New Year’s is around the corner and WTF will it bring? I hate resolutions too, so I never make any but I do hope to reply to the comments all of you make. I love reading them and seeing which movies you choose. I want to see some movies I have been meaning to see for a long time and want to see more Linda Darnell films. I so appreciate all your kind, kind words this past year as well as your movie choices, I have marked down so many that I will be 159 yrs old before seeing them all. Joel alone gives me one every week. This one isn’t a since it is the last Thursday of the month and it’s about holidays. Wandering through the Shelves creates a great list every year and I hope to see one come up very soon. Here are my 3...
1. BOB HOPE SPECIALS FROM 1950 to 1996
Bob Hope is an institution even if he has been gone since 2003 because he entertained the troops since WW2 all the way until 1990 during Desert Shield. He was away with the servicemen during Christmas than being home. I grew up watching his Christmas specials with many famous stars. The jokes could be a bit stale and the specials a bit camp but I love them and wish we had these types of variety shows back.
This special, from 1977, came on after Bing Crosby died having been filmed in the late summer. This scene, with David Bowie, has now become a classic and rightly so. Bing didn't want Mr. Bowie to appear in his makeup so David is toned down and Bowie didn't think anything much about this but it is great to gave these 2 together. I enjoyed Bob Hope's specials a bit better but they are both timeless.
3. PERRY COMO CHRISTMAS SPECIALS FROM 1974-1994
Perry Como was known as a very relaxed entertainer but also known for his Christmas specials where he travelled to a different country each year..Hawaii, England, the Holy Land, French- Canada and Austria. He did other Christmas shows but I always liked these ones.
Hi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteI pride myself on being an Early Bird, dear friend. Therefore, at the risk of jumping the gun, I want to be the first to wish you a happy 159th birthday (and many more).
During the 1950s and 60s, I watched the Christmas specials of all three of these stars.
I enjoyed the Bob Hope clips showing him entertaining the troops and bringing gorgeous women out on stage to take the boys' minds off the War. They include "the most beautiful girl alive," Miss World, who does a great job of handling the Q & A gags with Bob, and blonde bombshell Joey Heatherton, a genuine "it girl" of the 60s, who dazzles with her singing and flashy dancing. I always enjoyed Bob Hope's stand-up comedy routines. His comic timing and his ability to ad lib were second to none. I like his line to the soldiers fighting the Vietnam War: "The country is behind you 50%."
Over the years I have experienced several times that classic scene with Bing and Bowie performing "The Little Drummer Boy." No Jarring Juxtaposition there. The two seem totally at ease with each other, as if they were lifelong friends. I think it was a good decision not to have Bowie dressed in a bizarre spaceman outfit and his typical makeup. He appeared as himself and it worked. As you pointed out, the scene was made all the more precious when Bing died before it even aired.
Yessum, Perry Como was always relaxed. So was The Binger, Dean Martin, Pat Boone and many other old school crooners. My mother strongly preferred that relaxed style and hated the rock & roll my big brother and I were listening to in the 50s. It wrecked her nerves. Hey, to me, it's a GOOD thing for a song to wreck your nerves. The bonus video of John Candy and the Second City comedy troupe presenting their impression of an elderly Perry Como still trying to perform is a hoot. That's what it is - a hoot. The joke's on them, because Perry never expended any more energy in the 50s and 60s than he did in that sketch.
Happy new year, my wonderful friend BB, and thanks again for another year of friendship, entertainment and education!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to a sweet, sweet man. I am so glad you watched the clips. Bob Hope was excellent in dancing since he was in his late 60s then. This Bing and Bowie song is a classic and gotta love Como. You know, I watched the Emmys that year with the SCTV clip being shown since they were a nominee up against..you guessed it, a Perry Como special. The SCTV crowd just sank in their seats when this was played while Como looked like he was going to pull a gasket! Como won.
DeleteHoliday movies on TV? One word: Hallmark. I admit to being a Hallmark movie junkie.
ReplyDeleteHave a very Happy New Year!
Oh yes, they have been going since end of October I believe. I can’t watch them as they are just too sugary sweet. Many do though.
DeleteThis was a fun take on this theme! I'm aware of these, but I don't recall seeing any reruns of them.
