As mentioned above, Christmas is a time when families often get all together under one roof no matter how big the family and families do not get much bigger than the one depicted in Ingmar Bergmans epic film. Seen mainly through the eyes of the titular children, the movie begins amidst the holiday excitement and a lavish Christmas Eve celebration. Though the film goes onto explore many other themes and locations, the opening party (approximately the first 1/3 of this really, really long movie), perfectly sets the tone and look of the film while providing the perfect opportunity to appropriately introduce much its expansive cast.
4. The Thin Man (1934)
Again, another movie where Christmas plays no real significance in the plot, but it is always fun to be surrounded by the holidays. We have a big Christmas Eve party (complete with decorations, carols, and a prominent tree) hosted by Nick and Nora (in a candy cane dress) and their subsequent Christmas morning (complete with new gifts mink coat for her, air rifle for him). These yuletide scenes, highlighted by the leads William Powell and Myrna Loys delightful playfulness and witty banter, are the best and most memorable parts of an all-around great movie.
Chris lives in New Orleans. He writes for several local publications and national websites - mostly about film, television, books, music, food, special events, and pop culture. Since writing unfortunately never pays much, he pays the bills with his day job in marketing.
