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H O M E P A G E
JANE'S MOVIE WORLD:
JANE'S MUSIC WORLD:
MUSIC TRIBUTES: JANE'S ART WORLD: |
Established 1999
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HI, here's a list of my favorite Christmas movies and music. Part of the fun of getting "into the season" is watching these various films and listening to the traditional and new music. Take a look and see if there are some that you haven't seen or heard and take a chance. (Please note that I have concentrated more on the newer albums, since there are many collection or re-issues of older albums with artists such as Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.) Wishing you all the best for a most Happy Holiday!!!
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| T'S A WONDERFUL LIFE - This
movie has taken on a life of its own in the past decade or so, as it has
come into its own (it was not well-received when first released in 1946).
It was Jimmy Stewart's favorite of his films and has some dark and truthful
elements that balance the sentimentality of Frank Capra. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET - yes it has been redone a couple times, but the original with Natalie Wood as the child who comes to believe in Santa is still the best. A CHRISTMAS STORY - This movie hits all the right notes with good humor and a reflection of children's desires to have the perfect gift at Christmas. It is now such a staple that it has been shown all day on TV the last few years. Go, Ralphie, go, with his Genuine Red Ryder Carbine Action Two Hundred Shot Lightening Loader Ranger Model Air Rifle, but "don't shoot your eye out"!! THE SANTA CLAUSE - Tim Allen really scored a bulls eye with this movie. It starts out with his stock macho character, but ends up being very tender and sweet, when he accidentally becomes Santa Claus. HOME ALONE - Macaulay Culkin smacked his cheeks and became an instant star. This movie works on several levels from the sweet to slapstick. HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS - Who would have ever thought that Boris Karloff and Dr. Seuss would combine for such an adorable Christmas cartoon? Well, they did and it has been an annual classic since then. (see Christmas albums) A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS - A sublime Peanuts cartoon with the unforgettable "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree and his questioning of the commercialism of Christmas. (see Christmas albums) THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S - This sequel to "Going My Way" has Ingrid Bergman as the perfect nun trying to save an old children's school. The little children's Christmas pageant is a classic scene. PRANCER - A motherless little girl (played with natural charm by Rebecca Harrell) who loves Christmas finds an injured reindeer and nurses it back to health. THE BISHOP'S WIFE - Has the lovely Loretta Young falling in love with the irresistible Cary Grant as the angel sent to help her husband. It has a rakish sense of humor combined with a heart that is charming. WHITE CHRISTMAS - Yes, it has the song and a corny storyline, but it is fun to watch CHRISTMAS EVE: - Loretta Young is adorable in this TV movie as the grandmother who hires a detective to find her grandchildren so that they can be reunited with her son. SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE - Begins with the legend of Santa Claus told in a magical fashion. The second half of the movie isn't as good as it involves an elf who becomes mixed up with a nasty toy maker. A CHRISTMAS CAROL - This seasonal standard has been redone many
times. The following are my favorite versions:
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THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER - The Christmas
Album (This is my most favorite album - their harmonies blend on the traditional songs
to make for an unforgettable album.) TONY BENNETT - The Christmas Album Snowfall (His great style makes this a terrific album) NATALIE COLE - Holly & Ivy (Her voice is a pleasant echo of her dad's voice and the songs are the ones we love.) HARRY CONNICK, JR. - When My Heart Finds Christmas (He combines his smooth voice in familiar and new songs. A big favorite.) VINCE GUARDALDI TRIO - A Charlie Brown Christmas (The musical soundtrack of the cartoon has all the familiar songs that warm your heart.) THREE TENORS - Christmas (Their voices are always wonderful to hear singing traditional songs.) CHARLOTTE CHURCH - Dream a Dream (A really substantial album of many of the season's favorites song by this extraordinary talented young lady.) VANESSA WILLIAMS - Star Bright (She has a nice mellow voice with a nice choice of songs.) SCROOGE: THE MUSICAL (This soundtrack from a stage production has the songs introduced in the movie and performed by Anthony Newley.) A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS (This is a collection of songs performed by artists from Madonna to Run DMC. It has rock to rap to straight versions of the seasonal songs.) HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (Has the soundtract of the TV show with all the songs on seperate tracts and, also, includes the soundtract to "Horton Hears a Who") BOB RIVERS & TWISTED RADIO - I am Santa Claus (Totally funny take on Christmas songs.) DR. DEMENTO Presents The Greatest Christmas Novelty CD of All Time (It really has all the goofy "classics" like "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer")
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NOTE: I have frequently been asked where people can buy many of these movies. Unfortunately, some are currently out of print. Here is a list of online site I have had success at finding VHS & DVD copies of movies. Naturally, I cannot guarantee the availability at any time of the movies. Also, when searching in stores, take a look at the bargain bins, as that's how I found a couple of my copies.
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