By Larry JohnsoncloseAuthor: Larry JohnsonName: Larry Johnson Email: larry_johnson@earthlink.net Site:http://NoQuarterUSA.net About: Larry C. Johnson is a former analyst at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, who moved subsequently in 1989 to the U.S. Department of State, where he served four years as the deputy director for transportation security, antiterrorism assistance training, and special operations in the State Department's Office of Counterterrorism. He left government service in October 1993 and set up a consulting business. He currently is the co-owner and CEO of BERG Associates, LLC (Business Exposure Reduction Group) and is an expert in the fields of terrorism, aviation security, and crisis and risk management, and money laundering investigations. Johnson is the founder and main author of No Quarter, a weblog that addresses issues of terrorism and intelligence and politics. NoQuarterUSA was nominated as Best Political Blog of 2008.[1] He has worked as a private consultant on issues of international terrorism and security for the U.S. Government and private companies. Johnson has appeared as a consultant and commentator in many major newspapers and news programs.[2]
Contents [hide]
1 Background
2 Views
2.1 1996
2.2 1998
2.3 1999
2.4 2000
2.5 2001
2.6 2003
2.6.1 Plame affair
2.7 2008
3 Notes
4 References
5 External links
[edit]Background
Larry Johnson moved to Washington, D.C. in 1979 to begin work on a Ph.D. at the American University. Although he completed successfully all coursework and comprehensive exams, he did not write a dissertation. In 1978 and in 1983-85 he worked in Latin America on community development projects as a community organizer. Returning to the United States in 1985 he joined the Central Intelligence Agency, thanks in part to a letter of recommendation from Republican Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) that helped to "open doors" for him at the Agency.[3] Johnson entered on duty at the CIA in September 1985 and was a classmate of Valerie Plame. Every member of that class was undercover. After a year in the Career Trainee program, which included a stint with the Afghan Task Force, Johnson was assigned as an analyst in the Middle America Caribbean Division in the Latin American Affairs Office of the Directorate of Intelligence. He received two Exceptional Performance awards and was promoted ultimately to Senior Regional Analyst for Central America.
Johnson remained undercover in the CIA until October 1989, when he resigned from the CIA and started a new job in the Office of Counter Terrorism at the Department of State. Johnson played an instrumental role in launching the Terrorism Rewards program international advertising campaign (working with Diplomatic Security officers Brad Smith and Michael Parks). [4] Johnson also was involved in a variety of crisis management response operations, including the release of hostages from Lebanon and liaison with the Pan Am 103 families. He left government service in October 1993 and started his own business as a consultant.
After leaving government service, Johnson became a frequent guest on many major television news shows when a question of terrorism came up. He was first interviewed by CNN following the capture of Carlos the Jackal. Johnson subsequently appeared on CNN, ABC's Nightline, CBS, the BBC, MSNBC, the Jim Lehrer News Hour, NBC, and NPR. In December of 1999, for example, Johnson was hired by NBC to serve as its terrorist expert for the Y2000 and was in Time Square with Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric ("a lot of fun and the best way to see in the New Year"). Johnson also was hired in January 2002 as a Fox News Analyst and remained under contract until February 2003.
Since 1994 a significant focus of Johnson's consulting work has been with the U.S. military special operations forces in scripting and conducting military counter terrorism exercises. He traveled under orders from the U.S. military to Iraq in May 2006 to work on a short term project.
A registered Republican who supported President Bush in 2000, Johnson became a strong critic of the Bush administration in May 2003 for its conduct of the war in Iraq and, a few months later, for its role in the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame.[5] He was also featured in the 2004 political documentary Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism. Since Robert Novak's controversial disclosure of Valerie Plame as a CIA operative in July 2003, Johnson has contributed to public discourse on intelligence matters, often sparking further controversy. He has been interviewed by both the mass media and the alternative media and published commentaries on a variety of issues, including the Plame affair, the controversy concerning Mary McCarthy, and the resignation of Porter Goss as Director of Central Intelligence.
[edit]Views
This article or section may contain an inappropriate mixture of prose and timeline.
Please help convert this timeline into prose or, if necessary, a list.
[edit]1996
In 1996, Johnson noted that terrorism worldwide was on the decline. "Terrorist incidents [both internationally and in the US] have fallen to levels not seen since the 1970s. Whether measured by the number of incidents, the number of fatalities, or the number of groups, raw statistics demonstrate that the level of terrorist violence has declined since the mid-1980s. In fact, the evidence suggests terrorism was more widespread and deadly 10 years ago."[6]
He also wrote an op-ed piece for the New York Times suggesting that the newer and more deadly terrorist threat to the U.S. was embodied by "networks of terrorists, mostly foreign, working within its borders." Exemplifying this threat was Ramzi Yousef, one of the masterminds behind the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center. In the article, Johnson suggests that enhanced cooperation between intelligence agencies, particularly the FBI and CIA, is mandatory to meet the growing threat of terror networks.[7]
[edit]1998
In 1998, Johnson argued that while overall terrorism was declining, the threat from bin Laden and al-Qaeda should be the focus of American counterterrorism policy:
The nature of the threat posed by Bin Ladin is highlighted by my final chart, number 7. Osama Bin Ladin and individuals associated with him have killed and wounded more Americans than any other group. This chart also illustrates that groups such as Hamas and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) prior to 1998 have killed more foreigners in the anti-US terrorist attacks. If we take into account the bombings of the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, Osama's status as the most lethal terrorist is certain.[8]
In addition, he told USA Today that bin Laden had participated in "virtually every major attack of terrorism against the United States" in the 1990s. Johnson underlined the threat posed by bin Laden, saying that he was possessed by "hatred and craziness." If left unanswered, "he would continue to terrorize Americans around the world. He has no compunction about killing women and children. He's a complete egalitarian in his murderous attitude."[9]
[edit]1999
In an interview with PBS's Frontline for its 1999 program, Hunting bin Laden, Johnson discussed Osama bin Laden.[10] According to Johnson, Americans had "tended to make Osama bin Laden sort of a superman in Muslim garb." "Actually," he continues, "Osama bin Laden, in my view, represents more of a symptom of a problem, and the problem is this: the Saudi Arabian government, not just Osama bin Laden but many people in Saudi Arabia, have been sending money to radical Islamic groups for years." Johnson continued:
When you look at who's killed Americans in the last 10 years, the individuals he's supported and backed--I'm basing that upon the initial information that's been released in the indictments and conversations with others in the intelligence communities--Osama bin Laden has been the one killing Americans. No other terrorist group in the world has been out killing Americans except for Osama bin Laden.... Osama bin Laden remains out there as the one really targeting us. So, we recognize that he's the threat. He's serious about wanting to kill Americans, but as long as he's in Afghanistan, as long as he doesn't have access to a cell phone, as long as he can't just hop on a plane and travel wherever he wants without fear of being arrested, his ability to plan and conduct terrorist operations is extremely limited. We have to recognize [that] he would like to do a lot of damage. He would like to kill Americans, but wanting to is different from being able to, having the full capabilities in place.[11]
In the interview, Johnson doubted the ability of members of bin Laden's organization to plan and put their lives on the line:
There's not another Ali or Mustafa out there at this point and Osama bin Laden in my view has not been a very effective organizer or leader. He talks a great game and puts out terrific threats as far as stirring the passions in the United States and maybe firing up the imaginations of some young Muslims throughout the world. But when push comes to shove, can he get a group of people who are together who will say: we are going to plan an operation, we're going to put our lives on the line, we're going to go out and try and kill people and we don't care what the consequence is? It hasn't happened.[12]
Frontline asked:
[Is it] ... fair to say what you're saying is that the president of the United States, his national security advisor, his deputy national security advisor for counter-terrorism, are basically blowing smoke [about the danger posed by bin Laden] and his followers]?
