Isn’t this the most wonderful time of the year for story telling? And what more beautiful stories than the ones we’ve lived ourselves, often woven from traditions we’ve been passed on and love to carry on or from the ones we create ourselves as time goes by? And so, for a special Christmas blog post, I have gathered a few of my favourite artists, all incredibly inspiring ladies, some of whom I was happy to have as guests before, to share their favourite Holiday traditions. Reading their heartwarming stories brought back happy childhood memories and rushed in the anticipation of the fête that is always spent in the company of family and friends and that underlies a spirit of joy and warmth and maybe a little magic too. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
(1947). A heartwarming tale about an angel, Cary Grant, who helps a bishop, David Niven, who has become distant from his wife, Loretta Young, while trying to raise funds for building a cathedral, find his path and appreciate what he has. Cary is perfect for the part, not overplaying it, using just the right amount of his remarkable charm, resulting in one of his most beguiling roles. Given the subject, the picture might be wrongly typecast as sentimental whimsey, but it subtly refrains from being too morally poignant, taking instead a more human and humorous approach.
(1946). Probably one of the most beloved films (not only Christmas films, as, in fact, there was never Frank Capra’s intention for it to be pigeonholed a “Christmas picture”) of all time and a genuine American classic. James Stewart delivers one of his many great performances as a small-town dreamer, who loses and finds his way again. The film is so special because it’s a celebration of the lives and dreams of ordinary citizens, a moving examination of the worth of a single man’s life.
(1947). The power of faith and belief is stronger than anything else. Susan, superbly played by an eight year old Natalie Wood, knows “the truth” about Santa from her mother. But she learns to believe in miracles, with the help of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwen), who insists he is Santa Claus. Gwen truly lives his role in a performance that makes you want to believe in Santa again. Or maybe you do?
(1940). Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan) and Alfred Kralik (James Stewart) both work in a gift shop and they can’t stand each other, without realising they have been corresponding by mail. But more than the love story itself, I liked the story of the shop, with the daily atmosphere and with every employee leaving his or her print on their work place. Ernst Lubitsch’s humour is brilliant and the director makes great use of the Christmas setting for a subtle commentary on consumerism and salesmanship.
was Marlene Dietrich’s first American film. For her role as cabaret singer Amy Jolly she was nominated to the Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The top hat, tuxedo and white bow-tie she wears for her first performance in the film became her signature look. To say that her opening number, when she is dressed up as a man and kisses a woman in the audience, was a provocative scene for 1930, would be an understatement. She wears trousers only in that sequence, but it is Dietrich in that tux that stays with you and I think this is the look most often associated with the image of Marlene Dietrich.
, by Caroline Young | credit: Paramount Pictures
(1955), gave the rebellious teenager an identity. The 1950s were the time when jeans became a wardrobe staple for teenagers. When James Dean put on his Lee jeans, an entire new look was launched. Dressing down became the new revolution.