ReplyDeleteYes, it’s a shame they are not in reruns because they were a huge thing to see in my day.
DeleteA year dedicated to seeing more Linda Darnell films gets a resounding YES from me!!! Can't wait to see which you are able to give a look!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the way you went with the theme!
I've never been a big fan of Bob Hope's humor but I do admire his loyalty to the men and women in uniform. His specials could be a rocky lot for the reasons you mentioned but there I was every year watching them. :-)
I remember when that Bing Crosby special ran and all the tributes it garnered with him so freshly gone. The duet with David Bowie was immediately seen for the unique collaboration that it is.
Ah Perry Como. His specials were like wrapping yourself in a warm quilt with a mug of hot chocolate and drifting along.
I went the holiday TV movie route inspired by seeing my first pick just last week.
Unlikely Angel (1996)-Dolly Parton plays selfish honkytonk singer Ruby Diamond who dies when she swerves to miss a deer in the road. Getting to the heavenly gates Saint Peter (Roddy McDowell) noting her final act of compassion gives her one shot at total redemption or it’s hellfire for her. She gets to return to earth and has less than two weeks, until Christmas natch, to bring a widower (Brian Kerwin) and his estranged children (one of whom is played by Allison Mack, currently doing time in stir because of her involvement in the notorious NXIVM cult) back together. It all goes as expected but Dolly’s force of personality makes it worth watching…. once.
The Night They Saved Christmas (1984)-There’s trouble abrewin’ at the North Pole when the evil oil companies decide to dynamite in the Arctic. Santa (Art Carney) and his elves set their sights on one corporate executive-Michael Baldwin (Paul Le Mat), his climate change fearing wife, Claudia (Jaclyn Smith) and their youngsters to try and turn the tide. Just when things look their bleakest a trip to Santa’s workshop just might save the day!
The House Without a Christmas Tree (1972)-Young Addie’s (Lisa Lucas) most fervent wish is for once in her life to have a tree in her home for Christmas. Her father James (Jason Robards) however, having lost Addie’s mother at the holidays when she was just an infant, is dead set against it. Despite his mother’s (Mildred Natwick) attempts to persuade him James will not be swayed. But then Addie wins her class tree in a contest setting in motion a chain of events that leads to a healing for them all. A Hallmark Hall of Fame production from the time when that name stood for the finest television had to offer, not the sad pablum producer it’s devolved into now.
Hope your recovery is going well and that you have a wonderful new year! Get on those Linda films ASAP!
I must see Forever Amber!! I am making a list and am hoping I can find them...somewhere. She is one actress that I love but have not seen many f her films. I’m Glad you liked my take on the theme this week. I watched these specials every time they were on and would groan at the cue card jokes but I still laughed. I have seen the Dolly Parton movie which is a good flick and reminds me of a Canadian Tv Show that had a similar theme. I have not seen your second choice but...love that you chose The House Without A Christmas Tree. I forgot it was Hallmark because ..well, it’s well acted and a good story. You are right about the pablum and, believe it or not, I tried watching that 3 different times but lasted 10 minutes. I love Christmas movies but ..echhh..
DeleteForever Amber is gorgeous looking and Linda ravishing but the guts of the novel had to be cut out because of the Hayes office. It's still entertaining even if it feels truncated. If you get a chance read the novel, it's quite the page turner.
DeleteI love Christmas movies too but I just can't get with the modern Hallmark ones, my mother and niece LOVE them though.
That film is on my list and if you can give me some other ones, that would be great otherwise I will harken back to the earlier post with your Darnell picks. I love Christmas too but the only one I watched was Christmas in Vienna because it was filmed in Vienna...the plot sucked but loved seeing the Christmas market and Vienna.
DeleteI know I've seen some of your picks, but not every year of them. I used to enjoy watching the Christmas specials when I was young and still living with my parents. A favorite thing to do would be sit around wrapping presents while watching a seasonal special.
ReplyDeleteNot much comes into my memory so I'll suggest a movie about a Christmas special: Fellini's Ginger and Fred. Another weird one from the Italian director, but I think it offers some wonderful weirdness. Great acting from Marcello Mastroianni and Giulietta Masina and a heartwarming story to wrap things up nicely. For those who don't mind the subtitles, this is a unique holiday film.
