Wednesday 8 December 2010

Christmassy Films for Cold Winter Days

Little Women (Collector's Series)I like to watch a TV programme or film while ironing – it makes it much less of a chore. Since the snow and ice have kept me in more than usual, I had no excuse not to get a pile of ironing done. Since there was nothing decent on TV, I watched my old DVD of ‘Little Women’ – the one with Winona Ryder as Jo, Susan Sarandon as the mother and a young Kirsten Dunst as Amy.

A brilliant choice for a cold, snow-white afternoon! Apart from the fact the story takes place around Christmas, with beautiful winter scenery, it’s such a ‘feel good’ film that my eyes were watering (and not from the cold) even before Beth’s sad demise. I’ve always loved the book and film versions but I was struck again by the very distinct characters of the girls, and the way the mother (and author of course) acknowledges how tough it was for women in those days.

I’m sure many of you must have favourite films for this time of year and I wouldn’t be surprised if ‘It’s a Wonderful Life ‘is among them.

Keep warm and safe,
Rosemary

6 comments:

Joanna said...

It makes ironing less of a chore to watch something wonderful at the same time. Little Women is one of my favourites too - a perfect choice for a frosty December day.

I like Meet Me In St Louis as well. It always reminds me of Christmas when I was a child, because it was always shown on television. I used to wish I was part of a large family who held Christmas parties in a beautiful big house. I think there were four sisters in the film. I loved any films with lots of sisters, which of course includes Little Women. I adored my brother, but I would have loved having sisters to share chats and clothes and dreams with.

My three girls love watching The Greatest Store In The World at Christmas and I enjoy it too. However, it's the old films I remember from when I was young that have the greatest appeal. My absolute favourite at Christmas is The Man Who Came To Dinner with Bette Davis. Really funny dialogue and set in the run-up to Christmas.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Joanna - thanks a lot for all those great film suggestions.

I know what you mean about sisters - I had 4 brothers and I have the one sister. Although she's 10 years older than me, I've really appreciated having her in my life through the years.

I'll look out for some of the films you've mentioned.

joanne fox said...

I was an only child, and I loved anything about big families. Little Women was always a favourite book.

Joanna mentioned Meet Me In St Louis, which is just a wonderful film - but the bit where Judy Garland sings 'Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas' always makes me cry!

I also love musicals, Mary Poppins, and anything like a gothic ghost story.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Joanne - I'm afraid I cry very easily at happy scenes. I too like musicals and gothic stories, whether ghostly or not!

As for Phantom of the Opera - I was mesemerised by it at the the theatre and I still love the film version.

Elizabeth McKay said...

Little Women is my second favourite book after To Kill a Mockingbird. As for films, anything with Bette Davis or James Stewart will do for me.

Rosemary Gemmell said...

Hi Betty - good choices. One of my friends bought me a beautiful Folio copy of TKaMB - a book to treasure.