Category Archives: holiday picks

Merry Christmas!

Posted on by under classic television, holiday picks, nikki's faves

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday.  I mean, seriously, what’s not to love?  There’s food, good cheer, presents, music, decorations, family togetherness (ok, that one’s not always fun, but you get the idea), goodwill towards everyone, and Christmas specials on TV.  And I am not talking about the various Christmas concerts, holiday episodes of your favorite shows, or the Hallmark/Lifetime/ABC Family made-for-TV movies (though I will admit to watching a lot of that last category this time of year).  I am talking about the classic half-hour to full-hour short animated specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  In the last 40-50 years since many of them were produced, these specials have become a part of our Christmas traditions to where many don’t think Christmas is complete without watching them at least once during the season.  Rankin/Bass was perhaps the most prolific studio, producing such perennial favorites as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. These specials have a very distinct style regardless of animation type (claymation or traditional), lots of fun songs, and usually feature at least one popular star of the era lending voices to characters and narrators, including Burl Ives, Jimmy Durante, Mickey Rooney, and Fred Astaire.  While Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa are perhaps the best known, they are only just 3 of the 18 Christmas specials produced between 1964 and 1985.  Here are a few of my favorites that you should check out:

 

Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey (1977) – This classic is about Nestor the donkey’s who ears were so long they dragged the ground causing him all sorts of trouble until they are used to guide him through a sand storm as he takes Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.  Starring Roger Miller as the narrator Speiltoe and singer of the title song (which was written by Gene Autrey), this classic is great for anyone looking for movies that are less about Santa and more about the religious aspects of Christmas.

Stingiest Man in Town (1978) – As I have said previously, I love A Christmas Carol in all of its forms but this is my top favorite animated one hands down.  Yes that would be ahead of Mickey which I know is blasphemy from a Disney fan but so it is.  This version stars Walter Matthau as Scrooge with Tom Bosley serving as narrator in the character B.A.H. Humbug along with Theodore Bikel (My Fair Lady) as the voice of Marley. This version features two of my absolute favorite songs written specifically for Rankin/Bass: “Birthday Party of the King” and “Yes, There is a Santa Claus” (which is probably the best way I know to explain what Santa means to adults).

Frosty’s Winter Wonderland (1976) – This classic sequel to Frosty the Snowman follows Frosty as he decides he needs a snow-wife to combat the loneliness that comes with being the only living snowman and the trouble they have when Jack Frost shows up wanting Frosty’s magic hat for himself.  This special is narrated by the Andy Griffith as pretty much himself and also features Shelly Winters as the voice of Crystal and Jackie Vernon reprises his role from the original as Frosty.

Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976) – Picking up on the same foggy Christmas when Rudolph saved the day, the baby New Year Happy has run away, and it is up to Rudolph to find him and make sure he’s back at Father Time’s castle by the strike of twelve on New Year’s Eve or the old year will go on forever. Featuring Red Skelton as Father Time serving as narrator (complete with a patch of red hair) and doubling as Baby Bear, this one is a great one to watch the week leading up to New Year’s.

We here at True Classics would like to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year–and may it be shining, too!

“He’s coming through the front door next winter.”

Posted on by under holiday picks


It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947) has become a recent favorite of mine, as I only saw it for the first time two years ago. But now it doesn’t feel quite like Christmas until I sit down and enjoy the holiday adventures of the film’s motley crew of misfits.

Aloysius T. McKeever, or “Mac” (Victor Moore), is an itinerant bum who lives the high life by occupying millionaires’ houses while they are out of town. His frequent target is Michael O’Connor (Charlie Ruggles), the second-richest man in the world. Every year, O’Connor spends his winters in Virginia, at which point Mac moves into his New York townhouse for the season. But in the midst of the post-World War II housing shortage in the city, Mac reluctantly begins to amass a series of “houseguests” over the Christmas holidays. He first meets Jim Bullock (Don DeFore), a veteran who has been thrown out of his apartment after the owner, O’Connor, decides to tear it down to build a skyscraper. After inviting Jim to stay, the two discover O’Connor’s daughter, Trudy (Gale Storm), who has returned home and is mistaken for a thief by the squatters. Rather than turn them in, she hides her identity after falling in love with Jim and bunks with them. Jim later invites two army buddies and their wives and children to come stay in the house, much to Mac’s growing dismay. Eventually, when O’Connor shows up, Trudy convinces him to play along in order to get to know Jim, and even invites her mother–and O’Connor’s ex-wife–Mary (Ann Harding) to join in the ruse. Needless to say, things begin to unravel rather quickly, and it’s up to Mac to play peacekeeper, confidant, and sage in order to keep their new little “family” together.

