Festive Tidbits: Vintage "Santa" Christmas Cards

 

Here's a little Christmas in July action with a selection of vintage cards featuring everybody's favorite (which were previously shared on Twitter)...

My Favorite Films : The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

 

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

(Here's the first in a new series spotlighting my favorite Christmas flicks. The funny thing is, I love The Shop Around the Corner so much i actually skipped watching it last year. I've found annual viewings of some holiday favorites makes them a bit too familiar. An overindulgence in A Christmas Story has actually ruined the movie for me in recent years, so I try to show a bit more restraint and skip a year or two on some of my faves.)

 

The holiday season is filled with cherished traditions, including gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and watching heartwarming movies. One such film that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas and has stood the test of time is the 1940 classic, "The Shop Around the Corner." Directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, this enchanting romantic comedy has captivated audiences for decades. "

"The Shop Around the Corner" is set in Budapest and revolves around a charming little gift shop. Alfred Kralik (played by James Stewart) and Klara Novak (played by Margaret Sullavan) are employees at the shop who initially clash with each other. Unbeknownst to both, they are anonymous pen pals who have developed a deep bond through their heartfelt correspondence. As the story unfolds, the film beautifully captures the essence of love, friendship, and the magic of the holiday season.

In this delightful film, Alfred and Klara's relationship evolves from animosity to love. As the Christmas season approaches, tensions rise in the shop, and Alfred and Klara's true identities as pen pals are revealed. This revelation tests their budding romance, leading to a climax filled with heartfelt emotions. The film masterfully intertwines humor, drama, and romance, ensuring a captivating viewing experience.

Christmas serves as the backdrop for the story in "The Shop Around the Corner." The holiday season symbolizes hope, unity, and the power of human connection. The film beautifully captures the anticipation and joy that Christmas brings, as characters search for happiness and find solace in unexpected places. The festive atmosphere, adorned with decorations and holiday cheer, adds an extra layer of warmth and enchantment to the narrative.

The characters in "The Shop Around the Corner" are richly developed and endearing. Alfred Kralik, portrayed by James Stewart, is a kind-hearted and thoughtful man with a hidden depth. Margaret Sullavan's Klara Novak is spirited, independent, and searching for love. The supporting cast brings additional charm, including Frank Morgan as the shop owner and Joseph Schildkraut as the arrogant sales clerk. Each character adds their unique flavor to the film, making them relatable and engaging.

At its core, "The Shop Around the Corner" is a love story that emphasizes the power of genuine human connection. The film explores the transformative nature of love and how it can overcome barriers, even in the face of misunderstandings. The blossoming romance between Alfred and Klara is heartwarming, reminding us that love can be found in unexpected places. Their story is a testament to the magic of love and the hope it brings during the holiday season.

Since its release over eight decades ago, "The Shop Around the Corner" has left an indelible mark on cinema. Its timeless themes and memorable characters continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. The film's enduring legacy is a testament to the exceptional storytelling and the universal messages it conveys. "The Shop Around the Corner" remains a beloved Christmas film that brings joy and warmth to viewers around the world.

"The Shop Around the Corner" has had a significant influence on the Christmas film genre. Its portrayal of the holiday spirit, coupled with a captivating narrative, set a precedent for future films to follow. The film's success inspired other filmmakers to explore similar themes of love, hope, and redemption during the holiday season. Its influence can be seen in subsequent classics such as "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street," solidifying its place in the canon of Christmas cinema.

One of the central themes of "The Shop Around the Corner" is hope. The film reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility for redemption and a brighter future. Through its characters' journeys, the film explores the transformative power of second chances, forgiveness, and the belief in the inherent goodness of people. These themes resonate deeply with audiences and make the film a timeless holiday favorite.

The gift shop in "The Shop Around the Corner" serves as a symbol of community, dreams, and aspirations. It represents a microcosm of society, where individuals from different backgrounds come together, striving to find happiness and purpose. The shop acts as a catalyst for personal growth, fostering relationships and providing a sense of belonging. Its significance within the film reinforces the importance of human connections and the shared experiences that make the holiday season so special.

Despite being released in 1940, "The Shop Around the Corner" remains relevant and resonates with audiences of all generations. Its universal themes and relatable characters transcend time, making it a timeless classic. The film's ability to evoke emotions and transport viewers to a bygone era is a testament to its enduring appeal. Whether watched during the holiday season or any time of the year, "The Shop Around the Corner" continues to captivate and enchant.

"The Shop Around the Corner" has left an indelible mark on popular culture. It has inspired adaptations, including the beloved musical "She Loves Me" and the romantic comedy "You've Got Mail." References to the film can be found in books, TV shows, and other movies, highlighting its enduring influence. Its timeless themes and memorable characters continue to inspire and entertain audiences across different mediums.

FAQs

Q1: Is "The Shop Around the Corner" a family-friendly film?

Yes, "The Shop Around the Corner" is a family-friendly film suitable for all ages. Its heartwarming story and gentle humor make it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings.

Q2: Are there any remakes or adaptations of "The Shop Around the Corner"?

Yes, "The Shop Around the Corner" has inspired adaptations such as the musical "She Loves Me" and the romantic comedy "You've Got Mail."

Q3: Where can I watch "The Shop Around the Corner"?

"The Shop Around the Corner" is available on various streaming platforms, and it is often aired on television during the holiday season. Check your local listings or popular streaming services for availability.