Johnson responded:
They're grossly exaggerating the problem. They are hyping it. They shouldn't be talking about rising terrorism. Instead of saying "terrorism's rising," it's not. "Terrorism is spreading," it's not. "More people are dying from terrorism," not the case. But what they should be saying is, "There's one individual out there that really doesn't like us, and he's made it his mission in life to kill Americans, and we've gotta deal with him." But we need to have a voice of reason in that process instead of putting ourselves out crying wolf, because this is essentially what's taking place right now. They call it the administration that cries wolf.[12]
[edit]2000
Johnson co-authored an article in 2000 with Milt Bearden which focused on the threat posed by al-Qaeda specifically, rather than terrorism trends in general. Beardon and Johnson note that new information emerging about the bombings at Kenya and Tanzania in 1998 points to the threat posed by Imad Mugniyah and Osama Bin Laden will require "a coordinated policy that will employ a full range of covert, clandestine, diplomatic, and military operations," concluding:
The Clinton Administration has shot its bolt on the terrorist problem with small effect, and no last minute show of force will change the record. A new administration can start afresh with a more sharply defined set of terrorism goals – Mughniyeh and bin Laden and their protectors for starters – and bring the full, coordinated force of American diplomatic, military, and intelligence capabilities to bear on the problem.[13]
[edit]2001
After Johnson's testimony to the special forum at the U.S. Senate, Gary J. Schmitt, executive director and CEO of the Project for the New American Century, refers in the Daily Standard (blog) to an op-ed piece Johnson wrote two months prior to the 9/11 attacks, claiming that Johnson argued that the US had little to fear from terrorism.[14]
In an editorial entitled "The Declining Terrorist Threat," published in the New York Times on 10 July 2001, Johnson says:
Judging from news reports and the portrayal of villains in our popular entertainment, Americans are bedeviled by fantasies about terrorism. They seem to believe that terrorism is the greatest threat to the United States and that it is becoming more widespread and lethal. They are likely to think that the United States is the most popular target of terrorists. And they almost certainly have the impression that extremist Islamic groups cause most terrorism.... None of these beliefs are based in fact.... While terrorism is not vanquished, in a world where thousands of nuclear warheads are still aimed across the continents, terrorism is not the biggest security challenge confronting the United States, and it should not be portrayed that way.[15]
Ten days after the 9/11 attacks, after quoting the above passage, Timothy Noah concludes a post in his "Chatterbox" feature at Slate: "Johnson's analysis, we now see, was bold, persuasive, and 100 percent wrong."[16] Johnson defended himself against such attacks:
The rightwing is resurrecting an op-ed I wrote in July 2001. I stand by the full article. It is still relevant today. I am accused, incorrectly, of ignoring the threat of terrorism. In fact, I correctly noted that the real threat emanated from Bin Laden and Islamic extremism. President Bush, for his part, ignored the CIA warning in August 2001 that Al Qaeda was posed to strike inside the United States.[17]
After September 11, Johnson appeared several times on FOX News to address the question of military action against terrorism. On 14 November, he defended the FBI's proposal to interview 5,000 students in the U.S. suspected of having information relevant to the September 11 investigations:
I think they should talk to everyone that they feel they have a need to talk to. I mean, look, this is war. This is not a legal proceeding. This isn't the O.J. Simpson trial. The folks that attacked us -- they murdered Americans. And we've got to recognize that in wartime, we should do things differently.[18]
[edit]2003
In January 2003, Johnson wrote an analysis of the relationship between the upcoming U.S. invasion of Iraq and the threat of transnational terrorism. According to Johnson, Bremer's response was to tell him that "it didn't matter what Saddam did or didn't do, we were going to war."[19] The paper warned that an invasion would "do little to destroy the infrastructure of radical Islamic terrorism responsible for the 9-11 attacks." Noting that Saddam Hussein's regime has been a longtime supporter of regional terrorist organizations such as the PLO, Johnson examines contacts between Saddam Hussein and transnational terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda:
There is no doubt that Iraq is a state sponsor of terrorism—i.e., a country that provides financial support, safe haven, training, or weapons and explosives to groups or individuals that carry out terrorist attacks. . . . According to Central Intelligence Agency data, there is no credible evidence implicating Iraq in any mass casualty terrorist attacks since 1991. . . .
Johnson notes that the period immediately leading up to 2003 saw a rise of activity surrounding terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, suggesting that "Iraq is willing to help a movement that it would otherwise oppose on ideological grounds. Nonetheless," Johnson concludes, "it is important to understand that Iraqi entreaties to Al Qaeda, are most likely intended as a tactic to bolster Iraq’s ability to fight off a U.S. invasion rather than a deep-seated theological and ideological commitment to the terrorist agenda of Bin Laden.[20]
In that analysis Johnson also warns that the U.S.-led invasion was likely to backfire:
In fact there is a serious risk that a U.S. led war against Iraq may crystallize the diffused anger in the Arab and Muslim world — a heretofore unattained goal of bin Laden and his followers — and persuade more Muslim youths to take up the terrorist banner against America and her citizens.... If we decide to invade Iraq we must be prepared for the contingency that our attack will inspire young Muslims to pursue jihad against the West in general and the United States in particular. Just as the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan rallied many Muslims, especially young adults to the cause of jihad, a U.S. attack may enable Islamic extremists to attract new followers.[20]
Johnson also gave interviews on the topic of what to do with captured al-Qaeda leaders; while he did not condone torture, he suggested that a "sleep deprivation and reward system" might be useful for getting information from Khalid Sheikh Mohammed:
I don't see a constitutional right to have eight hours of sleep. You shouldn't subject someone to freezing but they don't get to wear mink coats, either.[21]
In May 2003, Johnson joined members of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) in condemning the manipulation of intelligence for political purposes:
It is a misuse and abuse of intelligence. The president was being misled. He was ill served by the folks who are supposed to protect him on this. Whether this was witting or unwitting, I don't know, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.[22]
[edit]Plame affair
After Robert Novak wrote a column identifying the wife of former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson as a CIA officer, the media invited Johnson to comment on the ensuing scandal because he had been a member of the same Career Trainee class with Valerie Plame Wilson. For example, in October 2003, he appeared on Democracy Now to discuss the Plame affair. He told interviewer Amy Goodman that Valerie Wilson's cover should have been respected whether she was an "analyst" or a "cleaning lady": "if she's undercover she's undercover, period. If the media allows themselves to get distracted with those kinds of curve balls, they ignore the issue."[23]
He told a Senate Democratic Policy Committee in October 2003, "My classmates and I have been betrayed. Together, we have kept the secrets of each other's identities a secret for 18 years. Each and every one of us have kept that secret, whether we were in the CIA, in other government service or in the private sector. But this issue is not just about a blown cover. It is about the destruction of the very essence, the core of human intelligence collection activities: plausible deniability, apparently, for partisan domestic political reasons."[24]
Johnson testified at a special joint hearing of Congressional and Senate Democrats on 22 July 2005 about the consequences arising from the Plame affair.[25]
[edit]2008
In 2008, Johnson emerged as a staunch supporter of Hillary Clinton and a strong critic of Barack Obama. Larry Johnson's blog, NoQuarterUSA, became a rally point for Clinton supporters wary of Barack Obama's qualifications to be president. Supporters of Barack Obama insist that a story that first appeared on Johnson's blog--a report that Republican operatives have a tape of Michelle Obama making racially insenstive comments about caucasians--has been "refuted" Barack Obama's Fight the Smears website.[26]. However, Johnson never claimed to have the tape and reported that the Republican operatives controlling it intended to release the tape sometime after the Democratic Convention in August 2008. On October 21, however, he asserted that the operative in possession of the tape had been instructed by the McCain campaign not to release it.[27]
[edit]Notes
^ http://2008.weblogawards.org/polls/best-political-coverage/
^ Larry C. Johnson, "About Me," No Quarter (personal blog).
