CineFocus Vintage Movies

The Shanty Where Santy Claus Lives (1933) Christmas Eve. A poor orphan boy trudges through the snow, pathetically. He finally arrives at his miserable cabin. While he is crying, Santa arrives and, singing the title song, offers to take the boy to his workshop. They arrive, and the toys go wild (in the full version, they sing the title song, but this has been censored in some versions due to outdated stereotype Directors: Hugh Harman (uncredited), Rudolf Ising (uncredited) Stars: Rudolf Ising (uncredited), The King's Men (uncredited), Johnny Murray (uncredited) Trivia The little girl blowing up the balloon becomes Kate Smith and sings "Shine on Harvest Moon ". Alternate versions This cartoon was colorized in 1992 by Turner Entertainment Company, with each frame traced over onto a cel. Each cel was then painted in color and photographed over a colored reproduction of each background. Connections Featured in A Hollywood Christmas (1996) Soundtracks Get Happy (1930) (uncredited) Music by Harold Arlen Played by studio orchestra during the opening credits

Based on the story by Charles Dickens: Ebenezer Scrooge is well known for his harsh, miserly ways, until he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, and then by three other spirits. Directors: J. Searle Dawley (uncredited), Charles Kent (uncredited), Ashley Miller (uncredited) Writer: Charles Dickens (short story) Stars: Marc McDermott, Charles Ogle, William Bechtel Trivia Worldview Entertainment and the Killiam Collection has released a set of nine early movies about Christmas collectively called "A Christmas Past," with an original score by Al Kryszak. This movie is the eighth one and has a running time of 11 minutes. Goofs During the visit of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Ebenezer Scrooge's name is misspelled as "Ebeneezer" on his gravestone. Quotes Title Card: The day before Christmas, Scrooge, a hard fisted miser, revives an appeal from the Charity Relief Committee. Connections Featured in The Great Christmas Movies (1998)

A Christmas Carol (1938 movie) Trailer A Christmas Carol 1938 trailer, featuring first, a "Fireside Chat" with Lionel Barrymoore (even though he has nothing to do with it) introducing us to the 1938 version of the movie with Reginald Owen.

Santa and the Fairy Snow Queen (1951) One of Santa Claus' "brownies" (elves) introduces the story of the Fairy Snow Queen, who plays a trick on Santa Claus by bringing all the toys to life just before Claus is due to deliver them to children around the world. She shows Claus what she's done and the toys demonstrate their abilities. The toys are distraught when Claus says they must be turned back into inanimate objects. Director: Sid Davis Writer: Robert Niel Porter Stars: Rochelle Stanton, Edmund Penney, Margo Von Leu Trivia This was riffed live by the guys from MST3K under the Rifftrax name(Michael J. Nelson, Bill Corbett and Kevin Murphy), as part of their Live Rifftrax of "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians". Quotes Snoopy: My name is Snoopy. [giggles] Snoopy: Santa Claus calls me Snoopy because, I snoop. I work for Santa Claus, I used to make toys like all the other little brownies, but that was when I was much younger. Now Santa has a special job for me. Did you ever hear the door close and you look around and there isn't anybody there? And the shutter goes bang-bang-bang-bang-bang and there isn't any wind? And the floor cree-e-ee-aks, and you sit up in bed and you say 'Is that you, Daddy?' Well it isn't your daddy, nor your mommy neither. It's me! I'm the little brownie that goes around to all the children's houses to see if they've been good boys and girls. Yes sir, I know all about you little boys and girls, I know the ones that ate their breakfast, and the ones that put away their toys. Which brings me to the reason Santa sent me here to talk to you. From what I see and what we hear way up in Toyland, a lot of the toys that Santa and his brownies have worked so hard to make get broken, and lost, and left out in the rain. You see I have another job too, all the toys that are broken and forgotten, Santa has me pick up in a bi-i-ig basket, and take to the land of lost and forgotten toys. Well, none of the toys want to go there, as you can surely imagine, so Santa thought that if I came here and told you how the fairy snow queen first gave toys life, that then you would appreciate them more and take better care of them. Alternate versions Although the film was shot and is available in color, some prints were struck in black-and-white. Connections Featured in Retro Christmas Classics (2007) Soundtracks The Nutcracker (excerpts) Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Played by uncredited offscreen orchestra over the opening credits and several other scenes

Noel (1992) The story of Noel, a cheerful Christmas ornament with a certain "happiness" that rubs off on the families he lives with. Director: Masaki Îzuka Writer: Romeo Muller Stars: Charlton Heston (voice), Larissa Auble (voice), Roscoe Lee Browne (voice) Trivia Romeo Muller's final project. Goofs After Noel tearfully says "Goodbye, Miss Freezenda, goodbye", his mouth never moves during his next line: "Gee, she didn't even say goodbye". Quotes [repeated line] Noel: Hi, my name is Noel, and I have a happiness! Connections Featured in Phelous & the Movies: Noel (2016)

