Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the internet...

...The TCM Classic Film Festival announced a few new titles yesterday, including FOOTLIGHT PARADE (1933), an audience favorite which is sure to pack the theater. Other titles include the Rin Tin Tin silent CLASH OF THE WOLVES (1925), accompanied by Ben Model, and a 70th anniversary 3D screening of HOUSE OF WAX (1953).

...At Comet Over Hollywood Jessica reviews the delightful TV classic CINDERELLA (1965), which starred Lesley Ann Warren in the title role.

...The latest Blu-ray announcements from Kino Lorber Studio Classics include Shirley Temple in LITTLE MISS MARKER (1934), due out on March 7th, and HIGH, WIDE AND HANDSOME (1937), which is said to be "coming soon." The latter film, which I reviewed here a dozen years ago, stars Randolph Scott and Irene Dunne; it was directed by Rouben Mamoulian and features a score by Jerome Kern.

...I enjoyed Silver Screen Suppers on INTERNATIONAL VELVET (1978), a film I've been fond of since I first saw it on TV when I was on a college trip to England a few years after its release.

...From the Wall Street Journal: Bob Iger vs. Bob Chapek: Inside the Disney Coup. No one comes off well, including Disney CFO Christine McCarthy, who engaged in backstabbing skullduggery. McCarthy has previously alienated Disney guests when she justified saving money by serving smaller portion sizes of food as being "good for some people's waistlines." Reading in the article that she previously suffered from anorexia makes her tacky attempt to absolve herself of cost-cutting blame even more unfortunate.

...Glenn Erickson's latest CineSavant reviews at Trailers From Hell include REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940), on Blu-ray from Powerhouse Indicator, and the restored INVADERS FROM MARS (1953) from Ignite Films. Glenn says that INVADERS FROM MARS is the "disc of the year," and referring to its delayed release says "...it's 1000% worth the wait." My own copy of INVADERS FROM MARS just arrived a couple days ago, and I'm looking forward to reviewing it soon. Both REMEMBER THE NIGHT and INVADERS FROM MARS include plentiful extras.

...2022 additions to the National Film Registry include THE LITTLE MERMAID (1989), WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989), and IRON MAN (2008). All worthy additions, but the complete lack of any feature films released prior to 1950 is troubling.

...Based on the teaser trailer, next summer's BARBIE (2023) movie looks like a wild ride. Margot Robbie plays the title role, with Ryan Gosling as Ken.

...December 18th is the birthdate of faves Betty Grable and Lynn Bari, and I'd like to invite readers to visit my birthday tributes to these great ladies; Grable's may be read here and Bari's here. Each post is packed with review links for viewing ideas to enjoy their work.

...Notable Passings: Stuart Margolin, a longtime colleague of James Garner's who is probably best remembered for his role as Emmy-winning role as Angel on THE ROCKFORD FILES (1974-80), has died at 82. His other collaborations with Garner included directing the excellent TV-movie THE LONG SUMMER OF GEORGE ADAMS (1982).

...Please note that Around the Blogosphere This Week will not appear on Christmas Eve. It will return on New Year's Eve. Merry Christmas!

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please check out my December 10th roundup.

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Tonight's Movie: A Hollywood Christmas (2022)

A HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS (2022) is a giddy, amusing Christmas comedy available for streaming on HBO Max.

Ironically I have let my subscription to HBO Max go, as I wasn't watching it very often, but I managed to check out this movie on the last day before dropping the service.

I watched the film thanks to the recommendation of my friend Rachel, whose comment that the movie was set on the Warner Bros. lot particularly caught my eye.

I've visited the lot numerous times over the years, most recently in 2018, and anyone familiar with it -- even from classic films and TV's GILMORE GIRLS -- will get a kick out of the very recognizable settings, which are onscreen for much of the film's running time.

I really liked Jessika Van who plays Jessica, a young Hollywood director who's made her name in the Christmas movie genre.