The film is anchored by a talented cast, headed by the delightful Moore and the endearingly grumpy Ruggles. Moore’s treatment of “Mike” is particularly enjoyable, as he unknowingly–and sometimes obnoxiously–plays “lord of the manor” in front of the self-same “lord.” Ruggles’ reactions to this are utterly priceless, and some of my favorite moments in the film come from the interaction between the two men. That’s not to discount the contributions of the supporting players: Storm and Harding are lovely and effective as the mother and daughter who are trying to melt the heart of their gruff family patriarch, and DeFore brings welcome moments of levity that help offset any overwhelming sense of schmaltz. And I can’t let this post go by without a mention of Mac’s adorable dog, Sam, who just about steals every scene he’s in.

At times, as you might imagine considering the subject matter, Fifth Avenue virtually reeks of sentimentality. Thankfully, however, the movie doesn’t delve entirely into maudlin territory. And if the story feels Capra-esque in its composition and characterization, it’s not entirely a coincidence. Frank Capra was originally set to direct this film before deciding to direct another perennial holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), instead. Directing duties were turned over to Roy Del Ruth, best known for directing crime dramas (the 1931 version of The Maltese Falcon) and musicals (the Broadway Melodies of 1936 and 1938, 1943′s DuBarry Was a Lady). The film was the first to be produced by Allied Artists, a division of low-rent “Poverty Row” B-studio Monogram, as part of an effort to legitimize Monogram and move into A-movie territory. Accordingly, the budget for Fifth Avenue far exceeded that of other Monogram pictures, topping out around $1.2 million by the time filming was completed. But the expense was worth it, for in the end, the move toward big-budget legitimization paid off for the studio, as Fifth Avenue was a success at the box office and went on to earn a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Screenplay (it ultimately lost to fellow Christmas staple Miracle on 34th Street).

Unavailable for many years, Fifth Avenue has become a staple on Turner Classic Movies’ December schedule in the past couple of years, and is now widely available on DVD. And if you have the chance to catch it this afternoon (12:30PM) on TCM, by all means, take advantage of it! It’ll definitely sprinkle some holiday spirit on your Christmas Eve celebrations.

Ginger and Shirley and Christmas … Oh, My!

Posted on by under blogathon, holiday picks

This post is my contribution to the “Dueling Divas” blogathon hosted by Backlots. Go check out the other great entries that have been posted over the past three days!

Arguably, the two biggest dancing female stars of the 1930s–at least on the silver screen–were a sharp-tongued witty dame with legs to there, and a precocious, pint-sized charmer with precisely fifty-six curls on her head.

While Ginger Rogers hoofed her way across the screen in nine well-received films with partner Fred Astaire throughout the decade, Shirley Temple danced and sang her own way through a series of feel-good “lovable moppet” roles, becoming the savior of Twentieth Century Fox in the process. Both actresses had (and continue to have) immense fan bases, and both are remembered and cherished by film fans today for their respective dancing prowess and winning screen presence.

As Temple moved into more adult roles in the 1940s, and Rogers forged a very successful career outside of her partnership with Astaire (winning an Oscar for Best Actress for 1940′s Kitty Foyle in the process), the two of them would come together for their first and only film together, a Christmas-themed wartime melodrama called I’ll Be Seeing You (1944).

Mary (Rogers) and Zach (Joseph Cotten) happen to sit across from one another on a train at Christmastime. Zach is on furlough from a military hospital in the wake of a debilitating injury and shell-shock. Mary is also on furlough–from prison, where she has been serving a six-year sentence for manslaughter. Neither knows the details of the other’s “Christmas vacation,” but feel an instant attraction to one another. Mary goes to stay with her uncle’s family for Christmas, while Zach lies about visiting his sister in the same town so that he can see her again. Their feelings continue to grow throughout the week, and Mary’s aunt (Spring Byington) urges Mary not to tell Zach about her troubles. But Mary’s young cousin, Barbara (Temple) inadvertently tells Zach the truth about Mary’s life. Can Zach overcome his trepidation for the sake of their new-found love?

