Christmas In Connecticut (1945) is my favorite Christmas movie

If I had to choose one Christmas movie to watch during the holidays I would probably choose Christmas In Connecticut (1945). I know there have been countless blogs and posts written about this classic so I won't add another review of this by now familiar tale. Suffice to say, this film works because of just two little words: Barbara Stanwyck. She is positively amazing as columnist Elizabeth Lane, viewed today as the Martha Stewart of her day. Except for the fact that Ms. Lane's description of herself and her abilities is all lies. She can't cook, doesn't know a thing about decorating or antiques, and definitely does not live the family life on a farm in Connecticut as she has told all her loyal readers. Needless to say her lack of skills will be tested when her publisher puts her on the spot to cook a family Christmas dinner for a wounded returning soldier (Dennis Morgan). I simply think this is one of the best of the Christmas films from yesteryear. And when you think about it, the film really is not about Christmas per se, but it's story just happens to take place during Christmas. That won't stop anyone from enjoying this film though. But you will find hearty laughs and a nice comfort feeling while watching this film. As I stated before Barbara Stanwyck is definitely the star of this movie and she carries it like a seasoned professional. Her comic timing, which was not used nearly enough in her stellar career, is perfection. She looks absolutely stunning and plays off her fellow co-stars with ease. Delivering some of the best lines with that sly twinkle in her eyes. One of the scenes I love is when the owner of the magazine requests that she do her sensational high pancake flip that she is famous for. Of course Elizabeth has never tossed a pancake in her life, so the look of her face as she steps up to the stove and grabs the pan to flip the pancake looks like a person marching to the electric chair. I recommend Christmas In Connecticut as a perfect movie to view with friends and family over the holidays. You won't regret it.

Affectionately Yours showing on TCM, Friday June 18th

The lesser known comedy from 1941, Affectionately Yours will be airing on TCM early Friday morning at 4:45 am EST. So set you machines to record this comedy that stars Merle Oberon, Dennis Morgan, and Rita Hayworth. It's been awhile since I've seen it but the story goes like this: A married reporter's assignments carry him all over the world, which gives him ample opportunity to put the moves on the local females. He's in Lisbon attempting his latest "conquest" when he gets word that his wife back home has found another man and is divorcing him. Panicking, he heads back to the US to try to patch things up, but the girl from Lisbon follows him back, determined to take advantage of the situation. Morgan is the husband. Oberon is the wife. And Hayworth is the girl from Libson who is aching for Dennis to get a divorce. The stellar supporting cast also includes Ralph Bellamy, Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen. That's a pretty impressive cast. So if you get the chance to record or watch this comedy gem, please do so.