It's "Christmas in July" as Jessica and her lead actors Chloe (Riley Dandy) and Jeb (Zak Steiner) film on a warm summer day. Jessica is startled when network exec Christopher (Josh Swickard) shows up with the news that new studio management is shutting down the Christmas movies division. Jessica will be able to finish the current film -- though there are complications -- but after that her professional future is up in the air.

Jessica's assistant Reena (Anissa Borrego) isn't particularly worried, however; she see's Jessica's conflict with Christopher in classic Christmas movie plot terms and is confident that all will be well if they simply let the real-life "plot" unfold and work itself out.

It's a goofy film, and somewhat edgier than a Hallmark Christmas movie, but there are some very entertaining moments woven into the script by John Ducey. The film struck me as right on target in some of its very precise "Hollywood" dialogue, and I enjoyed the way the movie walked a line simultaneously lampooning and paying tribute to Christmas rom coms. The film may make fun of the genre's conventions, but Jessica also speaks movingly about why she finds them so important.

Van and Borrego are both quite fun in their roles, and I also especially liked Tom Williamson as Jessica's very patient assistant director. Emelia Hartford stood out in a small but engaging performance as a crew member.

For anyone who has HBO Max, this is an amusing 91 minutes which is worth a look.

The movie was directed by Alex Ranarivelo and filmed by Reuben Steinberg.

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Tonight's Movie: My Southern Family Christmas (2022)

MY SOUTHERN FAMILY CHRISTMAS (2022), the most recent Hallmark Channel holiday film I've viewed, also turned out to be one of my favorites.

It's a well-written film coauthored by Alys Murray and director Emily Moss Wilson, based on Murray's story.

Magazine writer Campbell Wallace (Jaicy Elliot), whose birth name was Alice Bergeron, was happily raised by her mother (Katie Hughey) and stepfather (Brian McNamara), but she's always wondered about her birth father, Everett Bergeron (Bruce Campbell, BURN NOTICE). Everett left home when she was young and they've never had a relationship.

The opportunity to learn more presents itself when Campbell receives a letter from Jennifer (Moira Kelly), Everett's wife, who would like to smooth the way for a reunion between father and daughter. Campbell comes up with a plan to visit Sorrento, Louisiana, where Everett has just been named that year's "Pere Noel." While covering this unique Louisiana tradition Campbell has the opportunity to get to know Everett and his family without disclosing her true identity.

Campbell loves her half sisters Amelia (Anniston Almond) and Mary-Margaret (Adeleine Whittle), and she also develops a relation with Jackson (Ryan Rottman), the town archivist who shares her "nerdy" inclinations. Campbell comes to better understand her father's past demons and why he never contacted her, and she ultimately must decide whether or not to tell Everett that she's his daughter.

The "hidden identity" plot could be tricky, as a story based on a lie has the potential to be exasperating, but it plays out almost unexpectedly well here thanks to both a good script and fine, particularly natural acting.

I thought that Elliott, who appeared earlier this year in Hallmark's ROMANCE IN STYLE (2022), has a unique personality as Campbell; she comes across as both authentic and sympathetic. I very much liked the low-key development of her friendship and then attraction with Jackson and their bantering relationship; their love story develops out of common interests and personalities and struck me as quite realistic.

Character actor Campbell, who last year appeared in Hallmark's ONE DECEMBER NIGHT (2021), has a big fan following, and it's easy to see why; he's excellent here as a man with a past who's reformed and has a great life, except for one large "missing piece."

I didn't particularly care for Kelly when she played Mandy on THE WEST WING way back when, but again she's quite wonderful and natural in this as Everett's wife. I also found the performances of the young actresses playing Campbell's half-sisters to be quite believable; they are charming without being overly cutesy.

Over the last couple years Hallmark stars have periodically turned up in the channel's films in cameo appearances, and in this case Hallmark leading man Wes Brown has a brief role as Campbell's editor. Brown stars opposite Lacey Chabert in this year's HAUL OUT THE HOLLY (2022) which I've heard is fun and hope to watch soon.