A Christmas Carol (1969) On Christmas Eve, an old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the spirit of his former partner, Jacob Marley. The deceased partner was in his lifetime as mean and miserly as Scrooge is now and he warns him to change his ways or face the consequences in the afterlife. Scrooge dismisses the apparition but the first of the three ghosts, the Ghost of Christmas Past.... Director: Zoran Janjic Writers: Charles Dickens (novel), Michael Robinson (story adaptation) Stars: Ron Haddrick (voice), Bruce Montague (voice), John Llewellyn (voice) Trivia First of two voice portrayals of Ebenezer Scrooge for Ron Haddrick - he would reprise the role 13 years later in the feature length Burbank Production A Christmas Carol (1982). Connections Referenced in The Beach Girls (1982)

PLEASE NOTE: this cartoon is not shown on American TV due to characters, scenes or situations might negatively stereotype African-Americans Scrub Me Mama with a Boogie Beat (1941) The black residents of Lazy Town are bored one day until a sultry light-skinned woman shows up to teach them what rhythm is. Director: Walter Lantz (uncredited) Writer: Ben Hardaway (story) Stars: Ivie Anderson (voice), Mel Blanc (voice) Trivia This cartoon is not as of this writing shown on American television because of characters, scenes or situations that portray offensive, negative or otherwise unacceptable content that fosters negative stereotypes of African-Americans. Connections Featured in Ethnic Notions (1986) Soundtracks Scrub Me Mama with a Boogie Beat Words and Music by Don Raye Sung by Vivian Dandridge

Oliver Twist (1933) An orphan boy in 1830s London is abused in a workhouse, then falls into the clutches of a gang of thieves. Director: William J. Cowen Writers: Charles Dickens (novel) Elizabeth Meehan (screenplay and dialogue) Stars: Dickie Moore, Irving Pichel, William 'Stage' Boyd Trivia The failure of the original copyright holder to renew the film's copyright resulted in it falling into public domain, meaning that virtually anyone could duplicate and sell a VHS/DVD copy of the film. Therefore, many of the versions of this film available on the market are either severely (and usually badly) edited and/or of extremely poor quality, having been duped from second- or third-generation (or more) copies of the film. Goofs When Oliver is scrubbing the workhouse dining room floor, he looks up and smiles at the camera just before the bell goes for breakfast. Quotes [first lines] Oliver's Mother: My baby, my boy. I want to see him. Alternate versions In the version usually shown on TV now, the entire sequence with the Sowerberrys and Noah Claypole is missing. This makes it seem as if Oliver runs away from the workhouse, not the undertaker's shop. Connections Edited into The Our Gang Story (1994)

The Candle Maker A candlemaker entrusts his young son with the task of making candles for their church on Christmas Eve. Directors: Joy Batchelor, John Halas Writers: Joy Batchelor (uncredited), Philip Stapp (uncredited)

Noah's Ark Mel-O-Toons sometimes erroneously called "Mello Toons", was a series of animated cartoons produced in 1960 by New World Productions and syndicated by United Artists. It featured various folk tales, Greco-Roman myths, Biblical stories, some original stories by author Thornton Burgess, classic stories, even adaptations of classical music and ballet. The soundtracks were often taken from existing children's records, licensed from the original labels. 104 cartoons, each about 6 minutes long, were produced in limited animation.

The Great Rupert (1950) A little squirrel with lots of charm accidentally helps two poor, down-but-NOT-out families overcome their obstacles. Director: Irving Pichel Writers: László Vadnay (screenplay), James O'Hanlon (additional dialogue), Harry Crane (additional dialogue) Stars: Jimmy Durante, Terry Moore, Tom Drake

