FESTive Vote for your holiday favorites
ne of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season is the assortment of films and television specials that bring families together in the living room. From old Hollywood treasures to modern comedy classics, the genre has something for every member of your family and friends. Visit dailyitem.com/inside_pennsylvania to vote for your holiday favorites through Dec. 20. The “winner” will be announced on Dec. 23 in the Applause section of The Daily Item. Below is a list of classic and modern movies to get you into the holiday spirit.
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“WHITE CHRISTMAS,” PARAMOUNT PICTURES, 1954
“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE,” RKO RADIO PICTURES, 1946
Post-WWII audiences thought this film was too grim. George Bailey did not get to live the life he had envisioned. His early dreams took a backseat to reality. When the life he doesn’t yet know he loves is threatened by a mean banker, George’s “dark night of the soul” happens on Christmas Eve. George Bailey’s joy on realizing what a wonderful life he is living — thanks to Clarence, his angel — is a wonderful holiday message. 12
NOVEMBER 2021 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA
“NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION,” WARNER BROS.,1989
The Griswolds’ plans for a wonderful family Christmas prove that — at their house — if something can go wrong, it will go wrong. Viewers also learn “It’s not good to have a squirrel living in your Christmas tree.” Clark and his family had to learn this lesson, and one or two more, the hard way. In the end, despite the chaos, the fires, and the bonus that never came, it is Clark’s wife and children who give him a reason to celebrate the holiday.
Two WWII army buddies are now a famous song and dance duo. When they save a sister act from being arrested on trumped-up charges, the four new friends end up on the same train to Vermont where the sisters are booked for the holiday. The general, for whom Bob and Phil had served, now owns the inn, which is heading to bankruptcy. So, of course, everyone has to join in to help the general “save the inn.” “A CHRISTMAS CAROL,” ANY INTERPRITATION
Scrooge’s dead partner, Marley, pays him a visit on Christmas Eve to tell him he must change his ways. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future take Scrooge on a journey through time and force him to witness his “slide” into miserliness. When he realizes what he has become, he does the smart thing: He changes. Dickens attention to the needs of the poor in