MY SOUTHERN FAMILY CHRISTMAS was filmed by Matt Bell on location in Louisiana. It runs 84 minutes.

I don't believe Hallmark has awarded one of their films the Hallmark Hall of Fame designation in the last couple years, but as far as I'm concerned MY SOUTHERN FAMILY CHRISTMAS qualifies. Recommended.

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Tonight's Movie: A Christmas Carol (1938)

I believe MGM's A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938) was the first film version I ever saw of the classic Dickens story, and it's definitely my very favorite.

I'm a great admirer of the 1984 version with George C. Scott, was moved by the 1951 telling with Alastair Sim, and I've enjoyed multiple viewings of other versions -- including those featuring the Muppets and Mickey Mouse -- but it's the short and sweet 69-minute MGM version I return to time and again.

The movie was originally set to star Lionel Barrymore, who played Ebenezer Scrooge regularly on the radio, but when his health forced him to bow out he recommended his friend Reginald Owen play the role, and Owen couldn't be more perfect.

Owen is genuinely scary in his early scenes as the miserly Scrooge, particularly when he fires Bob Cratchit (Gene Lockhart) on Christmas Eve -- then turns on a dime and, in a very limited time frame, he evokes a tear or two as Scrooge looks back at his childhood and youth.

While Owen's transformation in the final scenes on Christmas Day may not have quite the emotional payoff of other versions, I feel that's because the earlier part of the movie avoids going quite as "dark" as some other CHRISTMAS CAROL films. But to my thinking that fact makes the movie an overall more joyous experience.

The script was written by Hugo Butler, but I have a sense that producer Joseph L. Mankiewicz -- known as an excellent script editor -- may have played a role in streamlining the story. The film gets every truly needed plot point across, but it cuts straight to the most important theme.

The main takeaway throughout the entire film isn't so much Scrooge's journey in particular but the love felt among each of the characters -- the Cratchits; Fred (Barry MacKay) and Bess (Lynne Carver); and young Scrooge (Ronald Sinclair), his sister Fan (Ira Stevens), and Fezziwig (Forrester Harvey). Because of this emphasis, this telling has a particular warmth I find very appealing.

Gene Lockhart's performance as Bob couldn't be bettered; at varied moments across the movie's short running time he manages to make me both laugh and tear up. It's quite special to see him opposite his real-life wife, Kathleen, as Mrs. Cratchit, with their daughter June Lockhart in her first film role as their daughter Belinda.

June reminisced about making the movie in a delightful 2014 interview. It's nice to note that as of this viewing, both June and Terry Kilburn, who played Tiny Tim, are still with us; they are now 97 and 96, respectively.

MacKay is a particularly wonderful Fred, whose reassuring presence helps give the film its warm glow. I very much like the way this film bolsters the romance of Fred and Bess.

The rest of the cast is excellent as well, including Leo G. Carroll as Marley's Ghost; Ann Rutherford as a unique, beautiful Ghost of Christmas Past; Lionel Braham as the Ghost of Christmas Present; and Charles Coleman and Matthew Boulton as the "Charity Solicitors." Even the tiny roles are perfection, including Halliwell Hobbes as the minister.

Young Clifford Severn plays the boy Scrooge sends to the butcher shop near movie's end; I wrote about the Severn family here and here.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL was directed by Edwin L. Marin. It was filmed in black and white by Sidney Wagner and the uncredited John F. Seitz. The score was by Franz Waxman.

This film is available on both DVD and Blu-ray.

Related posts: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1951); MICKEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL (1983); Tonight's Theater: A Christmas Carol at South Coast Repertory (2011).

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Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the internet...

...It's hard to believe it's been seven years since a very special evening at the Academy's Linwood Dunn Theater celebrating the 75th anniversary of REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940). Here is a look back and a gallery of stills from this wonderful Christmas movie.

...Steve at Mystery File has reviewed FOUR FAST GUNS (1960), a little Western with James Craig I liked very much.

