theclassicmoviemuse Deck the halls with lots of movies…Hamlette’s Soliloquy has created The 12 Days of Christmas Movie Tag for adding to the festivities of the season. Check out her awesome blog and her answers here.
For my edition of the tag, I’m choosing Christmas movies (or movies tied to Christmas in some fashion) for the answers. This was not mandatory or specified in the rules but I have enjoyed the addition and the challenge it provided!
The rules of the tag:
- Use a different movie for each prompt
- Add photos and/or explanations of how your choices fit the prompts
- Tag a few friends to play along
Here we go…
#1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree – a movie that involves agriculture
Holiday Inn (1942)
Jim (Bing Crosby) is sick of show business and buys a farm in Midville, Connecticut for a complete change of pace. Dreaming of “no work to be done,” he quickly realizes he had no idea what he signed up for. Jim returns to the showbiz scene by turning his farm into an inn that is open only on holidays. Romance falls into his lap, but trouble ensues when Ted (Fred Astaire) shows up, the guy who usually steals Jim’s girl.
#2. Turtledoves – a movie about a long-lasting relationship
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
In this beloved and timeless film, we follow the life of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) who comes to realize that “no man is a failure who has friends.” Perhaps his best friend is his wife, Mary, (Donna Reed) who has had a crush on him every since she was a young girl.
#3. French Hens – a movie that takes place in France
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
Not gonna lie, this one took some digging! A tale of young love set in 1950’s France, this French New Wave musical features an entirely sung script, Catherine Deneuve in her star making role, and the most poignant ending of any film set on a snowy Christmas Eve.
#4. Calling Birds – a movie where people talk on the phone
Lady on a Train (1945)
Deanna Durbin plays Nikki Collins, the title character who witnesses a murder while traveling to visit family for Christmas. Curious as can be, she enlists the help of a mystery writer to help her solve the caper. When Nikki’s father calls to wish her a Merry Christmas, he pleads with her to sing for him. She performs a simple but touching rendition of “Silent Night” over the phone (which even delays the thug who sneaked into her room from completing his dastardly plan.)
#5. Golden Rings – a movie with multiple romances
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
There are a few romances going on in this candy confection of a film: Esther and the boy next door, Rose and Warren, and Lon and Lucille. Additionally, this movie is centered around the love that the Smith family has for each other, as well as the romance of days gone by.
#6. Geese A-Laying – a movie with a birth or that features babies
3 Godfathers (1948)
An interesting spin on the three magi, John Wayne heads up this moving western as the leader of a band of outlaws who honor the wish of a dying woman (Mildred Natwick) – to raise her newborn child and bring him to safety.
#7. Swans A-Swimming – a movie where someone goes swimming
Neptune’s Daughter (1949)
A Christmas movie? Hear me out. This film introduced the world to the song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” which won an Oscar that year. While the song does not actually mention Christmas, it has been tied to the holiday in reference to the cold weather. Since Neptune’s Daughter is an Esther Williams movie, you can bet there’s a swan-a-swimming.
#8. Maids A-Milking – a movie with cows
Remember the Night (1940)
In this bittersweet drama/romantic comedy shoplifter Lee Leander (Barbara Stanwyck) and her prosecutor John Sargent (Fred MacMurray) venture to Indiana for Christmas. Along the way, they find themselves in a pasture of cows and its Fred who does the milking and the cow that decides Barbara’s hat makes a tasty morning snack.
#9. Ladies Dancing – a movie with a dance scene
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) is a fake Martha Stewart who needs to cook up a farm, a husband, and a baby (and quick!) when she hears that a sailor is being sent to her home for the holidays. This film is full of Christmassy imagery, over-the-top scenarios, and a Christmas Eve dance that I want to attend every year.
#10. Lords A-Leaping – a movie about athletes
Melody Time (1948)
This animated collection of stories from Disney contains one of my favorite pieces of animation done by the studio – “Once Upon a Wintertime.” I pull it out this time of year because the sleigh ride, ice skating, and snowy scenery inevitably remind me of Christmastime. I love everything about this segment: the song; the characters and story; and the gorgeous design by Disney artist Mary Blair.
It makes me smile every single time.
#11. Pipers Piping – a movie with someone playing a musical instrument
The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Dudley the angel (Cary Grant) is on a heavenly assignment to bring a couple back together who have drifted apart. He charms nearly everyone he meets (this is Cary Grant we’re talking about) but doesn’t plan on falling in love with the bishop’s wife (Loretta Young) himself.
Every angel worth his mettle knows how to play the harp.
#12. Drummers Drumming – a movie with characters in the military
White Christmas (1954)
No stranger to the Christmas canon of films, White Christmas is more than a “let’s put on a show” movie. Although it contains some of the most dazzling musical numbers in film history, it’s really a story about two ex-Army buddies (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) joining forces to remind their beloved army general (Dean Jagger) that he is not forgotten.
And there you have it! This was a blast (and a half) to write. Thanks again, Hamlette, for this super fun tag!
I won’t be tagging anyone, but feel free to write your own 12 Days of Christmas on your blog or share them in the comments below…I can’t wait to see which movies you would pick for these categories!
Thanks for reading and for visiting The Classic Movie Muse!
