It's A Miracle!

I know, I know… it is still incredibly early, but I can’t help myself! Because it is Black Friday, I decided to talk about a movie that relates to a store that is incredibly American. Macy’s. So, if you guessed correctly, Miracle on 34th Street.

I actually saw this film well before It’s A Wonderful Life. I fell in love with little Natalie Wood and the lovely Maureen O’Hara at first sight (the first film I saw with either or them). This film captures the true spirit of Christmas, and is as timeless as Christmas itself.

In this classic film, a man who claims to be Santa Claus [Edmund Gwenn] is hired as such at Macy’s department store. He becomes a huge hit with the customers. Doris Walker [Maureen O’Hara], the special events director, learns that the man calls himself Kris Kringle. Ms. Walker, a cynic when it comes to Christmas, has trained herself as well as her daughter Susan [Natalie Wood] to reject all ’notions and belief of fantasy.’ However, everyone starts to see notice something special in Kris. After failing a mental examination, Kris becomes institutionalized as insane. But a young lawyer named Fred Gailey [John Payne], a friend of Ms. Walker, decides to take on his case and defend him, arguing that he truly is who he says he is.

I’m a sap, yes, but I cry at many of the parts. I really can’t spoil it if you haven’t seen it, but I will attach my favorite scene below.

I give the movie four out of four stars. It’s worth every minute of waiting and finally watching. Edmund Gwenn is the only actor to date, to win an Oscar for his portrayal on Santa Claus. And in fact, he was the Santa Claus in the actual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade back in 1946. OH, and you should definitely check out the movie’s trailer! It is one of the most creative ones I’ve seen.

White Christmas

If you didn't already know, I was born on Christmas Day back in 1990. I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of year. And exactly one week from today [on Black Friday], Christmas begins! Okay, well, it actually starts Thanksgiving night for me... but anyway, in the spirit of my favorite holiday, I'm writing about one of my favorite Christmas singers, who just so happens to be an actor, too!

We've all grown to love Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby back in 1903. Although parts of his life are sketchy, such as his the relationship with his children from his first marriage or the affair with Grace Kelly, he made such beautiful music. His voice is phenomenal, which Louis Armstrong described as "like gold being poured out of a cup." It was truly remarkable.

His two biggest selling singles were 'White Christmas' (which became the best selling single for over 50 years until broken by Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind') and 'Silent Night,' both which were awarded platinum discs. He was the first person to sing 'White Christmas', and he first performed it on his NBC radio show, The Kraft Music Hall, back on Christmas in 1941. Many musical artists have also recorded the song, but nothing can compare to Bing Crosby's voice.

When most people think of a Bing Crosby movie, perhaps most commonly Holiday Inn, The Bells of St. Mary's, or even The Country Girl come to mind. Nope, not for me. My favorite Bing Crosby film, however, is a Christmassy one. White Christmas. I love so many scenes in that movie, and it might be that one because it has Danny Kaye in it (if you've ever seen National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, you can imagine the importance). I love Rosemary Clooney's voice, Bing Crosby's of course, the setting, the plot... oh, the film is to die for.

White Christmas (1954) - "After leaving the Army after W.W.II, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis team up to become a top song-and-dance act. Davis plays matchmaker and introduces Wallace to a pair of beautiful sisters (Betty and Judy) who also have a song-and-dance act. When Betty and Judy travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show, Wallace and Davis follow, only to find their former commander, General Waverly, is the lodge owner. A series of romantic mix-ups ensue as the performers try to help the General."

The movie has a number of great and memorable parts. Among some of my favorites include all the parts when they are on the train... the four of them singing at the end in their lovely red outfits [that all coordinate], the 'Sisters' song sung by the Haynes sisters, and of course, Danny and Bing's take on the song, wearing several of their accessories and laughing as they make us all laugh.

Oh, it is such a heavenly film. I really love it, and I can't wait to see it again this year :]