...A reader recently tipped me off to a 20-film musical collection from Sony/Mill Creek. Although I had a number of these Columbia Pictures films in other formats, there were several I didn't have, and it's a good price for 20 movies!

...The Warner Archive Collection will be releasing five Blu-rays in January. Titles are OUR DANCING DAUGHTERS (1928), WIFE VS. SECRETARY (1936), GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS (1939), RANCHO NOTORIOUS (1952), and THE LONG, LONG TRAILER (1954). A little something for everyone!

...A pair of Joan Bennett films are coming to DVD in the ClassicFlix Silver Series next March: VOGUES OF 1938 (1937) and TRADE WINDS (1938). Can't wait!

...DC films are shifting direction and WONDER WOMAN 3, starring Gal Gadot, will not be going forward, at least as currently envisioned.

...Kino Lorber Studio Classics made several interesting announcements over the past few days. Coming at yet-to-be-announced dates in 2023: IF I HAD A MILLION (1932), with a huge cast including W.C. Fields and Gary Cooper, and WILL PENNY (1967), starring Charlton Heston. (I wrote about WILL PENNY for Classic Movie Hub in 2021.) Coming on February 21st is Steve McQueen in THE HUNTER (1980), and I'm especially looking forward to Charlton Heston in SECRET OF THE INCAS (1954) on February 28th, with a commentary by our friend from 50 Westerns of the 50s, Toby Roan.

...TCM Classic Film Festival tickets are now on sale.

...Notable Passings: June Blair Nelson, who was married to David Nelson (seen here) from 1961 to 1975 and appeared in TV's THE ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET, has passed away at the age of 89...Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71. Best known for TV's CHEERS (and maybe the 1982 film THE WRATH OF KHAN!), I especially enjoyed her in TV's NORTH AND SOUTH (1985-86) and in the film SUMMER SCHOOL (1987) with Mark Harmon...George Newall, cocreator of TV's SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK, has passed on at 88. I enjoyed SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK as a child, and my own children watched it via DVDs...Bob McGrath, an original cast member of SESAME STREET, has died at 90.

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please check out my December 3rd roundup.

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Tonight's Movie: Mingle All the Way (2018)

I was drawn to watch MINGLE ALL THE WAY (2018), a Hallmark Channel Christmas film from a few years ago, by the two top-billed actresses, Jen Lilley and Lindsay Wagner.

I've reviewed Lilley in a few other Hallmark films, which are linked at the end of this post, and I've loved Wagner since her days as THE BIONIC WOMAN (1976-78) and a star of classic TV-movies.

Lilley plays Molly, who with a partner (Casey Manderson) has created a new kind of networking app; named Mingle All the Way, the app is for busy professionals who would like to have a "plus one" to accompany them to social events without mixing in romance.

A potential investor (Rebecca Staab) wants Molly to personally test out the app during the Christmas season, and Molly is matched with Jeff (Brant Daugherty), an advertising executive.

Although they had previously had an unfortunate chance meeting in person, Molly and Jeff end up hitting it off, and Jeff is a particular help as Molly deals with the expectations of her prickly mother (Wagner).

No one will be surprised that romance soon seems in the offing for Molly and Jeff...although things could become complicated by the fact that Molly has not disclosed to Jeff that she's the woman behind the app that matched them.

Other than the referenced relationship complication -- I never like plots where a lot would be easily solved if characters communicated -- I quite enjoyed this film. It moves fast and the lead actors have nice chemistry, making their transition from annoyance to affection believable.

This is a different type of part for Wagner, whose most memorable characters of the past had a great deal of warmth and vulnerability. Chilly Veronica is not a supportive mother, and she also doesn't have a good feel for social cues, creating awkward moments.

However, like Molly and Jeff's characters, the script gradually transitions Veronica so that we see her reactions in a new light. The fact that her character possesses the ability to act as she does in her early scenes remains a bit alarming, but by movie's end we've come to like her.

