What Is Your All Time Favorite Christmas/Holiday Movie?

[Tigger]

What Is Your All Time Favorite Christmas/Holiday Movie?

 

Whatever reasonably-interesting epic is playing at the local Bijou on Xmas day, to get me out of the damned apartment

 

About 15 years ago I had some non-religious friends, and for two years in a row we went to the movies on Christmas. The theater was surprisingly full. The first year we saw The Fellowship Of The Ring. The next year The Two Towers. I moved after that and never saw The Return Of The King.

[+ MasssageGuy]

My favorite is

It's a Wonderful Life

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_a_Wonderful_Life

 

Movie was made in 1946, now fast forward to 2008 when the "financial meltdown" occurred.

 

I know many friends who lost their homes due to the greed and avarice created by sub-prime lenders. Have we learned anything?

 

[+ WilliamM]

I remember that the early 1964 CBS broadcast of "The Wizard of Oz" was hosted by Danny Kaye.

 

CBS was also broadcasting "The Judy Garland Show" that TV season.

 

No problem, just a strange quirk that Judy did not host it.

[MrMiniver]

"White Christmas" for the cast (Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen) and the many Irving Berlin songs, not the story.

 

I like elements of this -- as you mentioned -- but find Danny Kaye simply unwatchable. A film critic friend of mine says that of all the golden age stars he's the one who is the most dated and the most "how did that guy ever become a star?" That choreography number must be the worst musical number on film. Kaye is so over the top effeminate that I find it painful to watch. Crosby is his wonderful laid back self. Also, Vera-Ellen is so anorexic that it is sad to see her. Her legs are like sticks.

 

If only Astaire had been well enough to do this -- Kaye was his replacement -- we might have had a really good film.

[MrMiniver]

You pegged ALL of mine lol!! (Cuddles - "vat is catastrophe is good thing?" ) But perhaps MY fave NO ONE has mentioned yet which is ALSO a Stanwyck film which is largely forgotton since the team's classic (Stanwyck and MacMurray) Double Indemnity overshadows it, is "REMEMBER THE NIGHT". He's a NY DA she's a tough hardened career 5th Ave shoplifter he's had locked up over the Holidays awating trial he's persuaded by her lawyer to get her released for the holidays and she's pissed cause JAIL was her only warm bed and meals she's homeless so since he's driving to his family farm he offers to drive her to her estranged mother's she hasnt been home in 2o years the mother is awful she doesn't want her there so he takes her home with him to spend xmas with his loving cookie-baking mother and aunt it's a real home that she never had she's transformed and well, watch the movie if you can

* The mother and aunt are Buleah Bondi (the mother in Its Wondrfl Life" and Elizabeth Patterson (Lucy's neighbor Mrs. Trumbal) doesn't get any better

 

And I love the very subtle (and most wouldn't have noticed it) way that the filmmaker's have a BLACK waiter explain to Cuddles what it means "catastrophe is from the Greek ..." at a time when blacks were given only minor roles in films. I always thought that was clever. "Irish stew? That's goulash with turnips!"

 

Remember the Night is always great fun, as well.

[Tonyko]

And I love the very subtle (and most wouldn't have noticed it) way that the filmmaker's have a BLACK waiter explain to Cuddles what it means "catastrophe is from the Greek ..." at a time when blacks were given only minor roles in films. I always thought that was clever. "Irish stew? That's goulash with turnips!"

 

Remember the Night is always great fun, as well.

I read in someone's autob that when he first came to SoCal to make his first movie in 30's he was in such awe of the weather and lifestyle and that everyone had a pool he wrote his wife in Budapest I think and said SELL everything we own and come here now

[borgerback]

1. Holiday Inn

2. The Bishop's Wife (original)

3. A Christmas Story

4. A Christmas Carol (CBS TV movie version with George C. Scott as Scrooge and Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present)

5. Scrooged

 

I don't gush over Justin Timberlake, neither his music nor his look are my thing - but he really is the Bing Crosby of our generation - sing, dance, act. They need to remake Holiday Inn with him in the lead role . . .

[geminibear]

I don't gush over Justin Timberlake, neither his music nor his look are my thing - but he really is the Bing Crosby of our generation - sing, dance, act. They need to remake Holiday Inn with him in the lead role . . .

 

I had never thought about that, great observation borgerback.

