It is time for sitting around the TV with family and hot chocolate, and lots of booze, and watching Christmas movies. There are so many, good or otherwise, that everyone knows about. You’ve probably seen A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and a few versions of A Christmas Carol. So, here are a few suggestions for more unusual Christmas film viewing.
The Hog Father: On the night before Hogswatch (a Holiday very much like our Christmas), the Hogfather has vanished, so Death puts on the red suit and a fake beard and tries to play the part while his granddaughter attempts to save the season…and the world. A delightful version of Terry Pratchett’s novel. This is perfect for those with a slight “Addams Family” outlook on life.
Fitzwilly: A team of servants rob from the rich to keep their broke (and unaware) mistress living the high life. When a new secretary is brought in from outside their criminal fold at Christmastime, the jig might be up, but romance is also an option. An old fashioned romantic comedy that should not be obscure, but is since it has never been released on DVD. If you’re lucky you can catch it on TCM. Dick Van Dyke is at his best as the suave butler and Barbara Feldon gets one of her few good roles.
Bell Book and Candle: A witch decides she wants a publishing executive who happens to be engaged to an old enemy, so enchants him at Christmastime. A fun romance with a great cast: James Stewart, Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, Nicky Holroyd, Ernie Kovacs, Elsa Lanchester. The gender sensibilities are a little old fashioned, but Novak is breathtaking as a powerful “modern” witch and Lemmon is hysterical as a less powerful warlock.
Trancers: A policeman from the future must travel back in time stop a plague of zombies. OK, this might not be a classic, but it is loads of fun. Watching Tim Thomerson’s cop, Jack Deth, fight a zombie Santa while a young Helen Hunt in an elf costume looks on makes this something you can’t miss. Besides, you need one horror movie at Christmastime.
We’re No Angels: (And I’m not talking about that 80s De Niro film of the same name) Three escapees from Devil’s Island find their way into a small shop. Their plan is murder and robbery, but somehow they end up bringing needed Christmas cheer for a troubled family. Why isn’t this one of those Christmas flicks everyone watches every year? It a joy from start to finish. Humphrey Bogart plays the lead villain in a rare comedic role and it is directed by Michael Curtiz, my favorite director who also helmed White Christmas.
That should get you going. What’s your favorite unusual Christmas films?