Movie Lists - Christmas Classics
Want to get into the Christmas spirit? Try one of these classic Christmas films found in the Park Ridge Public Library collection.
Holiday Inn (1942)
Bing Crosby runs an inn that's only open on holidays. Co-starring Fred Astaire, this film introduced the song "White Christmas."
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Barbara Stanwyck is a New York magazine writer with a false country homemaker persona who faces ruinous exposure over Christmas.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
James Stewart is a good man facing despair one Christmas. His only hope is his guardian angel.
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
An angel (Cary Grant) comes to Earth to help a bishop (David Niven) but is in danger of falling in love with the man's neglected wife (Loretta Young).
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A dear old man maintains he is Santa Claus, a claim that sees him endangered by a sanity hearing. Stars a very young Natalie Wood.
A Christmas Carol (1951)
Perhaps the best version of Dickens' venerable tale. Stars Alastair Sims. (Also available at the Library are versions starring Patrick Stewart, George C. Scott, Kelsey Grammer, and Seymour Hicks.)
White Christmas (1954)
The former troops of a retired WWII general rally when his business is threatened by failure. Stars Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and Danny Kaye.
Scrooge (1970)
Albert Finney stars in this musical version of "A Christmas Carol."
A Christmas Story (1983)
Set in 1940s Cleveland, a boy schemes to get the Red Ryder BB gun that he wants for Christmas.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswold clan finds that vacations at home aren't any more restful. Stars Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid.
Home Alone (1990)
A young lad is inadvertently left behind during a family Christmas vacation and ends up protecting his house from a pair of bumbling thieves.
Elf (2003)
Raised as an elf in Santa's workshop, a man strikes out into the real world to seek out his real father. Stars Will Ferrell and James Caan.