[+ Gar1eth]

What Is Your All Time Favorite Christmas/Holiday Movie?

 

Whatever reasonably-interesting epic is playing at the local Bijou on Xmas day, to get me out of the damned apartment

I like elements of this -- as you mentioned -- but find Danny Kaye simply unwatchable. A film critic friend of mine says that of all the golden age stars he's the one who is the most dated and the most "how did that guy ever become a star?" That choreography number must be the worst musical number on film. Kaye is so over the top effeminate that I find it painful to watch. Crosby is his wonderful laid back self. Also, Vera-Ellen is so anorexic that it is sad to see her. Her legs are like sticks.

 

If only Astaire had been well enough to do this -- Kaye was his replacement -- we might have had a really good film.

 

That's interesting. I've seen White Christmas since I was a child and loved it. I also love Danny Kaye in it. The only place I really think he looks feminine is during the Sisters Number. Some of his mannerisms are very broad. But that's what I expect from a comedian in this type of movie from this time period. It's the same kind of thing you see in old Martin and Lewis films.

 

Gman

[+ Funguy]

Very old movie but one of the funniest I've seen: The Ref - stars Denis Leary, Judy Davis, Kevin Spacey

[+ WilliamM]

That's interesting. I've seen White Christmas since I was a child and loved it. I also love Danny Kaye in it. The only place I really think he looks feminine is during the Sisters Number. Some of his mannerisms are very broad. But that's what I expect from a comedian in this type of movie from this time period. It's the same kind of thing you see in old Martin and Lewis films.

 

I agree, and I have not loved every Danny Kaye film. But, he's excellent in "White Christmas." Let me repeat one of your comments for whomever it was who thought Danny was feminine: "That's what I expect from a comedian in this type of movie from this time period. It's the same kind of thing you see in old Martin and Lewis films."

[Tonyko]

That's interesting. I've seen White Christmas since I was a child and loved it. I also love Danny Kaye in it. The only place I really think he looks feminine is during the Sisters Number. Some of his mannerisms are very broad. But that's what I expect from a comedian in this type of movie from this time period. It's the same kind of thing you see in old Martin and Lewis films.

 

Gman

Danny Kaye - (we've ALL heard the urban legend Danny Kaye and L Olivier lovers story he snuck on board some oceanliner to spend the whole crossing w Olivier etc) WAS unique ie as the boxer in The Kid From Brooklyn and the orig Walter Mitty no? He was (technically lol) the first "rapper" too, forget the movie some midevil musical w knights and damsels etc he does a VERY early very rap talk song The Vessel with the pessel etc"

*late in life he did a great TV movie drama true life story about a Holocaust survivor petitioning to stop neo nazi's from legally holding a march and rally in Indiana.

[+ WmClarke]

Danny Kaye - (we've ALL heard the urban legend Danny Kaye and L Olivier lovers story he snuck on board some oceanliner to spend the whole crossing w Olivier etc) WAS unique ie as the boxer in The Kid From Brooklyn and the orig Walter Mitty no? He was (technically lol) the first "rapper" too, forget the movie some midevil musical w knights and damsels etc he does a VERY early very rap talk song The Vessel with the pessel etc"

*late in life he did a great TV movie drama true life story about a Holocaust survivor petitioning to stop neo nazi's from legally holding a march and rally in Indiana.

The Court Jester, I think.

[+ Gar1eth]

Danny Kaye - (we've ALL heard the urban legend Danny Kaye and L Olivier lovers story he snuck on board some oceanliner to spend the whole crossing w Olivier etc)

 

I don't know about that. Tell me more.

*late in life he did a great TV movie drama true life story about a Holocaust survivor petitioning to stop neo nazi's from legally holding a march and rally in Indiana.

 

I think it was Skokie, Illinois not Indiana. If I remember correctly, it was in 1979. I was a senior in high school. The ACLU defended the Nazis for free speech issues. Interesting because if the Nazis were in power they'd ban the ACLU. The Nazis picked Skokie because there were a lot of Holocaust survivors there.

 

Gman

[+ WmClarke]

I don't know about that. Tell me more.

 

Gman

Didn't Laurence Olivies wife, Joan Plowright, say that LO and Danny Kaye were lovers?

[Tonyko]

I don't know about that. Tell me more.

It's been floating around for years one of the tabloid shows even recreated the scene with Kaye stowing away on board to surprise Larry.

