Must Watch Christmas Movies & TV Shows: Original Stories

The holiday season begets lots of holiday movie and TV watching. Everyone has their favorites and I know I certainly have mine. For the next few days, I will list them in various categories.

1. Original Stories: means just that. The stories are unique, have made an impact in
American culture, and have often been remade and retold throughout the years.

2. Animated: Best animated movies and TV shows

3. Comedies: Makes you laugh at loud.

4. Drama: Tugs at your heart and soul.



I hope you get an opportunity to watch them.


Original Stories:


1. It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
This 1946 movie was the very first movie Jimmy Stewart made after returning from World
War II. The movie received five Oscar nominations including Best Actor for Jimmy Stewart,
Best Director for Frank Capra, and Best Picture. I love this story...how one person can really
make a difference in the life of others.




2. A Christmas Carol (various versions and years)
Charles Dickens' novel of a man needing a second chance to change his life. Ebenezer
Scrooge is given an opportunity to be visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. His old
business partner Jacob Marley shows him what life on the other side will look for Scrooge
if he doesn't change his ways. The story has been retold many times in plays, musicals,
and of course in movies. The best movie versions of the story are:













a. 1951 version starring Alastair Sim
b. 1938 version starring Reginald Owen
c. 1984 TV version starring George C. Scott (nominated for an Emmy for Best Actor in
a Limited Series or Special).
d. 1999 TV version starring Patrick Stewart


3. A Christmas Story (1983)
During the depression, a boy named Ralphie only has one Christmas wish...a Red Ryder
BB gun. The only response he seems to get from his elders are "you will shoot your eye out!!"
Undeterred, Ralphie works out a plan to make his Christmas wish come true. Lots of
funny moments in this movie. This movie has become so popular in the past few years,
that TNT shows this movies for 24 hours on Christmas Eve. Want a leg lamp like the one
that shows up in the movie? Yes, you can get one!!




4. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A story about a little girl (Natalie Wood) whose mother raised her not to believe in Santa
Claus. Then enters a sweet old man named Chris who will try everything he can to make
sure the little girl believe in Santa. However, is Chris who we think he is? Is he just a
sweet old man or is he the jolly old elf himself?





5. Holiday Inn (1942)
A fun story of two friends (Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire) who have different views on
career and life. Crosby, the singer, likes to write music and lead a more quiet life
while Astaire, a dancer, is carefree and loves attention. Crosby makes the decision
to live out in the New England countryside and decides to only work a few times a
year during major holidays. He opens up his home to people and they celebrate
each holiday with a musical based on the theme for that holiday. The two also
compete for the affection of a lovely lady. The movie was nominated for three
Oscars for original writing, music score and won the Oscar for best song,
White Christmas. The movie also inspired the hotel chain Holiday Inn.





6. Christmas in Connecticut (1942)
A columnist (Barbara Stanwyck) has gained a reputation for being the best homemaker
in the country (the Martha Stewart of her day). Well, it turns out that she isn't. A
problem arises when a navy man who survived an ordeal during the war returns home
and wishes to have a traditional Christmas dinner. Stanwyck's editor offers her services
not knowing that she isn't the homemaker everyone thinks she is. Mayhem arises when
she promises long-time beau to marry him in order to make use of his country home so
they can host the sailor and she falls for the said sailor. Please avoid the 1992 TV
version starring Dyan Cannon and directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger.




7. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
This classic movie features a more grown up Judy Garland transitioning from girlish
roles to a more adult role. The movie made quite an impact as it featured two great
songs, the Oscar nominated "The Trolley Song" and the Christmas classic "Have Yourself a
Merry Little Christmas." The movie was also Oscar nominated for Best Score, Best
Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. Scene stealer Margaret O'Brien and Judy Garland
work well together in this story set in 1904 just before the opening of the St. Louis
World's Fair (the fair that introduced the ice cream cone). The Smith family are all
excited about the fair. The two eldest Smith daughters, however, have boys on their
mind especially the boy next door. Lots of wonderful music, great performances, and
great laughs. The movie was directed by Vincente Minelli. He and Garland fell in love
during the making of this movie, they eventually got married and had Liza.