There is a touch of the maudlin to this film, particularly in the scenes in which Mary explains to Barbara exactly why she has been sent to prison. But this does not detract from what is ultimately an enjoyable little movie. There is an interesting dynamic between Rogers’ and Temple’s characters in that their prototypical roles are somewhat reversed in the film. Rogers usually plays the quick, tart-tongued worldly woman, but here she is meek and downtrodden, plagued with regrets for the things she has lost because of her misfortune. On the other hand, Temple has more than enough sass for both of them as Mary’s suspicious cousin. As opposed to her typical screen performances as the eternal optimist, here Temple is (at least at first) the sharp one, the cynical teenager who cannot fully accept her cousin’s presence until the truth behind her imprisonment is revealed.

There is an initial hint of rivalry between the cousins upon Zach’s arrival at the family’s home for dinner. Barbara stares at him longingly, shooting veiled, disapproving looks at Mary as though she feels her cousin is not good enough for the handsome soldier (as well she likely does). Of course, Barbara is far too young for Zach herself, but her obvious crush on him further colors her perception of her jailbird relation. Mary, for her part, strives to understand Barbara’s trepidation at having a convict for a temporary roommate, though it’s hard for her once she sees how Barbara has labeled all of the possessions in her room. But all indications of conflict are set aside once Mary explains the details behind her “crime.” And even though Barbara is ultimately responsible for driving Zach away by telling him about Mary’s past, it is the mistake of a child, born out of haste, not malice, and one that eventually leads to a positive denouement for the film.

I read an article several years ago that claimed that Rogers disliked Temple and loathed working with her on this movie, but I have not seen any evidence of that elsewhere. Who’s to say if the two really did have a fierce rivalry, or whether it was merely tabloidic speculation (yes, I’m aware I probably just made up a word)? Still, I thoroughly enjoy the combination of these two famous hoofers in this film–though, admittedly, real “hoofing” doesn’t play all that big a role in the movie. There is a YMCA ball near the end of the film, but neither actress gets a chance to really show off her skills.

Wouldn’t it have been beyond fascinating to see these two talents really hash out their perceived feud on the dance floor? I mean, seriously–it’s one of those interesting questions to ponder: who do you think would win in a head-to-head dance-off between Ginger and Shirley? Is that even a fair question?

(For the record, my money would be on Ginger, all the way. No offense, Shirls.)

“Um…Dasher…Dancer…Prancer…Nixon…Comet…Cupid…Donna Dixon?”

Posted on by under animation, holiday picks, television treats

“Aw, come on, Dad. This could be the miracle that saves the Simpsons’ Christmas. If TV has taught me anything, it’s that miracles always happen to poor kids at Christmas. It happened to Tiny Tim, it happened to Charlie Brown, it happened to the Smurfs, and it’s going to happen to us!” –Bart Simpson

This month marks the twenty-second anniversary of the debut of The Simpsons, forever and always one of my very favorite television shows. When I tell you I can quote entire blocks of dialogue from this show, I’m not joking. I tend to pepper random conversations with bon mots from the show. And just last night, I popped in a DVD from season eight and annoyed the folks around me by speaking along with the characters as we watched.

The two-decades-long-and-growing legacy of the yellow cartoon family started with a television special in 1989 called “Simpsons Roasting On an Open Fire.” As the title (and the month of its debut) indicates, it is a Christmas special centering around the family’s adoption of its beloved pooch, Santa’s Little Helper. “Roasting” was actually not intended to be the series premiere;  creator Matt Groening, along with fellow producers Sam Simon and James L. Brooks, were displeased with the animation of the intended first episode, “Some Enchanted Evening,” and thus “Roasting” was aired first.

In the end, though, this episode turned out to be the perfect introduction to the Simpson family. Though some viewers had already been exposed to Groening’s characters through a series of animated shorts on The Tracy Ullman Show, giving the family its own show allowed the characters to be fully fleshed-out as viable, entertaining, and ultimately relatable figures.