Q4: Who directed "The Shop Around the Corner"?

Ernst Lubitsch directed "The Shop Around the Corner." His skillful direction brought the story to life and contributed to the film's enduring charm.

Q5: Is "The Shop Around the Corner" considered a Christmas classic?

Yes, "The Shop Around the Corner" is widely regarded as a Christmas classic due to its heartfelt story, festive atmosphere, and enduring popularity among audiences.

Vintage Christmas Jukebox Day 5

 

Eleven more holiday treats from Christmases Past. 

Here's the Complete Playlist 

 Funny Little Snowman - Bobby Sabatino

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth - Danny Kaye & The Andrews Sisters

 Remember Suite Christmas - Deanna Lee

Getting That Christmas Feeling Sherry Lyn & Dialtones

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Joe Brown

I Got A Cold For Christmas (1954) - The Ames Brothers

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas (1949) - Ray Smith

 Christmas Boogie - The Davis Sisters

Christmas Tree ~ The Voices of Walter Schumann, Bill Lee (Soloist) (1954)

Mele Kalikimaka (1950) - Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters

Christmas Time Is Here - Billy Scott

Ordeal By Hallmark (Part Three) Our Italian Christmas Memories , The Royal Nanny, Reindeer Games Homecoming , A Gingerbread Christmas, Holly and the Hot Chocolate...

You know how upset people got with Netflix when they felt that the Dahmer miniseries had been mistagged? That's sorta how I feel when people call these Hallmark-style products Christmas movies.

This installment of my masochistic foray into assembly line holiday fare is a bit late because after subjecting myself to watching these flicks I couldn't face revisiting their memory to write up this post - until now.

Our Italian Christmas Memories 

Yeah. I've experienced a fair few Italian Christmases over the years, and none of them were this dull, soulless, and phony.

Not a genuine or likable character in sight.

Unrewatchable 

The Royal Nanny

Meh spy comedy, meh romance, meh Christmas. 

Nice to see Greta Scaachi, but that's about it. Still, not badly made, just not particularly well written. Letting a more skillful screenwriter give the script a thorough polishing would have fixed a lot. Alas...

Meh (as previously indicated)

A Magical Christmas Village 

I generally like Allison Sweeney in this kind of stuff, and it's nice seeing Marlo Thomas out and about but other than that, nada.

Unrewatchable

Let's try something from Lifetime 

Reindeer Games Homecoming 

Maybe it's because I was bummed that this wasn't a sequel to the underrated Ben Afleck action flick, but I actually, for the first time this season, dozed off during one of these. I don't think I missed much but what I saw seemed like a fairly good film school audition tape. Not scholarship material but with a few years of training, who knows, they might produce something that feels like a real movie. That would be cool.

Meh

Changing channels again to Great American Family...

A Merry Christmas Wish

You had me at Jill Wagner, and Cameron Mathison is a pro but the script...oof. I feel like I've already seen this 20 times before, and often to better effect.

Meh

A Royal Christmas on Ice

What does it say about the genre when terrible filmmaker extraordinaire Fred Olen Ray makes one of the better Christmas romances, I've seen so far this year. It's not good, obviously, but it is a professionally produced TV movie, so it automatically rises toward the top of the list. 

Watchable 

Good lord, this has been a slog, and I'm not convinced that switching to a pair of Up releases will brighten my mood. 

A Tiny Home Christmas 

Another real estate soap, this time it's a failing contractor trying to save the family business with some seasonal virtue signaling. Dreck.

Unrewatchable 

The Christmas Retreat

Home shopping Channel host levels of acting ability pair beautifully with home shopping channel levels of production design to make this forgettable flop.

Unrewatchable 

One last Hallmark joint

Love at the Christmas Contest 

Even less original than a Merry Christmas Wish. It could have been a parody but made by people with no sense of humor.

Unrewatchable 

Now it's Food Network's time at the tinsel trough...

 

A Gingerbread Christmas 

Can you get salmonella poisoning through a monitor?

Once again proving that not only has Food Network stopped making watchable food shows, but they're picking up Hallmark's sloppy seconds and producing crappy Christmas movies.

Unrewatchable 

Last, but at least not least is..

Holly and the Hot Chocolate

What's more ludicrous than food networks  Christmas movies and yet totally on brand for these times? QVC making Christmas movies. And yet it sucks less than most of what I've suffered through in this ordeal. The script has some snap to it and a few of the performances are actual performances.

Considering QVC already has higher production values than most basic cable movies so maybe it shouldn't be a surprise. 

Vintage Christmas Jukebox Day 4

 Vintage Christmas Jukebox Day 4

Here's another collection of vintage holiday tracks, some familiar, some relatively obscure, for your festive enjoyment.

Here's a link to the Playlist featuring all of today's tunes 

  I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Graham Donald

  Hole In The Stocking - Denise Regan

 Santa Claus Boogie - The Voices

  The Christmas Turkey - Shad And Mike

 How Lovely is Christmas - Bing Crosby

 Rock Around the Christmas Tree ~ Big Bud (1955) 

 Tony Raymond – “The Infant King” (UK Oriole) 1962 

 Too Fat For The Chimney - Teresa Brewer

 Arthur Godfrey – “Pine Cones And Holly Berries” (Contempo) 1963 

  - A Merry Christmas At Grandmother's House - Danny Kaye & The Andrews Sisters

 Merry Christmas Polka (1949) - The Andrews Sisters