisputed highlight of a cast that doesn’t feature a single weak performance. Along with exceptional acting and superb competence in the filmmaking, viewers can revel in the holiday set dressing found in the film. This movie also features one of the most heartwarming and important themes one can find in a Christmas movie: “No man is a failure who has friends.”
Whatever Christmas movies you end up watching this December, keep in mind that the Chester Fritz Library’s DVD collection is stocked with numerous classics of the season, including the movies on this list, and is well worth checking out for your yuletide entertainment.
Quinn Berg is a Dakota Student Section Editor. He can be reached at [email protected].