“Roasting” opens with a school pageant, where both Bart and Lisa perform (and Bart gets yanked off stage for substituting his own irreverent lyrics for “Jingle Bells”). On a shopping trip to the mall, Bart sneaks away to get a tattoo, and Marge must spend the Christmas fund to get it removed. When Homer finds out he’s not getting a Christmas bonus, and subsequently discovers that the family will have no money to spend on presents, he secretly takes a job as a mall Santa to earn money for the holidays, but doesn’t earn quite as much as he expected. A desperate, last-minute stop at the greyhound racing track provides the family with an unexpected yet delightfully appropriate gift.

The episode establishes many of the tropes that have recurred throughout the series’ run: Homer’s rivalry with and disdain for his neighbor, Ned Flanders; Mr. Burns’ greed; Bart’s mischievousness and unadulterated love for television; Lisa’s cautious, eight-year-old cynicism (juxtaposed with her constant desire for a pony); Marge’s trusting nature; Patty and Selma’s dislike of Homer; and Grandpa’s sometimes-pathetic, sometimes-hilarious senility. There are, of course, some distinct differences between this early adventure and the show’s more polished later episodes: Moe’s bar is a little cheerier than it would soon become, the rough edges of the animation are still evident here, and some of the iconic character voices have yet to be determined (most notably, Dan Castellaneta was still voicing Homer as a gravelly Walter Matthau-type at this early juncture), but the hallmarks for the show are well-established in this episode.

There is a sweet sentimentality to this episode, which is not to say that there are not some elements of the show’s trademark acerbic wit. Still, while “Roasting” is not nearly as satirically incisive as some subsequent episodes of the show (particularly during what I would argue is The Simpsons’ “golden age,” from season three through season eight), it certainly sets the proper mood for the series.

These days, nearly five hundred episodes later, The Simpsons catches a lot of flack for supposedly not being as “good” as it was during the 1990s. And though it may be true that the show has become … well, a little lazy in recent years, there is still enjoyment to be found in the adventures of the many denizens of Springfield.

“Simpsons Roasting On an Open Fire” can be found on the first disc of the Season One DVD (complete with commentary from creator Matt Groening, executive producer James L. Brooks, and the episode’s director, David Silverman), and was also included on the Simpsons Christmas DVD along with other classic episodes like “Mr. Plow” and “Miracle on Evergreen Terrace.”

Don’t Worry, John. The History Books Will Clean It Up.

Posted on by under historical accuracy is for pbs, holiday picks, magnificent musicals, they made movies after 1970?

“I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is called a disgrace, that two are called a law firm, and that three or more become a congress.” – John Adams, 1776 … and he’s played by Mr. Feeny (William Daniels)!

In 1972, someone decided they should film a musical about the Declaration of Independence. Now, to tell someone that this is a movie worth watching using that very description can be a difficult sell. It’s one of those things that you just have to see to understand. For one, it’s hilarious. Really, that’s the big point here. Oh, sure, they put in plenty of historical accuracy, including some things we usually don’t consider – such as the roles of women, how truly nightmarish the army was, how unlikely the success really would appear, and the fact that it was truly that new of a movement.  Sure, there had been wars and insurgencies before, but a colony becoming a country? Well, we considered it quite new, anyway.

Lord knows the temperature's hot enough to hatch a stone, let alone an egg.

If you’re trying to learn the fundamentals of the Revolution, this could be a good way to do it (that’s how I was introduced to the film in the first place – and it worked!), especially if you have an ear for lyrics and quotations. If you’re not that into history, then it can be fun to watch how the Founding Fathers interact with lots of drama, personal agendas, bawdy humor, and really silly musical numbers.

Wait.

Silly musical numbers? That’s right, and this includes Ben Franklin, the inventor of the modern world. There are songs that accurately describe politics, visions of the time, actual debates, and then some rather silly pieces that are just that quotable – with bonus points for putting the following words into a song: Connecticut, homicide, extemporania, pop the cork, participle, predicate, and sexual combustibility. These are in no particular order. Now, you have to go watch it to see how they managed it.