I also particularly enjoyed Manderson as Molly's fun business partner, who provides her with the support she doesn't receive from her intimidating mother.

MINGLE ALL THE WAY was directed by Allan Harmon. It was filmed by Chris Kempinski in Vancouver, British Columbia.

MINGLE ALL THE WAY is available in a three-film DVD collection just released by Hallmark in November 2022.

Previous reviews of Jen Lilley Hallmark films: HARVEST LOVE (2017), USS CHRISTMAS (2020), and SNOWKISSED (2021).

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Tonight's Movie: Peking Express (1951) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

PEKING EXPRESS (1951), an updated Paramount Pictures remake of the classic film SHANGHAI EXPRESS (1932), has just been released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber.

I had no previous familiarity with this film despite it starring Joseph Cotten, an actor I always enjoy.

PEKING EXPRESS is set in Communist China a few years after the end of World War II. Cotten plays Dr. Michael Bachlin, who is in China on behalf of the World Health Organization. The Chinese track his every move, despite the fact he's there to lend humanitarian aid.

When Michael boards a Peking-bound train in Shanghai, he's shocked to be reunited with his old flame Danielle (Corinne Calvet, THE FAR COUNTRY). They had broken up five years before over issues of trust.

As Michael and Danielle tentatively rekindle their romance while the train makes its way to Peking, they must deal with an attempted murder, guerrilla warfare, being held hostage, and more.

I thought this was an enjoyable film, though it lacks the magic and style of the original, which was directed by Josef von Sternberg and starred Marlene Dietrich and Clive Brook. SHANGHAI EXPRESS was a 3-1/2 to 4-star classic, while PEKING EXPRESS is an entertaining enough 2-1/2 to 3-star movie.

PEKING EXPRESS feels too plot-heavy, with too many characters we don't get to know well taking up too much screen time, at the expense of Cotten and Calvet's character and romantic development. That said, I love Cotten and "train movies" and had a pleasant time watching it despite its imperfection.

IMDb says the movie runs 95 minutes but it appears that's an error, as the print I watched seemed complete and was 85 minutes.

The movie was directed by William Dieterle and filmed in black and white by Charles Lang. The script of this Hal Wallis production was by John Meredyth Lucas. The score was by Dimitri Tiomkin.

The supporting cast includes Edmund Gwenn, Marvin Miller, Benson Fong, Soo Yong, Robert W. Lee, and Victor Sen Yung.

The Kino Lorber Blu-ray looks quite good, particularly where the closeups are concerned. The overall film lacks the visual distinction of SHANGHAI EXPRESS -- no fabulous Dietrich-style fashions here -- with the exterior shots looking particularly mundane; however, when the camera lands on Cotten and Calvet we're treated to some gorgeous faces in a beautiful print.

According to Kino Lorber, the disc was "remastered in HD by Paramount from a 4K scan of the 35mm camera fine grain."

Extras are a commentary track by Eddy Von Mueller and half a dozen trailers for additional films available from Kino Lorber.

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray.

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Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the internet...

...I can't spend too much time contemplating this list or it makes me a little nuts, but for anyone who wishes to peruse the new list of 100 Greatest Films from Sight and Sound, here it is. A great many wonderful directors are missing from the list, including names like Lubitsch, Wyler, and Hawks -- I mean, they've dropped RIO BRAVO (1959) from this year's list?! I suspect trying to narrow down any list to the "100 Best" of world cinema is a fool's errand, in any event.

...The President of the Academy announced that 23 categories of the Oscars will be presented live during the Oscar ceremony on March 12, 2023. Eight categories being cut was a move which was widely derided in 2022.

...Glenn Erickson has reviewed the new Warner Archive Blu-ray release of ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN (1958).

...New on December 10th from Old Mill Press: 3D NATIONAL PARKS: LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE by David A. Bossert. Disney historian Bossert's many other books include 3D DISNEYLAND: LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE, which comes with a pair of 3D glasses. I'm ordering the national parks book on based on the quality of his past books, including the Disneyland 3D book.