SOME QUOTES:

Kaye was rumored to be bi-sexual, and was said to have had a “relationship” with Sir Laurence Olivier. In any case, his talents so prized back then have not aged well. There was always at look-at-me, show-offy aspect to Kaye’s performing. That doesn’t wear well over time. That’s one view.

------------

Yet for more than 40 years, the truth about Olivier's bisexuality has been subject to denial, prejudice and an extraordinary kind of censorship.

All this changed dramatically last weekend when Olivier's 76-year-old widow, Dame Joan Plowright, a woman of singular honesty and common sense, ended years of circumspection about the sexually ambiguous private life of her late husband in a remarkable interview with Sue Lawley on the radio programme Desert Island Discs.

Dame Joan, herself an acclaimed actress, who was married to Olivier for 28 years, responded calmly to Lawley's references to allegations of homosexual liaisons in the great actor's life.

"If a man is touched by genius, he is not an ordinary person," said Plowright. "He doesn't lead an ordinary life. He has extremes of behaviour which you understand and you just find a way not to be swept overboard by his demons. You kind of stand apart. You continue your own work and your absorption in the family. And those other things finally don't matter."

--------------

It was small wonder that Olivier continued to turn to men. In 1940, he had met the American comedian and future Hollywood film star Danny Kaye, with whom he had a long and flamboyant relationship. Olivier's official biographer, Terry Coleman, regards it as "unsubstantiated", but I have no doubt that it existed.

The Queen's late aunt, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, who was involved with the bisexual and married Kaye for several years, told me quite emphatically that he and Olivier were "épris" ("in love").

And NOEL Coward, who was appalled to witness the two men openly exchanging French kisses in public, despised Kaye, whom he habitually referred to as "randy Dan Kaminski" (David Daniel Kaminski was Kaye's real name).

http://s16.postimg.org/ugcnks9ed/Laurence_Olivier_And_Danny_Kaye2.jpg

[+ WilliamM]

There was always at look-at-me, show-offy aspect to Kaye’s performing. That doesn’t wear well over time.

 

Most of his films are forgotten today, even "Hans Christian Anderson." Danny Kaye had a successful variety show on CBS for four-five years, and a famous TV special with Lucille Ball. His first major success was on Broadway in Kurt Weill's "Lady in the Dark" with Gertrude Lawrence.

 

But, in later years, Danny Kaye's huge ego was apparent in TV interviews especially during the time he volunteered for UNICEP.

 

Ironic that he is fanous now only because of Olivier to whom he will always take second billing.

[Mocha]

I'm a 90s kid, so Home Alone Lol.

[+ Gar1eth]

Most of his films are forgotten today, even "Hans Christian Anderson." Danny Kaye had a successful variety show on CBS for four-five years, and a famous TV special with Lucille Ball. His first major success was on Broadway in Kurt Weill's "Lady in the Dark" with Gertrude Lawrence.

 

But, in later years, Danny Kaye's huge ego was apparent in TV interviews especially during the time he volunteered for UNICEP.

 

Ironic that he is fanous now only because of Olivier to whom he will always take second billing.

 

I don't remember him having a huge ego. But I don't remember interviews of his that well. Didn't he conduct orchestras but couldn't read music? I think I remember an interview with some famous conductor remarking what a great conductor Kaye was and lamenting his lack of formal musical knowledge.

 

I remember seeing The Court Jester and Hans Christian Anderson probably on the late movie when I was a child . I really liked them then. I remember Danny Kaye as much as I remember any of the older generation song and dance men. I mean Bob Hope and Bing Crosby are special. But Danny Kaye, Red Buttons, Van Johnson (supposedly a closeted gay guy), Milton Berle, Red Skelton, Bud Abbot, Lew Costello, and etc are all still memorable to me although I wouldn't expect someone in their 20's to 30's to be that familiar with them unless they are old film buffs. But youngsters that age might not know Doris Day, Lucille Ball, or Carol Burnett either. They don't even know who Johnny Carson is for the most part.

 

Gman

[bigvalboy]

It's been floating around for years one of the tabloid shows even recreated the scene with Kaye stowing away on board to surprise Larry.

SOME QUOTES:

Kaye was rumored to be bi-sexual, and was said to have had a “relationship” with Sir Laurence Olivier. In any case, his talents so prized back then have not aged well. There was always at look-at-me, show-offy aspect to Kaye’s performing. That doesn’t wear well over time. That’s one view.

