This isn’t so much a top ten list as a “ten things that occur to me” list. Nevertheless, a key part of Christmas is the ritual viewing of a short list of nostalgic movies and television specials.
Going My Way (1944), Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald. Young Father O’Malley is sent to revitalize a NYC parish in trouble, without stepping on the aged Father Fitzgibbon’s dignity. In the process he transforms local urchins into a boy’s choir, restores a young couple in sin to the narrow way, runs into an old friend-become-opera singer who helps out financially, and teaches the old priest to play golf (among other things). The ending is a real tear-jerker. (The Bells of St. Mary’s [1947, with Ingrid Bergman and Crosby] is a sequel, and there again Father O’Malley is a character that effectively and redemptively distinguishes between Christianity and mere religion.)
Holiday Inn (same era). Two song (Bing Crosby) and dance (Fred Astaire) men compete for the same women. The Inn, opened by Crosby, is only open on holidays, and I’m pretty sure the song “White Christmas” debuted in this movie. Lots of good song and dance from the elegant era, as well as some lighthearted but truthful wisdom about relationships.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Maureen O’Hara, William Powell, young Natalie Wood. An old man who believes he’s really Santa dissolves the enmity between major department store owners, softens cynicism in divorced women, teaches young Natalie Wood how to be a child, and ends up embroiled in a supreme court case to determine whether he’s really who he says he is. This story deals with the issue of belief, but unlike The Polar Express, faith in Santa isn’t made an article of religious faith; this movie successfully makes the point that faith in people you love is essential.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (animated version).
A Charlie Brown Christmas.
The Little Drummer Boy. I know, the clay-mation seems hokey to our sophisticated age, as does the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the background. But it’s an imaginative look at the nativity that rightly makes you realize Jesus was born a king; his divinity didn’t wait till his public ministry began. And it’s moving to me, maybe because it takes me back to my simpler childhood heart.
This week I’ll be watching The Nativity, which I haven’t seen before. Not sure if it’ll make the list, but it looks good.