...Having seen all of the Jon Hall and Maria Montez adventure films in recent months, I was intrigued by the review of DEPUTY MARSHAL (1949) at Jeff Arnold's West, as it stars Hall, Frances Langford, and Dick Foran, plus Russell Hayden and Julie Bishop. Even better was realizing I actually own a copy! It's going into my (mile-high) "watch" stack.

...Karen makes excellent December TCM recommendations at Shadows and Satin.

...Attention Southern Californians: The El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood will be hosting a New Year's Day marathon of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991), ALADDIN (1992), THE LION KING (1994), and FROZEN (2013)...On December 26th, the Hollywood Legion Theatre will host a matinee screening of MARY POPPINS (1964).

...A movie poster exhibit is opening this weekend at Cal State Northridge.

...Notable Passings: Singer Louise Tobin, who was Harry James' first wife, has died at the age of 104...Character actor Cliff Emmich has died at 85.

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please check out my November 26th roundup.

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TCM in December: Highlights

Happy December!

Historically December is probably my favorite month on Turner Classic Movies, and this year is no exception. There's a great schedule ahead to enjoy.

Ava Gardner is the December Star of the Month on Thursday evenings. This is a centennial celebration for the actress, who was born on Christmas Eve in 1922.

For complete Star of the Month schedule details and several movie review links, please visit my post TCM Star of the Month: Ava Gardner.

December is also a month packed with Christmas movies, including a 'round-the-clock marathon running from December 18th through Christmas Day. Please visit my post TCM in December: Christmas Movies for the complete schedule and numerous review links.

December's Noir Alley titles are DECOY (1946) on December 3rd and 4th, WALK SOFTLY, STRANGER (1950) on December 10th and 11th, and the Christmasy MR. SOFT TOUCH (1949) on December 17th and 18th.

Noir Alley will take the final two weekends of the month off while TCM features the Christmas movie marathon and special programming for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Noir Alley will return on the weekend of January 7th and 8th.

Here are a few additional highlights from TCM's December schedule. Please click any hyperlinked title to read a complete film review.

...A favorite George O'Brien "B" Western, BULLET CODE (1940), will be shown on Saturday morning, December 3rd. O'Brien's leading lady is his six-time costar, lovely Virginia Vale.

...An MGM favorite, HIGH SOCIETY (1956), will be shown on the 4th. It stars Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Celeste Holm, John Lund, and Louis Armstrong. I last saw it at the 2019 TCM Classic Film Festival, where I was reminded that I probably like this film a little bit better than the movie it remade, THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940).

...The theme on three Mondays this month is "Directors' Final Films." December 5th's lineup includes some very good titles, including the superb JOURNEY FOR MARGARET (1942), a drama of the London Blitz starring Robert Young, Laraine Day, and Margaret O'Brien.  It was the final movie directed by W.S. "Woody" Van Dyke.

...The documentary MAX STEINER: MAESTRO OF MOVIE MUSIC (2021) will be shown on Tuesday evening, December 6th, along with three films scored by Steiner.

...Pearl Harbor Day will be commemorated with a daytime lineup of World War II Films, including THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO (1944) and THEY WERE EXPENDABLE (1945).

...A day of British films on December 8th includes my favorite film from director Alfred Hitchcock's British era, THE LADY VANISHES (1938).

...Leonard Maltin hosts a trio of "RKO Musical Sleepers" on December 9th. The films are MELODY CRUISE (1933), HOORAY FOR LOVE (1935), and MUSIC FOR MADAME (1937). This should be a great evening!

...The Saturday morning "B" Western on December 10th is RIO GRANDE PATROL (1950) starring Tim Holt, Richard Martin, and Jane Nigh. In my linked review I called it "a fun, speedy hour with a personable cast."

..."Stars Behind Bars" on December 12th include Lawrence Tierney in a fun "B" film, SAN QUENTIN (1946). Tierney is the subject of a brand-new biography being published next week.