^ "Former CIA Official Larry Johnson Delivers Democratic Radio Address," transcript posted on official Democratic National Committee's website for The Democratic Party, July 23, 2005], accessed November 21, 2006.
^ Interview with Larry Johnson, confirmed by his supervisor
^ "Ex-CIA official Blasts Bush on Leak of Operative's Name: Democrats' Radio Address Focuses on White House Aides' Role," CNN July 23, 2005, accessed November 21, 2006.
^ Gail Russell Chaddock, "Why Terrorists Pick On the French," Christian Science Monitor (5 December 1996) p. 1.
^ Larry Johnson, "Terrorists Among Us," New York Times (20 August 1996) p. A19.
^ Terrorism Today
^ Lee Michael Katz, "The Hunt for Bin Laden," USA Today (21 August 1998) p. 1A.
^ See Transcript of original interview with Larry C. Johnson, as broadcast on Frontline in 1999. Cf. "Interview: Larry C. Johnson," for Hunting bin Laden, transcript of interview broadcast on Frontline subsequently on 13 April 2001. See also dedicated PBS webpages for media links: Iraq and the War on Terror, Frontline PBS, online featured programs, accessed 19 November 2006.
^ frontline: hunting bin laden: interviews: larry c. johnson | PBS
^ a b [1].
^ As posted in [2].
^ Gary Schmitt, [ 07/25/2005 "Meet Larry Johnson: The CIA official Turned Democratic Spokesman Has a Pre-9/11 Mindset," Daily Standard (blog), July 25, 2005, accessed November 20, 2006.
^ *Larry C. Johnson, "The Declining Terrorist Threat," The New York Times 10 July 2001: A19.
^ Timothy Noah, "(Not Exactly a) Whopper of the Week: Larry C. Johnson," Chatterbox: Gossip, speculation, and scuttlebutt about politics (blog), hosted by Slate September 21, 2001, accessed November 20, 2006. Note the full context of this quotation:
It is, to be sure, a little bit cheap (and slightly at odds with the usual parameters of this feature) to criticize someone for making an erroneous prediction, particularly after a tragedy. Chatterbox is especially reluctant to tag Johnson because Johnson's op-ed was argued forcefully, backed up meticulously with factual data, and bravely at odds with conventional wisdom at the time of its publication. Add in that Johnson now makes his living as a consultant to corporations about terrorism, and therefore had everything to gain by exaggerating the dangers terrorism poses, and the guy practically looks like a hero. Chatterbox, who two decades ago was an editor for the New York Times op-ed page, would have published Johnson's piece had he still been an editor there this past July. In his capacity at Slate, Chatterbox might well have written up Johnson's prediction, and perhaps even endorsed it.
But boy, is he glad he didn't! Johnson's analysis, we now see, was bold, persuasive, and 100 percent wrong. Sadly, a mistake this embarrassing cannot be ignored. As a fellow skeptic, Chatterbox in all sincerity wishes Johnson better luck next time.
^ Larry C. Johnson, "Johnson vs. President Bush," re-posted and updated by SusanHu at DailyKos (blog) July 25, 2005.
^ FOX News Interview with John Garrett (14 November 2001) Transcript #111405cb.260.
^ [3].
^ a b Larry C. Johnson, "Setting the Record Straight on Iraqi Terrorism," posted in Booman Tribune: A Progressive Community (personal blog) 27 January 2003. accessed 19 November 2006.
^ Qtd. in Toby Harnden, "CIA 'pressure' on al-Qa'eda chief," The London Telegraph 5 March 2003: 16.
^ Qtd. in Nicolas D. Kristof, "Save Our Spooks," The New York Times 30 May 2003:A6.
^ Democracy Now (3 October 2003)[4]
^ U.S. Senate, Democratic Policy Committee Meeting on the CIA Operative Leak, (24 October 2003).
^ Letter to the Senate.[Needs full source citation; see "References" section.]
^ Tumulty, Karen (2008-06-12). "Will Obama's Anti-Rumor Plan Work?", Time Magazine. Retrieved on 20 June 2008.:"a story that apparently first made a big splash on the Internet in late May in a post by pro-Hillary Clinton blogger Larry Johnson"
^ Whitey Tape, API, Phil Berg, and Andy MartinSee Authors Posts (1090) on December 25, 2008 at 3:54 PM in Current Affairs
Merry Christmas and Happy Chanuka. Part of the holiday tradition, at least for me and my family, are the holiday movies. I have been thinking about my ten favorites in this category and came up with the following. You will note that the movie, A Christmas Story–directed by Bob Clark, written by Jean Shepherd, and shown 24 hours straight on TBS every Christmas in recent memory–is a faux midwestern childhood memoir about a nerd before there were nerds (Ralphie Parker) who wanted a Daisy Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. My definition of a great movie is one I would enjoy watching repeatedly. A Christmas Story was okay once, but I can’t stand it in repeated doses. I find myself thinking Scrooge thoughts, hoping Raphie shoots himself in the head with the BB gun. Sorry, but I wanted to be honest about this. I hate that movie.
So, in reverse order here are my top ten:
Number 10: White Christmas. This movie was made in 1954 and features Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. It is a buddy movie of sorts. Crosby and Kaye, who play Broadway/nightclub entertainers, take their show to a Vermont Christmas Inn, which is owned and operated by a retired Army General who has fallen on hard times. It is a fun movie and ends with the singing of White Christmas, Crosby’s signature song. Crosby originally introduced the song in the 1942 movie, Holiday Inn. That movie will give you a bit of the creeps, when Bing Crosby does a black face number along with two actual black children.
