CHRISTMAS MOVIE FAVORITES

ALL ABOARD!

At this time of year, despite the seasonal Hallmark channel films, I find myself still turning back to the old reliable ones.   There are three in particular that hold special significance for me.  Right now, I'm watching It's a Wonderful Life.  This is a film that I never tire of seeing.  The characters of George (Jimmy Stewart) and Mary (Donna Reed) Bailey are quite typical of how good people cherish the good times and handle adversity in times of stress.  The values of love, sacrifice, and faith in this film are priceless.  The Bailey couple are unique in that not many newlyweds would give up their honeymoon to save the family business in time of crisis.  They remind us of what community really meant in Smalltown, USA.   The film also addresses the impact each of us has on another person and how we are interconnected.  As George prays for guidance, he becomes despondent, contemplates suicide, and wishes he'd never been born.  His prayer is answered by his guardian angel, Clarence, who has to save George in order to get his wings.  Clarence, reminds George that, "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"  Finally, the richness of a person is not judged by dollars and cents, but by how much a person is loved and respected by his fellow man.  As Clarence wrote in the opening pages of the book he left, "Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love Clarence."  It's no wonder then that this has become a favorite at Christmas with the message of good will toward men...and women.

This same "richness" is seen in the heartwarming film, It Happened on Fifth Avenue. Victor Moore as the homeless Aloysius T. McKeever takes up temporary residence in the mansion of Michael J. (Charles Ruggles) and Mary O'Connor (Ann Harding).  The O'Connor's have been divorced ever since Michael's obsession with wealth and power took precedence over family.  Even  their daughter Trudy (Gale Storm) ran away from school so she could become more self sufficient.  McKeever finds himself playing landlord to Trudy, Army vets Don Defore (Jim), Alan Hale, Jr. (Whitey) and entourage while they find employment and housing for their families in post WWII days.  McKeever runs a tight ship and insists that everything used needs to be put back just the way they found it.  The O'Connor's reconcile, Trudy marries Jim, and while some might consider it too simplistic, I find it to be most refreshing.  It's ironic that one who would be underprivileged like McKeever would teach one of the richest men in New York City what it is to be truly rich and blessed.  In Mike O'Connor's final words, "Remind me to nail up the board in the back fence. He's coming through the front door next winter."

Another favorite is The Bishop's Wife.  This is such a delightful film featuring David Niven, Loretta Young, and a handsome Cary Grant.  For those unfamiliar with this one, it's the story of Henry Brougham (Niven), a clergyman whose promotion to bishop has caused him to lose sight of the people in his family and congregation.  His preoccupation to raise funds for a cathedral built to the specifications of his wealthiest parishioner (Gladys Cooper) alienates him from the people who cared for him.  As in It's a Wonderful Life, Henry prays for help from a higher power and an angel named Dudley (Cary Grant) is sent to him.  Dudley assumes the people functions of the parish, including the bishop's wife Julia. Once Henry gets his priorities straight, it's time for Dudley to leave.  Cary Grant as the angel brought so much to this film.  My favorite part is the Christmas Eve sermon that Dudley has written for Henry: 

Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.
Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts.
But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It's his birthday we're celebrating. Don't let us ever forget that.
Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.

As I see the posts on Facebook stating we need to keep the Christ in Christmas, this sermon always comes to mind.  This film makes me think of the true meaning for the celebration.  We've even forgotten to hang up the stocking for the Christ Child, a baby born in a manger and not even in a home.  Take some time and be thankful for all the blessings you have, no matter how large or small.  

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!!