Christmas Movies and Sally Struthers
Do you know who Sally Struthers is? If you’re a little older, well, you definitely know. Sally harkens from just down the road having attended Grant High School and she is one of the most famous actors/actresses to ever come out of Portland. She starred, most famously, in All in the Family, a 70’s sitcom that was a giant hit for many years. But Sally has been active in movies, TV (Gilmour Girls, etc.) and the theater scene, and was featured infamously on Southpark (ugghh, she hated that). Now, most recently, Sally Stars in a new Lifetime Christmas movie, Christmas Harmony, that’s well worth watching. Hard to say if this new movie makes the “Top Ten Christmas Movie List” as noted below, but it’s a good one.
A Bit of History…and Then “The List”
So before I dive into the all-time, top 10 Christmas movies list (below), just a bit more on Ms. Struthers, because she is just worth the digital ink. First, Sally was one of my mom’s great friends while at Grant High School (early 1960’s), so much so that my mom named my older sister (Sally) after her. And Sally would “come up from L.A.” from time to time, coming to house parties that my parents (or their friends) threw. I’d see Sally there and was always star struck. I remember her kissing me on my cheek when I was 10…I thought I was so cool!
More recently, when I had one my crazy watersports inventions make it onto the Price is Right, I went down for the filming and got to stay at Sally’s house in Hollywood (with my mom). What an amazing trip! Essentially, we got a unique glimpse into the Hollywood world. You see, Sally, well, she’s been giving back in Hollywood for a long time. She was a big star there for years, and reaped many things (including a close friendship with Elvis), but when we were down staying with her she told us what she was up to. Essentially, Sally was mentoring a bunch of young actors and actresses, many of whom were staying at her home. To see this, up close, and to know that these folks were going off on auditions, getting voice coach work done at the house there, etc…well, it was eye opening. Very cool. Plus, Sally took us all out to Ashton Kutcher’s restaurant Ketchup…and this just put a dot on the i. In any case, we left Tinseltown with a unique feeling, like we’d seen the inner world a bit. Fun! Well, now onto the Christmas Movies list. Perhaps you’ll rank Ms. Struther’s latest up their with what’s named below??
Top 10 Christmas Movies of All Time
I’ve seen a lot of Christmas movies and I’ve looked at many different “top” lists; none are the same. Yet there are some common factors between the lists and my own opinion. Well, without further adieu, here goes:
10. Home Alone (1990)
O.K. Home Alone is no surprise, other than the fact that many rank it much higher (as in 1-3). I think it’s a great Christmas movie for sure, full of all kinds of typical, 80’s (early 90’s) drama, but not quite in the top spot. Writer John Hughes brought some real heart fun to Christmas with this one where he spins the the tale of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who's left alone at his home by his negligent family. He then has to outwit two, dorky burglars while using Macgiver-like skills. Way too fun just about anytime of the year.
9. Love Actually (2003)
If you need a feel good, happy ending movie this Christmas, well, Love Actually is “actually” it. It’s nearly 20 years old, but timeless like so many good holiday films. The best part is when a group of kids sing Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” So well done. Here’s a link for how to watch.
8. Bad Santa (2003)
I remember when this movie came out and I thought how controversial it was. I recall thinking that Billie Bob Thornton was trampling on Christmas a bit, with all his swearing, etc. And then I saw the movie. So darn fun. If you haven’t seen Bad Santa, well, you just might be on Santa’s naughty list! Get to it! ;). But yes, Billie Bob Thornton excels here as, well, Bad Santa, and it seems the role was made specifically for him. Find ways to view it here.
7. White Christmas (1954)
Few movies say “Christmas” like this WWII musical drama starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney (as in George Clooney). Old school, full of charm and timeless, Irving Berlin songs. Honestly, this is a true classic and if you (by a slim chance) haven’t seen this, well, harken back 70 years and enjoy. Find ways to view it here.
6. Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer (1964)
While we’re on the older classics, we can’t forget old Rudolph. It’s almost wasted space here because surely we’ve all seen this iconic, Christmas movie. Nevertheless, no Christmas movie list would be complete without Mr. Shiny Nose. See the whole movie online here (or via the video above). Find other ways to enjoy it here.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Continuing with the classics, this original version of “The Grinch” is the best. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely a Jim Carrey fan, but the animated version by Chuck Jones is the one to watch (at least initially). And while I enjoy the Jim Carrey version as well, it’s the more recent, CG-version that has been the most memorable addition. In fact, you can watch the entire CG-version right here, via the video below. Find other ways to watch here.
4. Elf (2003)
Of course Elf had to be on this list too. In fact, the next few will be easy to guess. But have faith, I’m featuring an honorable mention section at the end to squeeze in a few that could have easily been on this list, but are perhaps a bit more obscure. But Elf…what more needs to be said than Will Farrell and James Caan? Truly one of the best Christmas movies made yet since 1999 turned into the 2000’s. See the whole movie in the video link above, or find other ways to watch it here.
3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
O.K. I guess they did some things very right in the 1960’s. Several classic Christmas movies were born in that decade. And of course, Charlie Brown, and his take on Christmas…a must on any top 10. From Linus to Lucy to Charlie himself…this one will get you into the spirit. Find other ways to watch here.
2. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
This movie is as timeless as time itself. And what it so amazing about this film is how well it communicates the importance of love over material possessions (something a bit lost in today’s ultra-commercial atmosphere). Jimmy Stewart does such a great job in this Frank Capra holiday classic you’ll surely have this one in your annual rotation. Find ways to watch it here.
1. A Christmas Story (1983)
Of course this had to be number one and it’s all about the leg lamp and the frozen tongue scenes. Actually, there are so many great scenes in this initially panned film that it’s impossible to relate. And I still can’t believe what a cold reception this movie received before becoming a household classic. Certainly you’ve seen this movie, but if not, well…you’re in for a real treat! Find ways to watch this great film here.
HONORABLE MENTION CHRISTMAS MOVIES
As noted, here is a short list of a few movies that should have been in this top 10 but, alas, there was only room for 10! Many familiar films here, but a few surprises too!
Christmas Vacation - This movie could be #1 on any number of Best Christmas Movie lists. How this didn’t get into my top ten, well, I may never rest. In any case, this movie is the best of the best…and worth watching at anytime of the year. I think this is one of the best Chevy Chase movies ever made. And now I’m going out to get a Christmas tree this weekend with a take permit, where you can harvest a tree in the wild. I’ll be channeling Clark the whole time. Enjoy the clip below, as well as a prior blog post covering this incredibly funny movie. Find other ways to watch Christmas Vacation here.
Trading Places - Such a great movie and firmly set in the 1980’s. With Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd at the center, well, how could it not be amazing? Find ways to watch this “role switching” comedy here.
The Year Without Santa Claus (1974) - Remember the Heat Miser? This is such a great, children’s Christmas movie. Should have made the top 10, but again, only so much room. Find ways to watch this classic here.
The Happiest Season (2020) - One of the newest movies to make the list here, or at least the honorable mention portion, this feel-good movie starring Kristen Stewart is quite good. With Mackenzie Davis co-starring, and serving as a love interest for Kristen Stewart, this romantic comedy does a wonderful job celebrating love and laughter. Find ways to watch The Happiest Season here.