Number 9: Die Hard. The 1988 Bruce Willis thrille (has it really been 20 years?) that made him a star. Nothing says Christmas like a mix of terrorism and Santa Claus. The subliminal message of the movie is that holiday parties, especially office parties, can be risky.
Number 8: Elf Directed Jon Favreau (not the Obama speech writer) and starring Will Farrell. It is stupid, funny, and quintessential Christmas brain candy.
Number 7: The Santa Clause. Is Santa actually a divorced dad with custody issues? Watch this movie and decide for yourself. Featuring Tim Allen it is funny and you can watch it with your mom without feeling embarrassed.
Number 6: Miracle on 34th Street. I prefer the 1994 version, which features Richard Attenborough, Dylan McDermott, Elizabeth Perkins and Mara Wilson. The is the 1947 version as well, which introduced Natalie Wood as the little girl who did not believe in Santa.
Number 5: Home Alone. Best physical comedy in any movie, much less a Christmas movie. Unlike the warning from the wretched “Christmas Story” (e.g., be careful with the BB gun because you will shoot your eye out) we see the danger in action–Macaulay Culkin blasts Joe Pesci in the “christmas” nuts and Pesci ain’t too jolly.
Number 4: National Lampoon Christmas Vacation. A must see. Even if you don’t like Chevy Chase you will like Chevy Chase. If you are Jewish and don’t understand the Christmas thing, watch this movie. It is an anthropological study of the average American Christmas nightmare. Love it.
Number 3: Love Actually. This is a funny ensemble movie, with Hugh Grant leading the way. Yes, it’s largely a chick flick but I’ll fess up–I like it. Let’s face it, love may break your heart but it also is funny.
Number 2: It’s Charles Dickens. There are three versions of his classic story, A Christmas Carol, that I really like. My favorite is Scrooge, which is a musical and stars a 34 year old Albert Finney as old Ebenezer Scrooge. Alec Guinness makes a couple of brief but memorable appearances as the ghost of Jacob Marley. The songs in this are terrific.
Second up is Scrooge: A Christmas Carol. I like this best among the pre-1970 versions. It stars Alastir Sim and a bunch of folks you never heard of unless you were raised in the United Kingdom. Let’s give our English cousins their due–they know how to make great Dickens’ movies about Christmas.
Last there is the Bill Murray version, Scrooged. If you don’t like Murray you will hate this. If you like him, hysterical. Carol Kane plays the best ghost of Christmas present ever.
Number 1: It’s A Wonderful Life. Schmaltz? You betcha. Frank Capra delivers and Jimmy Stewart traditionally gets the credit for coming to his senses and realizing that he is important to the happiness and welfare of others. But the real star of the movie is Donna Reed. While Stewart has a meltdown and tries to kill himself–he goes batshit when money goes missing at the savings and loan–it is the woman who remains calm and works the problem. Weird. Stewart behaves like a selfish prick and gets the credit. Reed stays calm and saves the family (she does a form of community organizing). And once again, the woman gets to play second fiddle.
“Love Actually” is wonderful! I was just asked for my top two movies and I too was embarrased to consider “Love Actually” as one of them. And, I’m a chick.
It’s one of those wonderful English ensemble movies that I could watch over and over again.
Love your list, Larry. Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life and Love Actually are three of my favorite movies of all time. George Bailey is such a quintessential American character. He deferred his dreams, acquiesced to his brother, dealt with life imperfectly. If you haven’t seen it, go to Atlas Shrugs, where she has it posted with subtitles. It is back a few days, maybe a few days before Christmas. Even though I have seen it dozens of times, I got a lot out of the subtitles as there is some dialogue that is hard to pick up. I just love that movie.
Home Alone is also great. It doesn’t feel like Christmas until we watch that movie. The story is hilarious and Kevin is just an adorable little character. The second one is not as good, but also is enjoyable. Naturally, I prefer the Chicago version. The home where the film was made enjoyed a bit of celebrity back then. It is also fun to see some of the locations as we were able to check them out up in the Wilmette area.
Love Actually is one of those sappy movies that is a chick flick, but I know plenty of guys who love it too. Trust, betrayal, faithfulness, longing and fidelity are all entwined in several vignettes. Hugh Grant is quite bewitching in this film, and Keira Knightley is stunningly beautiful.
Elf is a newer addition to our list of family favorites. It is Will Ferrell stupid, but the story of the “slow” son makes it universally appealing. The clip you have chosen is one of my favorites in the movie. Tim Allen in The Santa Clause movies is also great.
I buy a few copies of every year and give them as gifts to those who haven’t experienced them.
Great list!!
We just finished watching The Christmas Story again tonight. I didn’t really care for it the first few times I saw it, but the movie does grow on you after a while.
It is wonderful to take some time away from BHO, the economy and work to enjoy some time reflecting and enjoying the messages in these films. God bless us everyone!
It’s A Wonderful Life -although I never looked at the angle you presented, Stewart’s Uncle did say “Mary did it, she went around and told everyone you needed help”…Stewart a selfish prick? A bit harsh. He gave up alot of his own aspirations for the sake of the town by not selling out the savings and loan- I don’t call that selfish. The selfish prick was the old miser Potter.
The Christmas Card-on the Hallmark channel-excellent
Labeling Jimmy Stewart a “selfish prick” was meant only for his decision to kill himself. I personally view suicide as the most selfish act. You don’t realize the effect that your act will have on others. thanks
LJ
Larry, I don’t mean any disrespect but can you imagine how utterly hopeless a person must feel that they think the only way out is suicide? Some people do consider/do this for selfish reasons. However, many are just plain depressed and around the holidays is even worse. Depression is a much bigger problem than society realizes. Just another side to look at.
Larry, he was considering suicide as the only way to repay the savings and loan and his family with the $15k policy…
He was in a state of overwhelm and frantic when he grovelled to Potter and was told his pathetic life insurance policy with only $500 equity but a $15k payoff made him worth more dead than alive. Suicide is selfish but that wasn’t his motivating factor. It’s my favorite #1 and I always cry like a baby when his hero brother offers up the toast “To my brother George, the richest man in town.” I’m getting a little misty eyed just typing it.
#2 Love Actually…so funny and I love the mosiac of airport greeters at the end while the Beachboys “God Only Knows” is playing…lovely.
#3 Home Alone and Miracle on 34th Street (old version) are favorites too.
Not a movie but for several years, I enjoyed (up until this year) streaming a 12-hour radio program called An American Christmas. I couldn’t find one station streaming it this year. Some local stations are featuring it (not streaming) but not in my area. It’s produced by Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller. A wonderful program of music, myth and lore.
I cannot watch or listen to Bing Crosby, ever since I learned, he beat his kids from his first marriage. Two of the four committed suicide. And he carried on an affair with an actress whose name escapes me now; she committed suicide when he refused to leave his wife.
Inger Stevens was the actress. He also had an affair with Grace Kelly - some say she married the prince on the rebound. I’m with you about der-Bingle - a real jerk. His wife Dixie apparently had mental/drinking problems, but who wouldn’t?
The first time I saw A Christmas Story when it first came out, I laughed so hard my sides hurt. I was raised in Chicago and it was my childhood revisted. The scene with the little brother in the snowsuit brought back so many memories and my father’s language was much like the kid in the movie. A pure treasure.
For some reason A Wonderful Life has always left me - excuse the pun - cold.
I heard Judy Garland sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” on the radio today - so thanks to the person who reminded the rest here of Meet Me in St. Louis.
I was talking about this movie with my 80 yr old dad today.
As a kid, his absolute dream was to have a radio. He knew he wouldn’t get one, as they did not have the money.
Chistmas morning, there was a box as tall as he was. He told me it took him just ages pulling out endless, forever crumpled newspaper. He started wondering if there was anything in there. He finally got to the very bottom and there was the radio. “It was blue.”
He remembers running home from school to listen to radio shows.
I forgot some others….”Trading Places” with Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis and Eddie Murphy. And, Wodiej, I like A Christmas Card too. John Newton is from Chapel Hill.
Great choices Larry. One I would add, and relatively new: The Polar Express. This movie will grow in stature every year. We watch the hilarious Christmas Vacation every Christmas season, as well as the Alastair Sim Scrooge, and It’s a Wonderful Life. This year we watched White Christmas, and I was very impressed by the dancing of little Vera Ellen, who reminded me of Mitzi Gaynor through the whole movie. Thanks for the list!
Oh yes, I too will respectfully disagree on A Christmas Story. That’s another one we never get tired of watching, and always find it fresh and funny. Love the horrible bully Scut Farkus, and his miserable toady! And the department store Santa!
Saw The Polar Express for the first time this year and thought it was very good. We viewed it at an IMAX theater, so it became a truly exciting experience. Unique and recommended viewing.
1966 ABC Television starring Geraldine Page and narrated by Truman Capote.
“Emmy Award winning adaptation of Capote’s recollection of his youth in the rural South during the Depression. Living with a slightly dotty but loving “cousin,” Capote remembers back to when he was about 10 years old and it was suddenly decided that “it was fruitcake weather.” The task of baking 30 cakes for mostly far away friends and other rituals of Christmas time are painted with such loving and nostalgic strokes, this becomes a truly beautiful Christmas experience. The pverty of the 1930s fails to stop or even slow down a loving relationship at a loving time of the year. An Emmy Award well deserved!”
This and Alistair Simm’s version of A Christmas Carol!
Thanks. How could I have forgotten “A Christmas Memory”. They save pennies, nickles and dimes all year to buy the ingredients (including moonshine) and postage to mail the fruitcakes…the most important one going to President Roosevelt. Heartwarming and so authentic a production. Having no money left after the fruitcakes, their surprise gifts to each other, the dotty Aunt he calls “my friend” and Truman, are handmade kites. That last scene with the two lying on their backs on the hill watching their kites soar…wonderful.
Loved this movie and was going to mention it at the end by asking if anyone remembered it’s name because I couldn’t. Thanks for the memory — wish they made more of this type of flick today!
Can’t stand the dysfunctional family genre of current Christmas movies — seldom funny and generally depressing.
I like the Grinch. One of my favorites. We had the kids and the grandkids all done up yesterday with Who hairdos. That’s what happens when you spend ten days snowed in. I now answer to Cindy Who.
I think that the best Christmas TV Show is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with its combination of humor and philosophy. (BTW, I am not comparing it with any of the movies.)
So far this week I have seen Wonderful Life (in b/w and color), Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, Little Women, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Family Stone, The Holiday, Christmas with the Kranks, Frosty, and the Christmas Shoes.
Can you tell i love chrsitmas movies? And I usually cry while watching them… is something wrong with me? hehe
Comment by DisenfranchisedVoter
| 2008-12-25 18:57:09
We have the same taste in Christmas movies. I love The Family Stone, Love Actualy, Little Women, and Home Alone. I recommend Bad Santa and Four Christmases currently in theaters if you are looking for something a bit more naughty.
Great list. Looks about what my list would be, but I might substitute one for “The Ref” with Dennis Leary and Kevin Spacey. I think that was a hysterical movie.
I am the odd person out here. I don’t care for most Christmas movies. I abhor It’s a Wonderful Life. Home Alone is good once or twice. Elf is almost funny once. At least Bob Newhart is in it. Christmas Vacation is pure Chevy Chase, but again, once you sen it that’s it.
I sound like Old Grumpy Guy, don’t I?
I do like two versions of A Christmas Carol. My favorite version is the Alastir Sim’s classic followed by the George C. Scott version. I am sure a true Brit thinks that no American could ever play Scrooge well, but then in a fair world no Brit could play Scarlett O’Hare either. However, Scott did a very god job and actually Vivian Leigh was perfect.
Friends and I spent the day watching old James Bond movies. The real good ones with Sean Connery.
Don’t forget “Christmas in Connecticut” in which Barbara Stanwyck plays a woman who writes a newspaper column a la Martha Stewart, but is unmarried and cannot cook. The resulting fun,faking and romance always make me smile.
Another vote for Alastair Sim’s “Christmas Carol,” one of my all-time favorite films.
His performance is nothing short of transcendent. If you can watch him wake up Christmas morning to realize it’s not too late to redeem himself and then positively explode with joy, scaring the daylights out of the poor housekeeper (brilliantly played by Kathleen Harrison), and not feel lifted out of yourself, there’s something wrong with you! (Parts of that incredible scene were almost certainly improvised, BTW.)
Another of my favorite moments is the unspoken question and answer that pass between Scrooge and the little servant girl who greets him at the door when he arrives at his nephew’s house to beg his forgiveness and wish him a merry Christmas. It takes place just as he’s about to open the door to the festive celebration going on in the parlor. Goes by so quickly you’re likely to miss it if you don’t watch for it.
This is British acting–not just comedy acting, either–at its very best, even in the smallest parts.
Warning: If you watch a TV broadcast, they’re likely to cut some of the best scenes. Rent the DVD instead.
If you want a little taste, there’s a YouTube video that includes both scenes described above:
Right now I’m watching “How it’s made” and I almost choked. Did you know, gum, originally made of tree resin, is now made with plastic and rubber? Oh yeah, that’s healthy.
We watch Love, Actually every Christmas. God, I love that movie! (So glad to see it not pooh-poohed here!)
I dislike Jimmy Stewart movies. The only version of It’s A Wonderful Life that I’ve seen had Marlo Thomas as the lead. Was it Cloris Leachman who played the angel?
Anyway, thanks for the post and for No Quarter. And Happy Holidays.
Vice President Dick Cheney, according to a still-highly confidential FBI report, admitted to federal investigators that he rewrote talking points for the press in July 2003 that made it much more likely that the role of then-covert CIA-officer Valerie Plame in sending her husband on a CIA-sponsored mission to Africa would come to light.