This is a great selection for your Independence Day celebrations or for winding down after them tonight (also, TCM is playing it today at 2PM).  Most of the material is a picture of the issues and politics back then, as well as the politics now – not much has changed, except there were possibly a greater population of men with brilliant minds and true vision for progress (Ben Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and others a little less known, all in one room). Still, it was still a political game. Overall, it’s both effective and entertaining. The debates did happen. The dirty jokes and entendres probably happened. The musical numbers probably didn’t, but now we know how awesome it would have been if they had.

Yankee doodle boy.

Posted on by under holiday picks

Happy Independence Day to our readers in the United States! I’m heading off in a moment to spend the day floating on the lake … and to complete my transformation into a red, red lobster-like creature, a process that started yesterday (sunburns are a bitch).

In honor of our nation’s birthday, I’m posting a clip from one of my favorite musicals, Yankee Doodle Dandy, as James Cagney tears up the stage performing the title number. This, folks, is sheer effervescence in action.

I’ll be watching this one tonight, as I tend to do every year on July 4th. What patriotic (or not so patriotic) films will you be watching this holiday?

I love this Christmas-y time of year

Posted on by under holiday picks, nikki's faves, they made movies after 1970?

Last Christmas, Brandie and Carrie each talked about some of their favorite Christmas movies so since this is my first year as an official contributor, I decided to do the same.

Here’s a list of some of my favorites:

  • Favorite Classic (as in pre-1970) Christmas Film – It’s A Wonderful Life (though I’m growing fond of White Christmas)
  • Favorite Christmas Scenes in a Classic non-Christmas movie – Desk Set, An Affair to Remember, Auntie Mame
Katherine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy

Santa Claus's Reindeer? ... Dopey, Sneezy, Grouchy, Happy, Sleepy, Rudolph, and Blitzen

  • Favorite Recent Christmas Film – How the Grinch Stole Christmas (yup I like both versions)
  • Favorite animated version of A Christmas Carol – Stingiest Man in Town
  • Favorite Live Action version of A Christmas Carol – Tie between Muppets and George C. Scott
  • Favorite claymation animated special – Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
  • Favorite animated specials – How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Charlie Brown Christmas, Raggedy Ann and Andy’s Christmas Caper

    Must save Christmas from the Big Bad Wolf

As you can imagine just from that short list, if I tried to talk about of all my favorites, we would be here until next Christmas before I got even close so I’m just going to pick three of my favorites from childhood to talk about: Prancer, Santa Claus: The Movie, and One Magic Christmas.

Prancer (1989)

Prancer is the story of Jessica Riggs and her faith and determination to help a reindeer she believes is Santa’s reindeer Prancer get back to Santa on Christmas Eve. Featuring Sam Elliot as Jessica’s dad John who is trying to keep his family together after his wife has died (though sometimes he’s not sure what to do with his daughter) and Cloris Leachman as their grouchy neighbor Mrs. McFarland who Jessica brings a little Christmas cheer, this one has lots of heart. Jessica is at that age where most of her friends have stopped believing in Santa. Jessica still does because to her believing in Santa is like believing in God. When her best friend Carol says well maybe there isn’t a God, Jessica gets very angry because if there is no God then there is no heaven so what happened to her mom. One of the funniest parts is where Prancer (who Jessica hid in the barn after finding) gets into the house while the kids are at school and John is sitting at the breakfast table and can’t tell what is going on. If you’re looking for a story of childlike faith and putting that faith into practice, this is the one to watch.

Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

David Huddleston

Yo!

This one tells the story of how Santa and Mrs. Claus came to be at the North Pole and how Santa was fairing in the 80s. This film has a great cast including David Huddleston as Santa, Dudley Moore as the creative if not always thorough elf Patch, and John Lithgow as unethical toy manufacturer B.Z. One of my favorite parts is when Dooley the head elf is reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” not long after it is written. He gets to the part describing Santa and Santa takes great offense to the comment about his belly being like a bowl full of jelly. Everyone is trying very hard not to laugh and all his wife can say is that it’s the cookies implying that he could go on a diet. The special effects are exactly what you expect from the 80s but I think that just gives it some charm especially the twinkle effect they use for Santa going up and down chimneys and the reindeer flying. This is a fun one if you haven’t seen it in a while or for the first time.

