Comments on: A Merry Little Christmas, Cinematically

By: moirafinnie

moirafinnie — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:40:49 +0000

Hi Mongo, Thanks for verifying that Mighty Joe Young was on WOR in NYC. I thought that was the case, since that station used to have all the great RKO movies on tap, but wasn't able to confirm my vague memory of it. I appreciate your alerting me to that. Andrew, Heidi may be one of the best of Shirley Temple's movies and, along with Now and Forever (1934) (with Carole Lombard & Gary Cooper), it is one of those perennials I'd love to see again. Thanks for your comments. Mr. S., I envy your experience seeing Mighty Joe Young on the big screen. Just seeing it recently on again I was impressed with the charm and detail of the piece all over again. I'd love to write about Zorro, though the upcoming serials each Saturday are utterly unknown to me. I'm intrigued by the idea of blending a modern Western setting with the customary roguish elements of this character, played in the Republic serial by John Carroll, who is occasionally capable of kidding his material nicely in his feature film appearances. Perhaps TCM has unearthed a bit of formerly obscure entertainment. I'll try to catch up with it on Saturdays in January. Thanks for the suggestion. My education in the field of serials is just beginning... Moira

By: Mr.Sardonicus

Mr.Sardonicus — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:39:43 +0000

The shots of Mr. Joseph young of africa brought back a lot of memories.. I recently showed Joe on the big screen here a few years ago at one of my movie shows here in maitland , fla… to see this on a big screen is really impressive.. same for kong & his son.. this was a really nice article for the holiday season & I for one appreciate the input… lets look to the future & see what great articles we can come up with… since tCm is showing “Zorro Rides again” how about an article on movie serials of the 30′s & 40′s ? … I know we would all appreciate it… looking forward to more of your articles in the coming year.. i remain faithfully ….

By: andrew

andrew — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:21:22 +0000

I’m glad that someone else missed “Heidi” this year, which wasn’t shown anywhere on cable this Christmas. The film blends the schmaltz with just enough pain and true emotion that it is still the best Shirley Temple movie ever. I’ve two daughters who love it as well. I haven’t seen “Mighty Joe Young” in years either, but your mention of it makes me curious about the film. Thanks,
Andrew

By: Joe aka Mongo

Joe aka Mongo — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:02:26 +0000

Moira, you essay brought back some memories. I recall when living in Brooklyn, New York we use to watch TV station WOR channel 9. Every holiday season they would run “The March of the Wooden Soldiers”, “King Kong” and “Mighty Joe Young”.
It became a staple for our family and we were saddened when it all ended.
By the way, it was the same station that ran the ‘Million Dollar Movie’ every week.
Those were the days.

By: Medusa

Medusa — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:24:56 +0000

I have a soft spot for “The Snowman” also — it’s got that melancholy feeling and the Snowman is a noble character. I’m also a sucker for anything that has people flying around, as when the Snowman takes the little boy for a ride.

Lovely list of movies, Moira!

By: saraeg

saraeg — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:27:43 +0000

thank you for the essay on our old beloved movies that are still dear to us. of course, i have to add “the march of the wooden soldiers” (laurel and hardy) to your list. and thank you so much for adding judy at the end. i got shivers and tears just listening to her voice. magical. happy holidays to all.