I just finished wathching " It’s a Wonderful Life" for about the 50th + time. Each time I watch it, It’s like for the first time. Uplifting, joyful,with alternate tears and smiles throughout. I find myself looking forward to it’s airing . Gives me a great perspective on the season and life in general. A great motion picture from a great time past long ago. 
Mark
Well said, Mark. Those were the days when quality entertainment was top priority in Hollywood.
In My opinion Miracle on 34th Street is right up there too. I have watched it at least once every year since 1959.
I love Christmas Story when the DOGS run through the house grabbing the TURKEY on their way out the door.
The family sitting in the Chinese Restaurant singing Christmas songs with the Chinese people.
Doug 
P.S. Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite actors.
DShock,
I second the Christmas Story. Watched it twice this Xmas and still love it. We’ve all had neighborhood bullies like Scott Farkis and it sure is nice to see them get their due. 8T
It’s a Wonderful Life was made in 1946. It wasn’t a big hit when it came out. It wasn’t untilt the 1970’s when it was released to TV and pounded into the ground with re-run after re-run that it gained popularity. What ever the case, it truly is a magnificant Christmas tradition today. There are only about 9 of the origional cast alive today. The little ZuZu is one of those and she does appearance’s to the delight of those who get to meet her. My favorite part is always when George Baily gives Mt. Potter the what for at the board meeting. Potter, the perfect Scrooge! In fact, I think he even said Ba Humbug, how scrooge is that?
A Christmas Story. I loved it when Ralphy rubbed the Major Award stocking legged lampshed up and down. His eyes were as big as scaucers and it was obvious his mom was not too pleased with his exhurberance. “What is it? Why it’s a major award…” Another favorite spot, the furnace backfireing black smoke up the vents. Cuss, cuss, cuss the ole man vented!! They don’t get much better than Gene Shephard. Do you remember on TV, “Gene Shephard’s America”>
A classic, especially when he recalled his growing up and his “ole man” Good stuff!!
It’s very interesting to me that Artists and Movies don’t become famous until generations of people examine them.
I’m not interested in Christmas Movies that are boring. Christmas Story IS a STORY! I appreciate originality. A song, movie or book that takes us back in time to moments that were positive, are important to our happiness.
It’s funny that Ralphie’s Mother said that he couldn’t have a BB gun because he would shoot his eye out!
I guess I did a lot of POUTING when I was a kid because my Mother would tell me that a BIRD was going to land on my lower lip!
Or “If you keep making that face, it will stay that way permanently!”
Doug
Of course I don’t mean to exclude from the “greats” the movies mentioned. And how about , A Miracle On 34th Street, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn ? These were movies that will hopefully live on and on.
Mark
Fly Goddess,
Don Knotts (Barney) is a American Institution!.
Doug P.S. He had to be wise WHEN he shot his gun because he only had ONE bullet.
Fly Goddess: You will mellow with time and TCM will be your savior. Only instead of old 40 and 50’s stuff, by then it will be 80’s and 90’s. Such is the advancement of time. Enjoy while you can.
Nostalgia. Sounds like a medical term doesn’t it. When you’re young, you don’t give a hoot for nostalgia, but when you get a few years on, it can be a very powerful memory trigger. Even though you weren’t there (inside the movie) it brings memories of how things were when you were younger. The above mentioned movies are all great stories, but another story is told by the settings and the circumstances of the people in the stories. For me, nostalgia is medicine. (like a restored bamboo flyrod) It keeps me grounded in my roots, and evokes memories of people and events in my own life. Along with the above mentioned stories, some of my favorite oldies are: “To Kill a Mockingbird”, “Father Goose”, “Three Godfathers”, and dozens of old westerns. They come from a different time, and different mindset. I mourn for the demise of the master moviemakers of the past. My .02
Good thread.
:oops: :lol: You know what is really sad about Christmas Story???
I remember wearing the RED SNOW SUIT!!!
Byron,
BTW, while I haven’t been there yet, the house in Cleveland where that movie was filmed has recently become a museum…complete with the famous “leg lamp”. I believe it opened Thanksgiving weekend & many cast members attended. Sadly, we couldn’t make it.
Mike
The toughest, meanest kid in my high school was a GIRL! She had her own gang. I would be walking down the hall, see her and her gang lined up against the lockers and I TURNED right around! :shock:
Her father was a Longshoreman and I think she was just as tough as he was. My mother got into it with her and she told my mom that she was going to BEAT ME UP! I graduated unhurt.
Doug
Other great films with a holiday theme that I always watch at this time of the year:
A Holiday Affair with Robert Mitchum and an incredibly gorgeous Janet Leigh.
The Bishop’s Wife with Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven
I also make a point to watch The Best Years of Our Lives with Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, and Harold Russell just because it is probably my favorite picture of all time.
My very dear Ohiotuber, it is the very lack of flavoring that makes Ivory the gourmet of soaps. Should you wish first hand edification, please allow me to commend your attention to a bar of Octagon Soap ™. 'Tis a miracle that I was able to get any cavities at all during childhood…
Ed
EdD,
Why ain’t we lucky! Lava was threatened, but never used!
Mike :lol: