Classic Video Showcase: “A Christmas Wish”
For over a hundred years some of the greatest video treasures of all time have been produced. Some have been lost in the sands of time and others, soon to be rediscovered, will become fan favorites for a whole new generation.
Each week we will feature just one of the many hidden gems that you can see on the Astound TV Network with insights and commentaries on classic television shows and legendary cinematic performances.
“A Christmas Wish” has become a popular, yet underrated holiday classic for many yuletide video watchers.
Although that was not the original intent of the writers, producers, director and even the company distributing the film, Eagle-Lion Productions.
After all, the ties to Christmas in the movie itself are practically secondary.
Plus, the film hit theaters nationwide on March 1st, 1950 when celebrating the Christmas Spirit is not foremost on people’s minds.
Heck, the real title of the film wasn’t even called “A Christmas Wish”.
Originally released as The Great Rupert, the film primarily was a vehicle playing off the charm and charisma of the great Jimmy Durante and to also feature young stars like Terry Moore (Gaslight) and Tom Drake (Judy Garland’s love interest in Meet Me In St. Louis).
But much like the Gopher in Caddyshack, the animated-yet-seemingly real life squirrel (at least, as best as possible–five decades before the advent of the overused CGI) steals the show.
Rupert the Squirrel’s amazing abilities and unselfish acts take over the film and by its climax one can’t help relishing in the spirit of giving with everyone rooting for Rupert to win in the end (no spoilers here.)
The always lovable Durante shines as the film’s protagonist, Louis Amendola, struggling to provide for his family during tough economic times.
His daughter (Moore) is in love with a son (Drake) of a rich couple, who has little tolerance for dealing with poor people.
But then, a “Christmas” miracle occurs as money begins magically falling from heaven each day – directly into the Amendola’s living room. While the family thinks the money is the answer to all of their problems, the true holiday spirit comes through when tragedy strikes the Amendola household.
Despite a few somewhat heavy moments in the film (and a slightly intense finale), it’s mostly a very light-hearted 87-minutes of very enjoyable holiday fare and a truly great performance from one of the all-time great personalities from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
For those familiar with Allentown Pennsylvania’s Great Allentown Fair–the role of the florist in this film was played by Candy Candido, who was a popular figure at the fair in the 1980s and 90s.
By the way, Moore is one of the few surviving stars from Hollywood’s first 50 years and will be celebrating her 92nd birthday this January.
You can see “A Christmas Wish” as part of the Astound TV Network Christmas Marathon, seen on ATVN on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
To view the complete rundown of special holiday programming on Astound TV Network, check out the weekly listings here on our website.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound or any other agency, organization, employer or company.
