Tag Archives: Christmas

3 things about Stanley Kubrick’s EYES WIDE SHUT

Posted on November 30, 2017 by robchristopher

Eyes Wide Shut [1999] 1. Snackwells, a glass of milk, cigarettes. 2. Motif: glowing Christmas trees in empty rooms. 3. The way he spins the cue ball on the table. A nervous gesture.

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3 things about Frank Capra’s IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Posted on December 25, 2016 by robchristopher

It’s a Wonderful Life [1946] 1. A butterfly collection displayed on the wall of the dining room. 2. Burt gives the newlyweds a bottle of champagne. It’s during Prohibition! 3. Mr. Gower wears newspapers under his shirt to keep warm. … Continue reading →

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3 things about W.S. Van Dyke’s THE THIN MAN

Posted on December 21, 2016 by robchristopher

The Thin Man [1934] 1. “Hey, that’s my hat!” Nick wriggles it around like it’s a flapping bird and says, “Come and get it, while it’s hot.” 2. He takes a whiff of what’s under the concrete and shoos Asta … Continue reading →

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3 things about Ernst Lubitsch’s THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER

Posted on December 19, 2016 by robchristopher

The Shop Around the Corner [1940] 1. Her gloved hand inside the empty post office box. 2. A cacophony of cigarette boxes. 3. The way he tactfully gleans if anyone is without plans for Christmas Eve. Frank Morgan FTW.

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A new tale for Xmas from Barry Gifford.

Posted on December 9, 2016 by robchristopher

In 2009 Chicagoist posted “The Starving Dogs of Little Croatia,” a newly written Christmas story by Barry. Seven years later and the annual tradition continues with “Role Models.” (It just might be included in my documentary!) Enjoy.

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3 things about Ted Demme’s THE REF

Posted on December 5, 2016 by robchristopher

The Ref [1994] 1. “Is it real coffee, or some Scandinavian Christmas potion?” 2. Poodle sweater. 3. Daniel Lanois poster in his bedroom. The kid has taste.

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3 things about Frank Capra’s IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Posted on December 25, 2015 by robchristopher

It’s a Wonderful Life [1946] 1. $17.50. 2. The miniature skull-and-chain desk ornament in Potter’s office. 3. The newspaper weather report is accurate. Merry Christmas! 3 other things.

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3 things about Billy Wilder’s THE APARTMENT

Posted on December 23, 2015 by robchristopher

The Apartment [1960] 1. “The mirror, it’s broken.” “I know. I like it this way. Makes me look the way I feel.” 2. An Ella Fitzgerald LP in Baxter’s apartment. 3. Their lovers’ hideaway is Rickshaw, a tiki bar/restaurant. From … Continue reading →

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3 things about William Keighley’s THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER

Posted on December 21, 2015 by robchristopher

The Man Who Came to Dinner [1942] 1. Fake octopus. 2. “Oh, it’s snowing. Isn’t that wonderful? I’ve never felt so much like Christmas in all my life. Don’t you, Sherry?” “Shut your nasty little face!” 3. He throws his … Continue reading →

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Winter Sequence.

Posted on December 21, 2015 by robchristopher

Every December I try to freshen up my holiday listening by adding some new music to the rotation. This year it’s a piece by Leonard Feather and Ralph Burns, “Winter Sequence, A Seasonal Suite for Rhythmic Reindeer.” Dating from 1954, … Continue reading →

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