Hope you have a Happy New Year and a great year to come!
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Yes, I have fond memories of these specials too. I never saw this Fellini film but have heard of it. I may give it a go one day. Happy New Year!
DeleteAndy Williams had a great Christmas special every year, and the variety shows (Dean Martin, Jackie Gleason, Red Skelton, Carol Burnett, Ed Sullivan etc.) all had Christmas shows, too. I love those old shows. I wish one of the OTA subchannels played nothing but Christmas shows and specials all December.
ReplyDeleteI bought my hubby the Rec Skelton Christmas show DVD with 2 Christmas episodes on them. You are so right! I would watch that channel for sure if they showed all these specials.
DeleteI loved Bob Hope. And can you imagine what it meant to the troops away from home to have him entertain them?
ReplyDeleteYOU take special care.
I have a DVD collection of Bob Hope’s time away and they found some vets who saw his shows and said how much it meant to them. I can just imagine. You take care as well:)
DeleteSO sorry, but I haven't heard of or seen any of these, Granted, I know the actors/singers, but had no idea they had specials at Christmas. I hope you holidays are going well and that you have a cheery, safe, and HEALING New Year and a far better 2022, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much..I hope 2022 goes well. I am surprised you didn’t know about all their specials but I am glad you know them:) Happy New Year.
DeleteWe never did watch the Christmas specials at my house. Or if we did, I don't recall. We usually saw the cartoons: Peanuts, Grinch, etc. One year my brother and I saw "Santa Claus and the Three Bears" like once every other day.
ReplyDeleteOh ...my dad loved Bob and Bing so they were on. Yes, Peanuts and the Grinch are great but I don’t know the one with the 3 Bears.
DeleteI remember watching all of these when I was a kid. My parents loved them, and these actors/singers in particular. I didn't know you could still watch them, but then, I shouldn't be surprised.
ReplyDeleteYes, my dad loved them and so we watched them too. You can see them on YouTube.
DeleteThanks Birgit - the Bowie/Cosby one has hit the radio waves here - love it; while back in the day I loved hearing Perry Como - happy new year ... and all the best for 2022 - HIlary
ReplyDeleteIt was a hit in Canada too and Perry was great in showcasing countries celebrating Christmas. All the best to you too.
DeleteThey each sure could make great specials.
ReplyDeleteAnything, mostly, but those cringy Hallmark movies work for me.
They did and I miss that kind.
DeleteIt took me forever to realize it was Eugene Levy playing Perry Como in that classic SCTV sketch. Love it! Here's another one in a similar vein. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixLN55fTKWI
ReplyDeleteThat’s hilarious!!
DeleteOh... and I remember a TV Christmas movie featuring the cast from the show The Waltons. Was that not how the series got its start?
ReplyDeleteYes, it’s called A Homecoming: Christmas on Walton’s Mountain. This was the movie that started the series. The kids are all the same and grandma but the others are different. Grandpa was played by Edgar Bergen...Candace Bergen’s Dad, the famous ventriloquist.
DeleteHappy New Year, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, I don't make resolutions either. I used to but never could keep to them and then I'd bet myself up over the unrealistic goals never being met. These days, I scribble out a few doable goals every so often which gives me that sense of accomplishment that I need. I really do need to improve on eating better and exercising more again. The last two years have been a major flop. I could've prevented this but let emotions dictate how I handle it but that's about to change. May God's blessings be with you and yours throughout the coming days, dear friend!
I have the Bing Crosby Christmas CD and listen to it every year- but I don't recall ever watching the special on tv. I did regularly watch Rudolph and the Peanuts and A Christmas Story. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Hope your 2022 is rich with health and happiness.
ReplyDeleteHugs
"Perry Como is still alive." LOL
ReplyDeleteI agree about variety shows, Birgit. Never a dull moment.
ReplyDeleteThey sure don't make TV shows like they used to.
Happy New Year!
I haven't seen any of these. Holiday variety shows are usually specially targeted for regional audiences...they tend to not get exported.
ReplyDelete