John Lithgow and Dudley Moore

One Magic Christmas (1985)

Mary Steenburgen

Starring Mary Steenburgen, Harry Dean Stanton, and Jan Rubes as Santa Claus, this film tells the story of a very stressed mom that has lost her Christmas spirit. Ginny (played Steenburgen) is struggling to hold it together after her husband Jack loses his job (and thereby their factory owned house) right at Christmas time. Jack is determined to make Christmas as best he can for their kids but Ginny cannot see any point in the waste when they should be focused on packing and him finding a new job. Harry Dean Stanton is the Christmas angel Gideon that appears to the couple’s daughter Abbie asking for her help to help give Ginny her Christmas spirit back.

Gideon the Christmas Angel with Abbie

 In almost a It’s a Wonderful Life-esque manner, Gideon is able to remind Ginny that Christmas is about the people in your life not the presents and lights. I actually came to this movie a little bit later in life as we couldn’t find it on tape until sometime around 1998. This is one of my stepdad’s favorites and has replaced It’s a Wonderful Life as our Christmas Eve Christmas movie. So if you are tired of IaWL but want something similar, give this one a try.

What are some of your favorite Christmas movies?

Well, It’s Not Good, But It’s a Reason

Posted on by under 4-star films, carrie's faves, holiday picks, magnificent musicals

 

I am so excited to post about one of my absolute favorite Christmas classics: White Christmas. Starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as two former soldiers who met during WWII, this film has everything that makes the classics (and Christmas movies) great–comedy, music, very talented cast, quotable script, misunderstandings, and of course, a happy ending.

“Isn’t this cozy? Boy, girl, girl, boy?”

Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me

It wouldn’t be quite accurate to say that White Christmas got me into classic film, but it was one of the first that I loved. It’s isn’t Christmas until I’ve watched it (or perhaps watched it repeatedly). I love the music. In addition to some great catchy tunes and of course, “White Christmas,” I love Rosemary Clooney’s performance of “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me.” I love her tone, her taking her time with it. It’s beautiful, and in my opinion, no one quite matches her performance of it.  No wonder you’ll find it in The Essential Rosemary Clooney.  During this scene in the film, you may also recognize one of her dancers from West Side Story. But, I digress.

“If you had nine kids and spend five minutes, just five minutes with each of them, that’s 45 minutes, and I’d have time to go out and get a massage or something.”

Phil and Judy

Watching Phil and Betty (Clooney)’s sister Judy try to pair Bob and Betty is quite the comedic act with all the confusion of a Shakespearean comedy. Add to that Bob’s special Christmas surprise for the former General and you have the makings of a great comedy. Danny Kaye manages nice comedic expression and timing, although is more inclined toward dance than physical comedy. Still, his abilities in the musical performing arts serve him well, here. He comes off as a bit less of a clown than comedic classics like Donald O’Connor (but who can match “Make ‘Em Laugh” for physical comedy? Not many), but he maintains a lovable Puckish quality that offsets Crosby’s straight-man quite nicely.

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney

“I don’t seem to have my wallet.”

“What? Did you leave it in your snood?”

And Bing Crosby. I almost hesitate to comment, because what more is there to say? The essential Christmas crooner moves smoothly through the film, maintaining a consistency that allows the other characters’ idiosyncrasies to really shine through, be it Phil or General Waverly’s meddling housekeeper Emma. And he sings “White Christmas.” ‘Nuff said.

Getting to the finale...

“I got along just fine without you in the army.”

“Yes, and it took fifteen thousand men to replace me.”

Mandy... there's a minister handy.

Betty’s sister Judy is played by Vera Ellen (or Vera-Ellen, if you prefer). Judy is a pinnacle dancer and certainly wasted if not on stage.  In short: amazing. The obligatory musical numbers that fit into this particular plot as rehearsal for a huge Christmas show are charming and enjoyable, instead of distracting.  Off-stage, watching her with Danny Kaye is a treat as well, as Judy leads Phil into a diabolical plan that even makes his conniving conscience nervous.

“Let’s just say we’re doing it for an old pal in the army.”

Betty and Judy: Sisters

Phil and Bob: Sisters

So, have a cup of tea or coffee or hot chocolate or cider, and curl up with White Christmas this year.  I want to reiterate our thanks for reading True Classics… we can’t wait for more next year!

Merry Christmas!

Carrie

*Note: Film quotes may not be exactly verbatim, but they’re close.