------------

Yet for more than 40 years, the truth about Olivier's bisexuality has been subject to denial, prejudice and an extraordinary kind of censorship.

All this changed dramatically last weekend when Olivier's 76-year-old widow, Dame Joan Plowright, a woman of singular honesty and common sense, ended years of circumspection about the sexually ambiguous private life of her late husband in a remarkable interview with Sue Lawley on the radio programme Desert Island Discs.

Dame Joan, herself an acclaimed actress, who was married to Olivier for 28 years, responded calmly to Lawley's references to allegations of homosexual liaisons in the great actor's life.

"If a man is touched by genius, he is not an ordinary person," said Plowright. "He doesn't lead an ordinary life. He has extremes of behaviour which you understand and you just find a way not to be swept overboard by his demons. You kind of stand apart. You continue your own work and your absorption in the family. And those other things finally don't matter."

--------------

It was small wonder that Olivier continued to turn to men. In 1940, he had met the American comedian and future Hollywood film star Danny Kaye, with whom he had a long and flamboyant relationship. Olivier's official biographer, Terry Coleman, regards it as "unsubstantiated", but I have no doubt that it existed.

The Queen's late aunt, Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, who was involved with the bisexual and married Kaye for several years, told me quite emphatically that he and Olivier were "épris" ("in love").

And NOEL Coward, who was appalled to witness the two men openly exchanging French kisses in public, despised Kaye, whom he habitually referred to as "randy Dan Kaminski" (David Daniel Kaminski was Kaye's real name).

http://s16.postimg.org/ugcnks9ed/Laurence_Olivier_And_Danny_Kaye2.jpg

 

You have some of the most interesting posts here Tonyko...

[+ Gar1eth]

PS-I always thought Danny Kaye was handsome. I wouldn't have minded kissing him in his younger days!!

 

Gman

[Mikegaite]

I keep obsessively checking this thread hoping the guy I'm spending Xmas with will post here so that I can make a mad dash to Amazon and purchase his favorites in time for his arrival. Alas...

 

I was struggling to come up with an answer of my own. However, being the incredibly narcissistic porn star that I am, I'm going to vote for my soon-to-be-released yet-to-be titled porn movie in which i flip fuck in front of a Christmas tree. It was filmed at my house in front of my very own Christmas tree, so it has a special place in my heart, as do each and every one of my clients, past, present, and future.

[TruHart1]

I keep obsessively checking this thread hoping the guy I'm spending Xmas with will post here so that I can make a mad dash to Amazon and purchase his favorites in time for his arrival. Alas...

 

I was struggling to come up with an answer of my own. However, being the incredibly narcissistic porn star that I am, I'm going to vote for my soon-to-be-released yet-to-be titled porn movie in which i flip fuck in front of a Christmas tree. It was filmed at my house in front of my very own Christmas tree, so it has a special place in my heart, as do each and every one of my clients, past, present, and future.

I'll have to go with Mike on this! I am sure it will be my very favorite Christmas movie once it is released! After all; hunky Mike Gaite, his amazing ass AND in front of his Christmas tree! What more could anyone ask for at Christmas? It's certain to be a holiday film I'll watch again and again!!!;)

 

TruHart1

[Tigger]

It's certain to be a holiday film I'll watch again and again!!!;)

 

TruHart1

 

So one of those holiday films that warms the heart and keeps on giving?

[MrMiniver]

That's interesting. I've seen White Christmas since I was a child and loved it. I also love Danny Kaye in it. The only place I really think he looks feminine is during the Sisters Number. Some of his mannerisms are very broad. But that's what I expect from a comedian in this type of movie from this time period. It's the same kind of thing you see in old Martin and Lewis films.

 

Gman

 

As a film professor, I'll beg to differ. I can't think of anyone supposedly straight (which he wasn't in real life, of course) playing so effeminate as Kaye does in that film. And it's just not in the Sisters number. He overly does it throughout the film. Even the dance numbers, he's very very effeminate compared to the other dancers of the time. But far apart from that, I find his schtick really unpleasant to watch. He has become so badly dated in a way that others of the period are not. He was "of his time" and his style of "entertainment" has not held up particularly well. I think it's why he is not as fondly remembered -- generally speaking -- as others of the period.