...Only on TCM will you find a tribute to Jean Brooks, which takes place on December 13th. I've seen a majority of the titles screening, including four FALCON mysteries; another Tom Conway film, A NIGHT OF ADVENTURE (1944); and the gem of the day, Val Lewton's THE LEOPARD MAN (1943).

...December 7th, 14th, and 28th the prime time theme is "Movie Neighbors." I especially like the films on the 14th, which kick off with Jean Arthur and Joel McCrea in THE MORE THE MERRIER (1943), followed by Virginia Mayo, Turhan Bey, and George Brent in OUT OF THE BLUE (1947) and then Rock Hudson and Doris Day in PILLOW TALK (1959).

...Mary Astor receives a 10-film tribute on December 15th, including the very good SMART WOMAN (1931), where Astor plays a woman who wins back her wandering husband by playing hard to get. The film has a wonderful part for John Halliday as a man who helps Nancy put her life back together.

...There's another fun "B" Western on Saturday, December 17th: STAGECOACH KID (1949) with Tim Holt, Richard Martin, and Jeff Donnell. It's great having Westerns like these shown on Saturday mornings!

...One of the greatest Astaire-Rogers musicals, SWING TIME (1936), will be shown on December 18th.

...The lineup of "Director's Final Films" on December 26th includes a Robert Taylor Western I'm fond of, AMBUSH (1950), directed by Sam Wood.  The fine cast includes Arlene Dahl, John Hodiak, Don Taylor, and John McIntire.

...A birthday tribute to Sydney Greenstreet on December 27th includes a favorite romantic comedy starring Ida Lupino, PILLOW TO POST (1945). I've seen most of the films showing on the 27th and it's a wonderful lineup, also including FLAMINGO ROAD (1949) and THE MALTESE FALCON (1941).

...The Hitchcock classic REAR WINDOW (1954) is one of the movies on the final night of films featuring "Movie Neighbors" on December 28th. This film is always worth revisiting, and anyone who hasn't had the pleasure should add this one to the calendar.

...A tribute to director William Wyler on December 29th includes MRS. MINIVER (1942), the Best Picture winner starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon.

...Enjoy New Year's Eve with four THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! musical compilation films, followed by half a dozen films in the THIN MAN mystery series.

Finally, a reminder that TCM's Message Boards have closed as of November 30th. They will be available in "read only" format until February 15th, then will be deleted.

For more on TCM in December 2022, please visit my posts Quick Preview of TCM in December, TCM Star of the Month: Ava Gardner, and TCM in December: Christmas Movies, along with TCM's online schedule.

In addition, TCM's December promotional video may be viewed on Twitter or YouTube.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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TCM in December: Christmas Movies

It's time for my annual guide to the Christmas movies being shown this month on Turner Classic Movies!

As usual, Christmas titles are scattered throughout the December schedule, including on Saturdays and Sundays.

This year TCM is repeating the Christmas week movie marathon also held in 2021; this year's marathon will be held from December 18th through Christmas Day.

There's always a small fluctuation in the titles shown from year to year, but most of the familiar Christmas favorites typically shown on TCM will be found on the schedule below.

Please click any hyperlinked title for a complete review. For those films shown multiple times, the review is linked only at the first mention.

Additionally, click on any of the stills to enlarge for a closer look.