Wasn’t sure if Larry had seen this story by Murray Waas…and wanted to give him a link .
Oh yes, A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote is my favorite Christmas movie ever. I cry every time I see it but it doesn’t seem like it’s ever on tv anymore.
I love “Love Actually” but can’t stand “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I think it looks like life (the town) would be more wonderful and exciting if George wasn’t born.
I’m not too much a fan of Love Actually. A movie about a bunch of shallow people who “fall in love” with other people because they are hot.
For most romantic comedies, this is Cardinal Rule #1. Cardinal Rule #2? A man should pursue the object of their affections relentlessly until they annoy the woman into finally accepting a date, whereupon she suddenly falls madly in love with her suitor/stalker. A great lesson for all young boys, to be sure. Andrea Dworkin wrote about this phenomenon in one of her books, I believe.
I’ve never seen “Love Actually.” My husband and three sons insist on watching “Die Hard” every Christmas, and I admit to enjoying the cowboy tell the terrorists, “Yippee Ki-yay. But for my personal favorite, I am partial to watching an angel named Clarence every Christmas get his wings.
I like all the movies on Larry’s list; here’s one of our favorites not on the list:
The Ref
starring Dennis Leary, Judy Davis & Kevin Spacey. Absolutely hilarious. It is rated R for language & inuendo, so not for young ones. Still, one of the funniest movies we’ve ever seen. Its about a jewel thief (Leary) caught in an upscale Connecticut town during Christmas.
Thanks for mentioning Scrooge: A Christmas Carol. I love Alastair Sim and all the other terrific U.K. character actors. It’s my fave! Loved all your other picks. My brother agrees with your take on Ralphie and his dumb bb gun … good laughs over here about that. We were also laughing about how we wanted to see Godzilla (the original with Raymond Burr cut and pasted into a Japanese movie). We don’t know why we needed to see it on Christmas Day. Well, that’s what happens when you spend your life in NYC and you’ve been severely affected by watching “Million Dollar Movie.” Merry Christmas!
For Christmas Story fans here is a list of 10 favorite lines from the movie (beyond “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid” that is)
1. He looks like a deranged Easter Bunny
2. Fra-gee-lay. that must be Italian.
3. Some men are Baptists, others Catholics; my father was an Oldsmobile man.
4. He had yellow eyes! So, Help me, God! Yellow Eyes!
5. My father worked in profanity the way other artsist might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium, a master.
6. You used up all the glue on purpose!
7. Let’s face it, most of us are scoffers. But moments before zero hour, it did not pay to take chances.
8. Well I double-DOG-dare ya!
9. Oooh Fuuudge!
10. Naddafinga!
There was also an interesting article about it’s author, Jean Sheppard, in Slate a few days ago. I’m sure it’s still there is you want to check it out.
This "terrifying tale of conspiracy and suspense" by Larry's friend Paul Evancoe, a former Navy SEAL, holds a rare 5-star rating by readers. The novel's SEAL heroes "find themselves targeted by two superpowers who will risk war to silence them": Own The Night
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“Love Actually” is wonderful! I was just asked for my top two movies and I too was embarrased to consider “Love Actually” as one of them. And, I’m a chick.
It’s one of those wonderful English ensemble movies that I could watch over and over again.
i absolutely love *love actually*. It is one of my favs, too! I do watch it over and over again. :O)
“Love Actually” IS a good movie! And we spent part of our day watching, “A White Christmas.”
We watched “Polar Express” this past weekend - AGAIN. Love it!
Nice list, Larry!
I enjoyed Love Actually and I recommend Definitely, Maybe. It’s from the creators of Love Actually and if you like one you’ll like the other.
Love your list, Larry. Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life and Love Actually are three of my favorite movies of all time. George Bailey is such a quintessential American character. He deferred his dreams, acquiesced to his brother, dealt with life imperfectly. If you haven’t seen it, go to Atlas Shrugs, where she has it posted with subtitles. It is back a few days, maybe a few days before Christmas. Even though I have seen it dozens of times, I got a lot out of the subtitles as there is some dialogue that is hard to pick up. I just love that movie.
Home Alone is also great. It doesn’t feel like Christmas until we watch that movie. The story is hilarious and Kevin is just an adorable little character. The second one is not as good, but also is enjoyable. Naturally, I prefer the Chicago version. The home where the film was made enjoyed a bit of celebrity back then. It is also fun to see some of the locations as we were able to check them out up in the Wilmette area.
Love Actually is one of those sappy movies that is a chick flick, but I know plenty of guys who love it too. Trust, betrayal, faithfulness, longing and fidelity are all entwined in several vignettes. Hugh Grant is quite bewitching in this film, and Keira Knightley is stunningly beautiful.
Elf is a newer addition to our list of family favorites. It is Will Ferrell stupid, but the story of the “slow” son makes it universally appealing. The clip you have chosen is one of my favorites in the movie. Tim Allen in The Santa Clause movies is also great.
I buy a few copies of every year and give them as gifts to those who haven’t experienced them.
Great list!!
We just finished watching The Christmas Story again tonight. I didn’t really care for it the first few times I saw it, but the movie does grow on you after a while.
It is wonderful to take some time away from BHO, the economy and work to enjoy some time reflecting and enjoying the messages in these films. God bless us everyone!
My favorites,
It’s A Wonderful Life -although I never looked at the angle you presented, Stewart’s Uncle did say “Mary did it, she went around and told everyone you needed help”…Stewart a selfish prick? A bit harsh. He gave up alot of his own aspirations for the sake of the town by not selling out the savings and loan- I don’t call that selfish. The selfish prick was the old miser Potter.
The Christmas Card-on the Hallmark channel-excellent
A Song for the Season
Meet Me In St Louis-one of Judy Garland’s best
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
A Christmas Carol
Wodiej
Labeling Jimmy Stewart a “selfish prick” was meant only for his decision to kill himself. I personally view suicide as the most selfish act. You don’t realize the effect that your act will have on others. thanks
LJ
Larry, I don’t mean any disrespect but can you imagine how utterly hopeless a person must feel that they think the only way out is suicide? Some people do consider/do this for selfish reasons. However, many are just plain depressed and around the holidays is even worse. Depression is a much bigger problem than society realizes. Just another side to look at.
Larry, he was considering suicide as the only way to repay the savings and loan and his family with the $15k policy…
He was in a state of overwhelm and frantic when he grovelled to Potter and was told his pathetic life insurance policy with only $500 equity but a $15k payoff made him worth more dead than alive. Suicide is selfish but that wasn’t his motivating factor. It’s my favorite #1 and I always cry like a baby when his hero brother offers up the toast “To my brother George, the richest man in town.” I’m getting a little misty eyed just typing it.
#2 Love Actually…so funny and I love the mosiac of airport greeters at the end while the Beachboys “God Only Knows” is playing…lovely.
#3 Home Alone and Miracle on 34th Street (old version) are favorites too.
You missed three —
A Child’s Christmas in Wales — a classic. If you haven’t seen it, get it on DVD.
