Beyond Christmas (1940)
by A. Edward Sutherland
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Alex Melesh, C. Aubrey Smith, Charles Winninger, Harry Carey, Maria OuspenskayaDirector: A. Edward Sutherland
Brand: Unknown
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, Color, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 79 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-10-12
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Movie Reviews of Beyond Christmas (1940)
Movie Review: "Don't worry. We'll be back before you know it."
Summary: 5 Stars
"Everything seems faint, and far away, except loving people." -- Charles Winninger
This warm and sensitive film often gets classified as a Christmas story, but its tender message is much more far reaching, making it a fine film to watch anytime. Adele Comandini wrote the screenplay from a story Mildred Gram helped fashion. Some beautiful photography from cinematographer Lester White and a lovely score by Frank Tours help create a very special film with a gentle mood and sentimental regard for the hereafter. A wonderful cast help give this film a charm and glow many films with much larger budgets could not during this era.
It is Christmas Eve when the film opens, and three lonely old men who've been friends and business partners for most of their lives are waiting for company which never comes. Michael O'Brien (Charles Winninger), Allan Chadwick (C. Aubrey Smith), and George Milton (Harey Carey) each put ten dollars in a wallet and throw it out the window onto the snowy sidewalk, Michael betting against the gloomy George that someone will pick it up and bring it to them. Michael wins at the last possible moment when singing Texas cowboy James Houston (Richard Carlson) rings the bell. His worn out boots are an indication of how things are going for him, and when the sweet Jean Lawrence (Jean Parker) rings the bell a few minutes later to return one of the wallets, the kindly old men bring the two together.
It is wonderful to watch as the three men come to life while Jean and James fall in love. Maria Ouspenskaya, who many horror fans will remember as the gypsy fortune teller from Universal's The Wolfman, is moving as their maid and former Russian royalty who discovered after fleeing that there was more joy in caring for others. Alex Melesh is good also as their kindly butler, Joseph. It is a widely held opinion that Jean Parker was very special, and should have gotten better roles. She truly shines here and shows that something unique which separated her from other stars. The romance between she and Carlson has a sweet charm missing in today's films. But when a plane crash takes the lives of the three fatherly men who guided them, James becomes a star and nearly loses his way.
1930's star, Helen Vinson, is perfect as scheming singing star Arlene Terry, who has no qualms about keeping James from his loving sweetheart, Jean. While the three fatherly friends have returned after death to try to help them, each begins to pass over until only Michael remains to watch over them. It is quite moving as each meets their reward; Allan returning to his military post in India where he and his wife and son were happy; George to a place much darker for sins from his past. Michael will ask for more time when his door opens in order to keep James from losing his way, and breaking Jean's heart. A jealous husband with a gun may make it an impossible task. But this is a warm and sensitive film in which all things are possible, even for the lost George.
This is a tender and lovely film that can certainly be enjoyed during Christmastime, but not necessarily one which is exclusive to that most sentimental time of year. Few films are as ultimately touching as this one, and it should be more heralded than it is. A small gem.
Summary of Beyond Christmas (1940)
This uplifting story begins on Christmas Eve in New York City as three elderly businessmen prepare to enjoy a festive dinner together. In a show of holiday spirit, they receive visits from two kind-hearted strangers - first a young man, then a young woman. Each has come to return a wallet they believe one of the gentlemen has lost. From this humble beginning, friendships are built, and romance ensues. The elderly gentlemen meet with a tragic mishap in a blizzard, returning to earth as benevolent ghosts who act as the young couple's guardian angels. Before proceeding to Heaven, the spirits work behind the scenes to ensure that the couple's love will endure forever. Filled with heart and soul, this charming 1940 holiday classic is perfect for the Christmas season - and beyond.Drama DVD Video
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