Saturday, December 3rd

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (1942)

Sunday, December 4th

CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945)

REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940)

Saturday, December 10th

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME (1949)

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940)

Sunday, December 11th

HOLIDAY AFFAIR (1949)

THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1948)

CHRISTMAS PAST (1925)

Tuesday, December 13th

LADY IN THE LAKE (1947) (Shown as part of an evening of Philip Marlowe mysteries)

Saturday, December 17th

THE CAPTAIN'S CHRISTMAS (1938) (cartoon)

THE SONG OF BERNADETTE (1945)

KING OF KINGS (1961)

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (1965)

MR. SOFT TOUCH (1949) (Noir Alley)

Sunday, December 18th

MR. SOFT TOUCH (1949)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938)

IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE (1947)

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

IN THE GOLD OLD SUMMERTIME (1949)

THE KING OF KINGS (1927)

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE (1983)

MON ONCLE ANTOINE (1971)

Monday, December 19th

HELL'S HEROES (1929)

ROADBLOCK (1951)

AND SO THEY WERE MARRIED (1936)

BOYS TOWN (1938)

TENTH AVENUE ANGEL (1948)

LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY (1938)

THE GREAT RUPERT (1950)

MEET JOHN DOE (1941)

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940)

THE APARTMENT (1960)

METROPOLITAN (1990)

BACHELOR MOTHER (1939)

BUNDLE OF JOY (1956)

ALL MINE TO GIVE (1957)

Tuesday, December 20th

MY REPUTATION (1946)

KIND LADY (1935)

COVER UP (1949)

LARCENY, INC. (1942)

LADY IN THE LAKE (1947)

BACKFIRE (1940)

MR. SOFT TOUCH (1949)

GOING MY WAY (1944)

THE HOLLY AND THE IVY (1952)

O. HENRY'S FULL HOUSE (1952)

PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT (1962)

FANNY AND ALEXANDER (1982)

Wednesday, December 21st

CHRISTMAS PAST (1925)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938)

A CAROL FOR ANOTHER CHRISTMAS (1964)

ALIAS BOSTON BLACKIE (1942)

CROOKS ANONYMOUS (1963)

BLAST OF SILENCE (1961)

3 GODFATHERS (1948)

CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945)

HOLIDAY AFFAIR (1949)

LITTLE WOMEN (1949)

AUNTIE MAME (1958)

BEYOND TOMORROW (1940)

Thursday, December 22nd

BLOSSOMS IN THE DUST (1941)

THE CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE (1944)

THE THIN MAN (1934)

SUSAN SLEPT HERE (1954)

NEVER SAY GOODBYE (1946)

BACHELOR MOTHER (1939)

MA AND PA KETTLE AT HOME (1954)
THE LION IN WINTER (1968)

IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE (1947)
THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (1942)
FITZWILLY (1967)

LADY ON A TRAIN (1945)
THE SILENT PARTNER (1978)

Friday, December 23rd

BUNDLE OF JOY (1956)

THE DAUGHTER OF ROSIE O'GRADY (1950)

ON MOONLIGHT BAY (1951)

OUR VINES HAVE TENDER GRAPES (1945)

ALL MINE TO GIVE (1957)

PENNY SERENADE (1941)

ROOM FOR ONE MORE (1952)

REMEMBER THE NIGHT (1940)

DESK SET (1957)

BELL BOOK AND CANDLE (1958)

SUSAN SLEPT HERE (1954)
THE ROCKING HORSE WINNER (1949)

BIG BUSINESS (1929) (short)

Saturday, December 24th

THREE GODFATHERS (1936)

BEYOND TOMORROW (1940)
THE GREAT RUPERT (1950)

TENTH AVENUE ANGEL (1948)

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940)

IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE (1947)

CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945)

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1947)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938)

MEET JOHN DOE (1940)

ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS (1955)

POCKETFUL OF MIRACLES (1961)

Sunday, December 25th

STAR IN THE NIGHT (1945) (short)

LITTLE WOMEN (1933)

BABES IN TOYLAND (1934)

LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY (1938)

THE APARTMENT (1960)

THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (1942)

HOLIDAY AFFAIR (1949)

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME (1949)

TCM will also be celebrating New Year's Eve just as the network did last year, showing the THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! musical compilation films followed by the THIN MAN series.

For more on TCM in December 2021, please visit Quick Preview of TCM in December and TCM Star of the Month: Ava Gardner, along with TCM's online schedule.

Coming this weekend: TCM in December: Highlights. 

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