Christmas

The Ruggles – Christmas Eve (1949)

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“Christmas Eve” is a 1949 short film directed by James Sibley Watson and Melville Webber, featuring the Ruggles family on Christmas Eve.

The film begins with the Ruggles family preparing for Christmas Eve. The father, a printer, is working on printing a Christmas story while his wife and children decorate the tree and prepare the meal. As the family gathers around the tree, the father reads the story he has printed, “The Night Before Christmas.”

After the story, the family sings Christmas carols together. Suddenly, they hear a knock on the door. It is a poor woman with a baby, seeking shelter from the cold. The Ruggles family welcomes her in and offers her food and a place to rest. As the night goes on, more people arrive seeking shelter, including a group of carolers and a homeless man.

The Ruggles family continues to welcome each person with open arms, sharing what little they have and spreading the joy of Christmas. As the night comes to a close, the father reflects on the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of kindness and generosity.

The film ends with the family gathered around the tree once again, singing “Silent Night” and sharing the love and warmth of the holiday season.

Writer:
Howard Wright, Irving Phillips

Stars:
Charles Ruggles, Erin O’Brien-Moore, Margaret Kerry

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The Great Rupert (1950)

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“The Great Rupert” is a 1950 American Christmas comedy film directed by Irving Pichel and starring Jimmy Durante, Terry Moore, and Rupert the Squirrel. The film tells the story of a struggling family living in a run-down apartment building who find unexpected help from a talented squirrel named Rupert.

The family, consisting of Pete (Tom Drake), his wife Polly (Moore), and their daughter, are behind on their rent and facing eviction. Meanwhile, a failed vaudevillian, Louie Amendola (Durante), and his partner, Frank Dingle (Frank Orth), have been hired to perform at a neighboring building. Louie discovers that Rupert has a knack for collecting money, and convinces the squirrel to help him steal from the tenants in the apartment building.

As the scheme unfolds, Rupert becomes a sort of guardian angel to the struggling family, sneaking money into their apartment and causing chaos for Louie and Frank. The film culminates in a heartwarming finale that sees the family’s fortunes turn around thanks to Rupert’s help.

“The Great Rupert” is a classic family film with plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. The film is notable for its use of a trained squirrel in the title role, and for its talented cast, which includes the beloved comedian Jimmy Durante. The film has become a holiday classic and is still enjoyed by audiences today for its timeless message of hope and generosity.

Directors:
Irving Pichel

Writer:
László Vadnay, James O’Hanlon, Harry Crane

Stars:
Jimmy Durante, Terry Moore, Tom Drake

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Beyond Tomorrow (Beyond Christmas) (1940)

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“Beyond Tomorrow,” also known as “Beyond Christmas,” is a 1940 Christmas fantasy film directed by A. Edward Sutherland. The story revolves around three wealthy and lonely businessmen named George, Allan, and Michael who decide to spend Christmas together.

While vacationing in New York City, the three men meet a young woman named Jean Lawrence and invite her to join them for dinner. They all get along well, and the three men feel a deep connection with Jean.

However, tragedy strikes when the three men are killed in a plane crash on their way home from vacation. After their deaths, they become ghosts and try to help Jean and her struggling career as a singer.

The ghosts arrange for Jean to meet a young and ambitious businessman named James Houston, and the two begin a relationship. However, the ghosts fear that James is not the right man for Jean and try to intervene.

In the end, the ghosts are able to help Jean find true love with Jim, who is revealed to be the long-lost son of one of the businessmen. The film ends with the three ghosts ascending to heaven, content that they were able to help Jean find happiness.

The film is notable for its heartwarming story of love and redemption and its themes of generosity and selflessness. It also features an early use of special effects to depict the three ghosts and their interactions with the living world.

Directors:
A. Edward Sutherland

Writer:
Adele Comandini, Mildred Cram

Stars:
Harry Carey, C. Aubrey Smith, Charles Winninger

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