Have you Got Any Castles? 1938 Another entry in the "books come alive" subgenre, with possibly more books coming alive than any other. We begin with some musical numbers, notably the various pages of Green Pastures all joining in on a song, The Thin Man entering The White House Cookbook and exiting much fatter, and The House of Seven (Clark) Gables singing backup to Old King Cole. The Three Musketeers... Directors: Frank Tashlin, Friz Freleng (archive footage) Writers: Harriet Beecher Stowe (character: Uncle Tom), Daniel Defoe (character: Robinson Crusoe), Charles Dickens (character: Oliver Twist) Stars: Mel Blanc (voice), The Four Blackbirds (archive sound), Delos Jewkes (voice) Trivia In public domain since 1966 when United Artists (successor to Associated Artists Productions) failed to renew the copyright within the 28-year period. Goofs Dr. Jekyll is spelled Dr. Jekyl in the opening. Quotes Rip Van Winkle: Old King Cole is a noisy old soul. [Takes scissors and cuts Uncle Toms hair to use as ear plugs] Alternate versions The Blue Ribbon reissue version of this cartoon cuts out not only the credits, but the opening and closing gags. Here is what is cut. The opening with a caricture of Alexander Wolcott as a "Town Crier" is deleted. All that is visible is the shadow of him ringing a bell. Wolcott was upset over his caricature, and made W.B. cut it out. The gag closest to the ending again features Alexander Wolcott, which has also been excised. The ending gag that involves Rip Van Winkle tying the cuckoo clock bird's beak shut so that he can get some sleep. The new Looney Tunes DVD set released in 2004 released the longest cut available, featuring all of the cut scenes above, except the opening credits. However, it still has the "blue ribbon" in the opening. Connections Edited from Clean Pastures (1937) Soundtracks Poet and Peasant Overture (uncredited) Music by Franz von Suppé Played during the opening scene and at the end

Oliver Twist 1948 In Charles Dickens' classic tale, an orphan wends his way from cruel apprenticeship to den of thieves in search of a true home. Director: David Lean Writers: Charles Dickens (by), David Lean (screen play), Stanley Haynes (screen play) Stars: Robert Newton, Alec Guinness, Kay Walsh Trivia This movie's release in the U.S. was delayed until 1951 because of protests from Jewish pressure groups, who judged Sir Alec Guinness' portrayal of Fagin to be anti-Semitic. Goofs When Oliver is in the dock being tried for pick-pocketing, after the judge says "Oh stand away" the camera becomes an Oliver POV shot. Just before Oliver totally collapses, he looks up to the ceiling, (and, therefore, so does the camera) briefly showing the full studio rafters, complete with lights, and the set microphone, and part of the "set ceiling". Quotes Oliver Twist: Please, sir, I want some more. Alternate versions The film did not premiere in the U.S. until 1951, after ten minutes of footage involving Alec Guinness as Fagin had been cut, due to Jewish pressure groups who claimed that Guinness's portrayal was offensive and anti-Semitic. Connections Edited into The Flesh and the Fiends (1960) Soundtracks My Hat, It Has Three Corners (uncredited) Traditional In the score during a conversation between Mr. Bumble and Monks

Mr Pickwick's Christmas 1956 | Mr Pickwick's Christmas Film dramatizes one of the best-known incidents in English literature - the Christmas visit of Mr. Pickwick and his friends to Dingley Dell Farm. In the large parlour, everyone responds to the cordial atmosphere and joyous capers of Mr. Pickwick. From the Pickwick papers. Publisher Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Director John Barnes Identifier MrPickwicksChristmas Rights Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. Run time 21:23

Spring by Bleder Animation Studio Spring is the story of a shepherd girl and her dog, who face ancient spirits in order to continue the cycle of life. This poetic and visually stunning short film was written and directed by Andy Goralczyk, inspired by his childhood in the mountains of Germany.

The Old Curiosity Shop 1995 When young Nell Trent's grandfather loses the investment money of wharf owner Daniel Quilp with cards, Quilp develops an everlasting urge to get him put in the madhouse. Nell and her grandfather flee the city. Director: Kevin Connor Writers: Charles Dickens (novel), John Goldsmith Stars: Alan Barry, Adam Blackwood, Tom Courtenay Goofs As Nell and grandfather arrive in Hawkshead, a 20th century field gun remains in the background, out of the way, but clearly visible. Connections Version of The Old Curiosity Shop (1909)

Oliver Twist 1948 Trailer Coming up on 9th December!

Santa Claus (Versus The Devil) 1959 With Merlin's aid, Santa Claus must defeat the evil machinations of the devil Pitch to ruin Christmas. . Director: René Cardona Writers: Adolfo Torres Portillo (story), René Cardona (story) Stars: José Elías Moreno, Cesáreo Quezadas 'Pulgarcito', José Luis Aguirre 'Trotsky' A bizarre flick from Mexico translated by K. Gordon Murray for children's matinees, in which Santa Claus is the envy of the CIA and avoids child labor laws by keeping his slaves in an orbital castle over the North Pole. Currently #44 on IMDB's Bottom 100 of worst films, beating out "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" by a wide margin. Trivia Riffed on Mystery Science Theater 3000 on December 24, 1993. Season 6, episode 21. Then riffed years later by Rifftrax LIVE. Goofs When seen through Santa's telescope, the earth is revolving in the wrong direction. Quotes Evil Doll: Why don't you steal us. We can all be yours! Lupita: No, you know that stealing is bad, and I want to be good. Evil Doll: But you must learn to steal! Lupita: No. You know stealing is bad, and I want to be good. Evil Doll: We dolls don't like good little girls! Lupita: No. To steal is evil, and I don't want to be evil. Evil Doll: You must be evil if you want a doll! Lupita: No, you know stealing is evil, and I don't want to be evil. Evil Doll: Steal, fight, and we will all be yours! Lupita: No. I don't want to be evil, and stealing is evil. Evil Doll: You want to good, eh, you don't want to be bad? Lupita: No, you know stealing is bad, and I want to be good. Evil Doll: Well then, you'll never have a doll! HAHAHAHAH! Alternate versions A 1989 U.S. home video release was "substantially re-edited and abridged" to "remove all seemingly objectionable material." This version is missing all material involving Pitch. The running time was reduced to 63 minutes and the film retitled "Santa Claus: The Motion Picture" in order to cash in on the big budget production Santa Claus: The Movie (1985). Connections Edited into Santa's Enchanted Village (1964) Soundtracks Noche de Paz (Stille Nacht) Music by Franz Xaver Gruber (uncredited) Lyrics by Joseph Mohr (uncredited) Public Domain

