On the Fourth Day of a Feminine Christmas
Like so many of you, I have my favorite Christmas movies. Some years, I skip a few but one I always watch is The Bishop’s Wife with Cary Grant, David Niven, and Loretta Young. Even though it is black and white, the screen vibrates with its soft spirituality and goodness. And it’s funny with Niven being so skeptical of Grant’s angel character named Dudley.
Recently, I came upon a new-to-me Christmas film to enjoy. I can’t remember how I stumbled upon it but it will now hold a special place in my holiday rotation. Have you ever seen The World of Henry Orient?
This 1964 film holds up very well to our times but you may not recognize the safe and care-free New York City that is depicted throughout. But let’s just pretend for a moment that a lovely conflicted young miss can cartwheel through Central Park alone all hours of the day and night and never get into any real trouble.
The World of Henry Orient is about schoolgirl crushes, the clash of cultures, and the angst so often evident in the hearts of young girls who don’t fit in. “Val” and “Marian” are two such girls who on some level feel not just awkward but also disjointed – one not having a father in her life and the other not having loving parents in her life. Enter Angela Lansbury as Val’s wayward mother, who never looked so ravishing on film before.
The climax of the movie occurs during Christmas which makes this a bonafide contender in my holiday film line-up. The joy comes from the girls’ relationship with one another because you will recognize that we have all had a “Val” or a “Marian” in our youthful past. Their devotion to one another is real and touching.
It’s a gentle, funny, poignant film and I simply don’t know how I missed it all these years. You will LOVE it. (Or perhaps you already know it.)
~
PS: Watch out for the kindred moments symbolized repeatedly by the 6:00 pm chime. So sweet.
PPS: Peter Sellers plays Henry Orient – the object of the crush.
PPPS: It’s free on youtube.
8 Comments
Barbara
I love this movie! The sweet, innocent friendship of the two girls is just wonderful. And, the adventures they had in the city!
Tracy
Christmas doesn’t pass by without watching Moonstruck, While you Were Sleeping , The Holiday and Emma.
I enjoy the version of Little Women with Winona Ryder.
The Bishop’s Wife is a must along with Christmas in Connecticut.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Are there any Christmas books you particularly enjoy?
A Lovely Inconsequence
Dana, there are many beautiful children’s books I love at Christmas and I keep them on my coffee table during the holidays. I just finished “The Prodigal Girl” by Grace Livingston Hill. “High Rising” by Angela Thirkell is always a nice holiday read. Rosamund Pilcher’s “Winter” too.
Linda Beller
I have a number of beloved Christmas movies on my shelf but one that brings tears flowing every time is Going My Way with Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald plays an aging priest who has given his life and money for his parish. Consequently he has not been able to visit his mother in Ireland for over 40 years. Bing Crosby portrays the younger priest who comes into the parish to help out.
Sentimental…oh yes, but the quiet wit and solid acting makes this one movie that I will watch every Christmas.
A Lovely Inconsequence
Linda, I’ll watch that. Thank you for the recommendation!
Karen
My favorite Christmas movie is “The Shop Around the Corner” with Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan. I watch it every year with great delight. Thank you for this new recommendation. I’ll be watching it soon also.
xo The Other Karen
Dana
I have never heard of this movie and will definitely watch tonight. Movies of devotion to friendship are a favorite holiday treat. My all time favorite holiday movie is Its a Wonderful Life. A local theater plays it every Christmas Eve and it has become a tradition with my daughters. Last night, I saw a new movie called The Holdovers which I highly recommended and will now become part of my holiday rotation.
Karen
I have loved this movie so much, ever since I watched it on TV as a teen!! And I know where you discovered it–I told you about it! Lol!! It’s a beautiful testament to friendship and found family, isn’t it? ❤️❤️❤️