A Christmas Story — for everyone who grew up in the Midwest about 50 yrs ago.
The Man Who Came To Dinner — 1940’s humor with a bite.
The main character’s arrogance should remind us of some more modern commentators.
Absolutely LOVE “Child’s Christmas in Wales”. Also the animated short “The Snowman” is a real charmer.
“Christmas Story” is also a favorite although I don’t watch any particular movie every year.
Alistair Sim was a wonderful character actor, one of the finest ever, particularly when it came to comedy.
…by the way, “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I’m a big fan of Donna Reed and Thomas Mitchell.
Not a movie but for several years, I enjoyed (up until this year) streaming a 12-hour radio program called An American Christmas. I couldn’t find one station streaming it this year. Some local stations are featuring it (not streaming) but not in my area. It’s produced by Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller. A wonderful program of music, myth and lore.
Good list, Larry.
Agree about the “A Christmas Story” - saw it last year for the first time - I don’t get the fuss.
“It’s A Wonderful Life” - my #1 too - Capra-corn? YES! And gimme more. Love it.
And, the 1951 “A Christmas Carol” with Sim is THE best telling of that story ever filmed, IMO.
Also, I would add “Going My Way” - not really a Christams movie (till the end) but…
Bing and Barry…and, too-rah-loo-rah-loo-rah.
Merry Christmas to all!
I cannot watch or listen to Bing Crosby, ever since I learned, he beat his kids from his first marriage. Two of the four committed suicide. And he carried on an affair with an actress whose name escapes me now; she committed suicide when he refused to leave his wife.
Inger Stevens was the actress. He also had an affair with Grace Kelly - some say she married the prince on the rebound. I’m with you about der-Bingle - a real jerk. His wife Dixie apparently had mental/drinking problems, but who wouldn’t?
The first time I saw A Christmas Story when it first came out, I laughed so hard my sides hurt. I was raised in Chicago and it was my childhood revisted. The scene with the little brother in the snowsuit brought back so many memories and my father’s language was much like the kid in the movie. A pure treasure.
For some reason A Wonderful Life has always left me - excuse the pun - cold.
I heard Judy Garland sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” on the radio today - so thanks to the person who reminded the rest here of Meet Me in St. Louis.
What, no Polar Express and Bad Santa
I like your take on “It’s a Wonderful Life”, Larry. You are SO right…the Oscar for best supporting actress. . . BARF!
“A Christmas Story” is one of my faves ever since my late husband said, “it’s the story of MY childhood”.
I have a crush on Vince Vaughn this year so I loved “Fred Claus”, though I don’t know whether or not it will stand the test of time.
I also like “The Polar Express”.
Merry Christmas to you too.
“it’s the story of MY childhood”.
I was talking about this movie with my 80 yr old dad today.
As a kid, his absolute dream was to have a radio. He knew he wouldn’t get one, as they did not have the money.
Chistmas morning, there was a box as tall as he was. He told me it took him just ages pulling out endless, forever crumpled newspaper. He started wondering if there was anything in there. He finally got to the very bottom and there was the radio. “It was blue.”
He remembers running home from school to listen to radio shows.
I rest my case.
I forgot some others….”Trading Places” with Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis and Eddie Murphy. And, Wodiej, I like A Christmas Card too. John Newton is from Chapel Hill.
Great choices Larry. One I would add, and relatively new: The Polar Express. This movie will grow in stature every year. We watch the hilarious Christmas Vacation every Christmas season, as well as the Alastair Sim Scrooge, and It’s a Wonderful Life. This year we watched White Christmas, and I was very impressed by the dancing of little Vera Ellen, who reminded me of Mitzi Gaynor through the whole movie. Thanks for the list!
Oh yes, I too will respectfully disagree on A Christmas Story. That’s another one we never get tired of watching, and always find it fresh and funny. Love the horrible bully Scut Farkus, and his miserable toady! And the department store Santa!
Saw The Polar Express for the first time this year and thought it was very good. We viewed it at an IMAX theater, so it became a truly exciting experience. Unique and recommended viewing.
Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory
1966 ABC Television starring Geraldine Page and narrated by Truman Capote.
“Emmy Award winning adaptation of Capote’s recollection of his youth in the rural South during the Depression. Living with a slightly dotty but loving “cousin,” Capote remembers back to when he was about 10 years old and it was suddenly decided that “it was fruitcake weather.” The task of baking 30 cakes for mostly far away friends and other rituals of Christmas time are painted with such loving and nostalgic strokes, this becomes a truly beautiful Christmas experience. The pverty of the 1930s fails to stop or even slow down a loving relationship at a loving time of the year. An Emmy Award well deserved!”
This and Alistair Simm’s version of A Christmas Carol!
Thanks. How could I have forgotten “A Christmas Memory”. They save pennies, nickles and dimes all year to buy the ingredients (including moonshine) and postage to mail the fruitcakes…the most important one going to President Roosevelt. Heartwarming and so authentic a production. Having no money left after the fruitcakes, their surprise gifts to each other, the dotty Aunt he calls “my friend” and Truman, are handmade kites. That last scene with the two lying on their backs on the hill watching their kites soar…wonderful.
Loved this movie and was going to mention it at the end by asking if anyone remembered it’s name because I couldn’t. Thanks for the memory — wish they made more of this type of flick today!
Can’t stand the dysfunctional family genre of current Christmas movies — seldom funny and generally depressing.
I like the Grinch. One of my favorites. We had the kids and the grandkids all done up yesterday with Who hairdos. That’s what happens when you spend ten days snowed in. I now answer to Cindy Who.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
I think that the best Christmas TV Show is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with its combination of humor and philosophy. (BTW, I am not comparing it with any of the movies.)
Great list! I LOVE It’s a Wonderful Life.
So far this week I have seen Wonderful Life (in b/w and color), Christmas Vacation, White Christmas, Little Women, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Family Stone, The Holiday, Christmas with the Kranks, Frosty, and the Christmas Shoes.
Can you tell i love chrsitmas movies? And I usually cry while watching them… is something wrong with me? hehe
Merry Christmas All!
We have the same taste in Christmas movies. I love The Family Stone, Love Actualy, Little Women, and Home Alone. I recommend Bad Santa and Four Christmases currently in theaters if you are looking for something a bit more naughty.
Little Women is a terrific Xmas movie — forgot about that one.
I forgot to add Muppet’s Christmas Carol. That is a funny movie too!
Happy Holidays Merry Christmas,
I love #2, agree that The Polar Express is a unique work.
Zuzu’s petals every time.
Great list. Thanks.
My favorite..THE HOLIDAY..with Jude Law..can’t get enough looking at that male creature!
Merry Christmas everyone here at NQ..just stopped in between food courses .. to wish everyone a Wonderful Holiday!!
HO Ho Ho ..Merrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyy!!
Great list. Looks about what my list would be, but I might substitute one for “The Ref” with Dennis Leary and Kevin Spacey. I think that was a hysterical movie.
Seconded, one of my favorites. Brilliant and funny.
Top notch writing and acting.
Happy Christmas all.
