Before I start, allow me to invite you to download, ABSOLUTELY FREE, this collection of winter holiday stories, including my own “The Pratty Who Saved Christmuss,” a Holly Jahangiri story.
LET IT SNOW! SEASON’S READINGS FOR A SUPER COOL YULE!
In no particular order:
Mom and I just watched this for the first time last year, and we loved it. Bill Murray, when he doesn’t go over the top, is superb. And I adore Carol Kane, so this was a treat, indeed.
Even though it’s a John Wayne movie and I’m not madly keen about John Wayne, and it ends with what was, in those days, considered the oh-so-funny spectacle of a man turning a woman over his knee and spanking her, this stupid movie is a sort of tradition with Mom and me. Lee Marvin is at his drunken best, and Dorothy Lamour is as beautiful as always. And two more words: Cesar Romero.
I know the play was “better” but I love this sugary movie. It makes me happy. Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov, and Aldo Ray star, with Joan Bennett, Leo G. Carroll, BASIL FREAKING RATHBONE. Also: a deadly viper. Christmas fun!
One hour hits the high points, with time for some pretty durn good songs. Magoo is Scrooge, of course.
I detest Miss Piggy, unless she’s taking a swing at somebody I like less, but this is a fun movie, nevertheless. Gonzo as Charles Dickens leads us, along with Rizzo the Rat, through the story. Again, some pretty durn good songs, and Michael Caine astounds by getting teary-eyed over the possible hard fate of a felt frog puppet.
Meanwhile, I’m posting a recipe for Anna Bickel’s Grandmother’s Cranberry Salad at Fatal Foodies today.
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
A WRITING PROMPT FOR YOU: Have a happy winter festival of whatever flavor! HUGS!
MA
jane
December 24, 2013 at 8:53amI am partial to the musical version of Scrooge (called Scrooge! I think), with Albert Finney as the stingiest man in Christendom. I hated the idea, initially, but accidentally flipped through the dancing, singing carrying Scrooge’s coffin to the boneyard scene. Scrooge gets caught up in the merriment, then the Ghost tells him it is HIS demise they are all celebrating. And, oh my, does a great actor show himself legendary!
I agree with Michael Caine! Bill Murray! You know, Groundhog Day comes to mind. Well, it has snow. And I LOVE it. And the message is pretty Christmasy, if you please.
Happy Christmas EVE, friend!
Marian Allen
December 24, 2013 at 9:03amI could fill a top-ten list entirely with Christmas Carol versions, but I already had three out of the five, so I branched out a little. ~grin~ I love that version and that particular number, too! Thank ye very much — Thank ye very much! Now I wanna get up and dance!
Happy Christmas Eve to you, too, friend!
Jo
December 24, 2013 at 11:29pmLoved Scrooged. I watch the old A Christmas Carol every year and never get tired of it. Thanks for the book pressie Marian – can’t wait to read it! And Merry Christmas to you and yours and here’s a whole bag of bacon for Katya from the horde – with beakie kisses. XXXX
Marian Allen
December 25, 2013 at 8:13amI have a very old hardback copy of A Christmas Carol that’s been around as long as I have — which is becoming longer all the time. I’m afraid to open it anymore, but I keep it around, anyway, and read newer copies. Like you, I never tire of it. Katya says thanks for the bacon! 😀