I could have named this article “I’m Dreaming of a Black and White Christmas” but despite being terribly clever, I doubt whether it would have gotten the message across.
I also realize that there are scores of classic Christmas movies out there, including timeless old black and white favorites such as “It’s A Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, “Miracle on 34th Street” starring Maureen O’Hara and a very young Natalie Wood”, and “A Christmas Carol” starring Alastair Sim, but most of you savvy readers are well familiar with those films. So, I’ll just get on with it and present some lesser known, but equally worthwhile Christmas movies, every one in glorious Black and White; every one worthy of becoming a Vintage Collectible as most classic DVD's are now sold in the colorized versions.
Please note, Amazon colorizes their DVD boxes, but the DVDs featured here are all in B&W.
A Christmas Wish a/k/a The Great Rupert – 1950
This is a really bizarre comedic Christmas story starring the great ‘schnozzola' himself, Jimmy Durante. The film was considered a modern marvel when it was released in 1950 because of the special animated “effects” by film pioneer George Pal. Rupert the trained squirrel is our hero who comes to the rescue of a down-and-out family of vaudeville performers in the depths of the Great Depression. Durante’s low-brow wise cracks are second only to Groucho Marx’s one-liners.This film is definitely squeaky-clean family entertainment.
It's in black and white; don't let the DVD packaging fool ya!
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Christmas in Connecticut – 1945
Here's the DVD Version
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I’ll Be Seeing You – 1945
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Penny Serenade –1941
Perhaps the saddest Christmas movie of all time, this black and white film stars Irene Dunne and Cary Grant. When it was released, critics called it “a women’s weepy picture” because there were some major Kleenex moments and there still are! But all that aside, “Penny Serenade” is a charming family Christmas story about a childless couple experiencing the trials and tribulations of adoption and parenthood.
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A Christmas Carol
In this humble reviewer’s opinion, this version of the Dickens classic Christmas story, starring Reginald Owen is a lot more genuine than the exuberant 1951 version with Alastair Sim. I remember watching it every year on television and being terrified at Marley’s ghost (played by Leo G. Carroll). The original version now available on DVD in glorious black and white includes a special treat! – the original theatrical trailer and two festive vintage featurettes: Jackie Cooper's Christmas Party and Judy Garland singing “Silent Night”. Also included is a brilliant, Oscar®-nominated cartoon, entitled, Peace on Earth. This one is sure to become a collector's item.
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And For Something Really Different ……
How about the 1955 television version of “Amahl and the Night Visitors”?
Do You Have a Favorite Black and White Christmas Movie? Please share it with our readers by commenting below.
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The Cheaters starting Billie Burke and Eugene Paulette. 1945 b&w movie.
Hey- I’m trying to locate an old, B&W movie, pretty sure from the ‘40s. Rich family loses their wealth, retreat to a country shack for Christmas with a shirt-tail relative who is hanging out with a stranger and is the true heir to their family wealth. Parteiarchiv is a short, very obese man with an extremely deep voice. Any clues? Thanks!
That’s a tough one, Bill! The closest I got was “It Happened on Fifth Avenue” 1947.
Hi Bill, not sure if you’ll see this post, but I just came across this website and your question. The film you’re looking for i believe is The Cheaters, 1945, and is available on YouTube. Enjoy! Merry Christmas!