I am the odd person out here. I don’t care for most Christmas movies. I abhor It’s a Wonderful Life. Home Alone is good once or twice. Elf is almost funny once. At least Bob Newhart is in it. Christmas Vacation is pure Chevy Chase, but again, once you sen it that’s it.
I sound like Old Grumpy Guy, don’t I?
I do like two versions of A Christmas Carol. My favorite version is the Alastir Sim’s classic followed by the George C. Scott version. I am sure a true Brit thinks that no American could ever play Scrooge well, but then in a fair world no Brit could play Scarlett O’Hare either. However, Scott did a very god job and actually Vivian Leigh was perfect.
Friends and I spent the day watching old James Bond movies. The real good ones with Sean Connery.
Don’t forget “Christmas in Connecticut” in which Barbara Stanwyck plays a woman who writes a newspaper column a la Martha Stewart, but is unmarried and cannot cook. The resulting fun,faking and romance always make me smile.
Another vote for Alastair Sim’s “Christmas Carol,” one of my all-time favorite films.
His performance is nothing short of transcendent. If you can watch him wake up Christmas morning to realize it’s not too late to redeem himself and then positively explode with joy, scaring the daylights out of the poor housekeeper (brilliantly played by Kathleen Harrison), and not feel lifted out of yourself, there’s something wrong with you! (Parts of that incredible scene were almost certainly improvised, BTW.)
Another of my favorite moments is the unspoken question and answer that pass between Scrooge and the little servant girl who greets him at the door when he arrives at his nephew’s house to beg his forgiveness and wish him a merry Christmas. It takes place just as he’s about to open the door to the festive celebration going on in the parlor. Goes by so quickly you’re likely to miss it if you don’t watch for it.
This is British acting–not just comedy acting, either–at its very best, even in the smallest parts.
Warning: If you watch a TV broadcast, they’re likely to cut some of the best scenes. Rent the DVD instead.
If you want a little taste, there’s a YouTube video that includes both scenes described above:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8gOU8XJc7Y
Thank you for that! I just LOVE the staircase scene: “To keep me mouth shut?”
“Polka!”
Right now I’m watching “How it’s made” and I almost choked. Did you know, gum, originally made of tree resin, is now made with plastic and rubber? Oh yeah, that’s healthy.
We watch Love, Actually every Christmas. God, I love that movie! (So glad to see it not pooh-poohed here!)
I dislike Jimmy Stewart movies. The only version of It’s A Wonderful Life that I’ve seen had Marlo Thomas as the lead. Was it Cloris Leachman who played the angel?
Anyway, thanks for the post and for No Quarter. And Happy Holidays.
Peg
I see the last open comment thread was from yesterday and since Larry is the Author of this blog I am putting message here for him…
http://murraywaas.crooksandliars.com/2008/12/23/exclusive-cheneys-admissions-to-the-cia-leak-prosecutor-and-fbi/
Oh yes, A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote is my favorite Christmas movie ever. I cry every time I see it but it doesn’t seem like it’s ever on tv anymore.
I love “Love Actually” but can’t stand “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I think it looks like life (the town) would be more wonderful and exciting if George wasn’t born.
I love It’s a Wonderful Life and I have to watch it every year at Christmas!
I first watched it when I was 14 and fell in love with it. It made me cry and still does:
“No man is a failure who has friends”
I’m the richest gal in town!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGH0uZDnUZg
SOME OF US, JUST DON’T HAVE IT SO PERFECT (ONE OF MY FAVORITES)
I’m not too much a fan of Love Actually. A movie about a bunch of shallow people who “fall in love” with other people because they are hot.
For most romantic comedies, this is Cardinal Rule #1. Cardinal Rule #2? A man should pursue the object of their affections relentlessly until they annoy the woman into finally accepting a date, whereupon she suddenly falls madly in love with her suitor/stalker. A great lesson for all young boys, to be sure. Andrea Dworkin wrote about this phenomenon in one of her books, I believe.
Nonsense. No one would watch it if it was as you describe it.
It’s about loss, sacrifice and betrayal, as well; and where there are pursuits, the feelings are mutual.
Hey, I was raised in Milwaukee!
I’ve never seen “Love Actually.” My husband and three sons insist on watching “Die Hard” every Christmas, and I admit to enjoying the cowboy tell the terrorists, “Yippee Ki-yay. But for my personal favorite, I am partial to watching an angel named Clarence every Christmas get his wings.
I like all the movies on Larry’s list; here’s one of our favorites not on the list:
The Ref
starring Dennis Leary, Judy Davis & Kevin Spacey. Absolutely hilarious. It is rated R for language & inuendo, so not for young ones. Still, one of the funniest movies we’ve ever seen. Its about a jewel thief (Leary) caught in an upscale Connecticut town during Christmas.
I saw this a few years ago. Ever since, my sister has been wishing us a “Merry F***ing Christmas.”
Thanks for mentioning Scrooge: A Christmas Carol. I love Alastair Sim and all the other terrific U.K. character actors. It’s my fave! Loved all your other picks. My brother agrees with your take on Ralphie and his dumb bb gun … good laughs over here about that. We were also laughing about how we wanted to see Godzilla (the original with Raymond Burr cut and pasted into a Japanese movie). We don’t know why we needed to see it on Christmas Day. Well, that’s what happens when you spend your life in NYC and you’ve been severely affected by watching “Million Dollar Movie.” Merry Christmas!
I love all versions of A Christmas Carol and watch as many as I can in December. Happy Holidays and God Bless Us Everyone at noquarter.
Does anyone remember A Christmas Carol cartoon with Mr. Magoo? I love Mr. Magoo.
A Christmas Story is a favorite here being Mid Westerners.
Christmas in Connecticut
The Man Who Came to Dinner
White Christmas
“It’s a Wonderful Life” - hands down. We watch it every Christmas & “Scrooged.”
Let’s give our English cousins their due–they know how to make great Dickens’ movies about Christmas
Turns out they know how to write great Dickens’ novels as well.
Merry Christmas, ya knuckleheads.
For Christmas Story fans here is a list of 10 favorite lines from the movie (beyond “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid” that is)
1. He looks like a deranged Easter Bunny
2. Fra-gee-lay. that must be Italian.
3. Some men are Baptists, others Catholics; my father was an Oldsmobile man.
4. He had yellow eyes! So, Help me, God! Yellow Eyes!
5. My father worked in profanity the way other artsist might work in oils or clay. It was his true medium, a master.
6. You used up all the glue on purpose!
7. Let’s face it, most of us are scoffers. But moments before zero hour, it did not pay to take chances.
8. Well I double-DOG-dare ya!
9. Oooh Fuuudge!
10. Naddafinga!
There was also an interesting article about it’s author, Jean Sheppard, in Slate a few days ago. I’m sure it’s still there is you want to check it out.
greatings…
usefull…
Bachelor Mother, with Ginger Rogers
Holiday Inn, with Fred Astaire, and Bing Crosby.
The Bishop’s Wife, with Cary Grant.
And I’ve become a fan of David Niven, this year.