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) Worried that their children have become obsessed with television shows from Earth which extol the virtues of Santa Claus, Martians begin an expedition to Earth to kidnap the one and only Santa Claus. While on Earth, they kidnap two lively children that lead the group of Martians to the North Pole and Santa Claus. The Martians then take Santa Claus and the two children back to Mars with them. Voldar, a particularly grumpy Martian, attempts to do away with the children and Santa Claus before they get to Mars, but their leader Lord Kimar stops him. Director: Nicholas Webster Writers:Glenville Mareth (screenplay), Paul L. Jacobson (based on a story by) Stars: John Call, Leonard Hicks, Vincent Beck Trivia This film includes the first documented appearance of Mrs. Claus. Goofs In the opening credits, costume designer is spelled "custume designer". Quotes Kimar: Dropo, you are the laziest man on Mars. Why are you sleeping during working hours? Dropo: I wasn't sleeping, chief. It's just that I haven't been able to sleep these last few months. I forgot how. So I was just practicing. Crazy credits In the opening credits, Costume Designer is spelled "Custume Designer". Connections Edited into A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All! (2008) Soundtracks Hooray for Santa Claus Written by Roy Alfred and Milton Delugg Performed by the children's chorus [Played over both the opening and closing credits]

Early Victorian England And Charles Dickens Clifton Fadiman discusses Victorian England--the civilization which Dickens reflected, attacked, and transcended. Includes excerpts from Dickens' novels which show the startling contrasts of his age.

No Hands on the Clock (1941) The first of three Pine-Thomas productions for Chester Morris finds him as wise-cracking private detective Humphrey Campbell who impresses his boss, Oscar Flack, no end by not only finding a missing girl but also marrying her in the process. So Flack sends him to celebrate his honeymoon in the Divorce Capital of the world, Reno, Nevada, to find a missing man. Director: Frank McDonald Writers: Daniel Mainwaring (novel "No Hands on the Clock"), Maxwell Shane (screenplay) Stars: Chester Morris, Jean Parker, Rose Hobart Trivia The failure of the original copyright holder to renew the film's copyright resulted in it falling into public domain, meaning that virtually anyone could duplicate and sell a VHS/DVD copy of the film. Therefore, many of the versions of this film available on the market are either severely (and usually badly) edited and/or of extremely poor quality, having been duped from second- or third-generation (or more) copies of the film. Connections Edited into Who Dunit Theater: No Hands on the Clock (2021) Soundtracks Dolores Music by Louis Alter (uncredited) Played by nightclub pianist

This Happy Breed (1944) Just after World War I, the Gibbons family moves to a nice house in the suburbs. They live an ordinary life throughout the years, but everything changes when World War II breaks out. Director: David Lean Writers: David Lean (adapted for the screen by), Ronald Neame (adapted for the screen by), Anthony Havelock-Allan (adapted for the screen by) Stars: Robert Newton, Celia Johnson, John Mills Trivia The comment early in the movie about the cat and buttering its paws comes from a technique used when a cat moves houses. According to this, if the cat has butter on its paws it will stop and lick it off. As cats are very clean creatures, the butter on its paws and the bits of dirt/dust/debris that will inevitably stick to it will annoy the cat. The cat will sit down to clean itself and, in doing so, will take in its new surroundings creating a mental map of where its new home is and helping it to make the adjustment to its new surroundings. Goofs The General Strike ended on May 12, 1926, but when Reg returns home with a bandaged head after the end of the strike the cherry tree in the back garden is still in bloom, long past its flowering period. Quotes Frank Gibbons: She didn't pass on, pass over, or pass out! She died! Crazy credits Opening credits prologue: This is the story of a London family from 1919 to 1939. Connections Features The Broadway Melody (1929)