Merry, merry! It’s your Lady Smut elf, Madeline here to revel once more in the holiday spirit with some holiday movie suggestions. Whether you’re baking cookies, writing out Christmas cards, or decorating the tree, it’s a great time to put a movie on and soak in some tinsel town happiness. Two caveats: I’m a nut for classic hollywood films and I love, love, love romantic suspense, so no Hallmark movies or Lifetime Anything made it onto my list.
To me the holiday spirit is really a great time to appreciate some fabulous actresses of yore in films like:
Henry Fonda tries not to form a foot fetish as he helps Barbara Stanwyck put on a pair of evening slippers.
The Lady Eve Barbara Stanwyck–what an under-rated actress! She is amazing as a con artist out to teach a young Henry Fonda a thing or two about women. He is drool-worthy, btw. Preston Sturges wrote and directed this film that has got to be one of the best movies ever.
Christmas in Connecticut Another Barbara Stanwyck masterpiece. She’s a magazine writer successfully scribbling about hearth and home. The problem is she’s a city career girl with no hearth, no home–and no time for love. That all changes when she’s forced to put on a show in Connecticut for some returning soldiers.
Philadephia Story The little things are what make this movie great. Katherine Hepburn learns she’s no virgin goddess on high–and she doesn’t want to be one either.
Roman Holiday Audrey Hepburn takes a holiday from being a princess for a few days with Gregory Peck. He’s so handsome, and his deep voice is as smooth as polished maple.
Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn make it work in The Philadelphia Story.
If you like mystery & suspense with some swank, then Hitchcock is your man for some romantic excitement:
Michael Wilding is a superb hero in this little gem of a movie.
Notorious — another absolute favorite of mine. Cary Grant is to die–Ingrid Berman, ditto. Excellent plot, excellent romance, excellent luxe surroundings.
Suspicion — this movie always tickles me. The dull spinster somehow becomes Cinderella and lands her Prince Charming. Deep down she knows she’s no Cinderella, and he turns out to be no Prince Charming. I always keep in mind the poisonous thrill of the original ending Hitchock was forced to change. You can see that ending in the DVD extras if you’re interested.
Stage Fright — I simply adore the romance in this story. An acting student tries to help her crush out of being accused of murder. But a handsome police officer shakes up her game plan. Again, it’s the small details in the dialogue and an all around top-notch cast that make this film so excellent.
