There was a book published a decade ago entitled IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AT THE MOVIES and this excellent book covered a great number of Christmas films that have been released in theaters over the last hundred years. The sheer number of Christmas films is quite interesting as not only are theatrical presentations popular, but there have been many, many TV presentations as well.

Which Christmas films were the best? Well, the number of classic Christmas films that have endured for ages is quite high. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET is a wonderful children's movie that has aged quite well over the years. WHITE CHRISTMAS and THE BELLS OF ST. MARY'S are also excellent family films that teach tremendous family values that are as important today as they were many decades ago when the films were first released.

Now, a great Christmas film need not be an old film. Modern classics such as the hilarious A CHRISTMAS STORY and THE SANTA CLAUS are consistent with the spirit of the old classics. In fact, these films are well on their way to becoming new classics.

Of course, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is probably the most popular Christmas novel of all time and has been adapted numerous times over the years. The two best versions of the film were the ones produced in 1938 and 1951 respectively. Most people consider the 1938 version starring Reginald Owen as a great adaptation and it is quite excellent, but Alistair Sims' performance in the 1951 version is off the charts and is an ABSOLUTE must see. (On a side note, the first filmed version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL was a silent film in 1910!)

One of the lesser-known facts about the film IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE is that the film was first released in July. The film was obviously not promoted as a Christmas film nor was it planned as a Christmas film although the ending takes place at Christmas. The film died a tragic death at the box office and it was not until the 1960's when the film started airing on television that it was repackaged as a Christmas film. The film experienced a surge in viewers and ceased being an obscure failure, but rather a perennial holiday favorite.

No Christmas would be complete without the airing of a film about the birth and life of Christ. While there have been many films that have revolved around this subject, they all pale in comparison to the greatest one of them all KING OF KINGS (1962) Sadly, KING OF KINGS does not get the television coverage that it deserves. Even in today's expanded cable universe, the showings of the film of TV remain rare although at Christmas some channels may pick it up for airing where it reaches a dedicated audience of fans who appreciate the virtuoso cinema that KING OF KINGS REPRESENTS.

A comprehensive listing of great Christmas films would be very difficult to do in a few short pages so seeking out a copy of IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AT THE MOVIES in recommended.