Christmas in July 2017: Mitchell Hadley

 
Christmas in July 2017: Mitchell Hadley, from It's About TV!

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

Easy answer here - Edmund Gwenn from Miracle on 34th Street. He convinces you that Santa Claus not only has a British accent, but should have one. His interaction with children is marvelous. Runner-up: Fred Astaire in The Man in the Santa Claus Suit. Santa should be omniscient, don't you think?

from 1967's Christmas episode of Dragnet.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

Tough one, because most of the series television I've watched doesn't really offer a Christmas episode, per se. (I don't think I've ever seen "a very special episode of The Fugitive, for example). But I'll go along with "The Big Little Jesus" on the classic Dragnet because it avoids excess sentimentality, and gives us a chance to see Friday and Smith working this job just like any other. Until you get to the end, you really fear for the criminal who has to explain his actions to Friday!

3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

Only during the holidays. For me, Christmas is a time of great anticipation, and it's always been inextricably intertwined with sensations - the weather turning cooler, the sun setting earlier, snow on the ground (at least in Minnesota), decorations going up (even though that seems to happen earlier every year), Thanksgiving. Personal opinion only, but for me if the anticipation is drawn out too far, it loses its appeal. Besides, Advent doesn't start until the end of November!

4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment? 

A combination of my own DVDs and streaming services such as YouTube and Amazon prime. I like to think I've got a pretty good collection of classic movies and television shows, but it's always fun to find more and more obscure specials from the '50s and '60s online. It's nice to have something new to look forward to each year, and we've been fortunate enough in that respect that we don't even try and watch everything every year - if you feel like you have to force it in, it just isn't as much fun.

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

Wonderful question! I'll say (1) Amahl and the Night Visitors, because I've written enough about it that I have a reputation to defend, (2) the "Christmas Through the Ages" episodes of The Bell Telephone Hour, because they remind you of what Christmas really did feel like once, and (3) a tie between We're No Angels, because it's a terrific Bogart comedy and there's great interaction between the "angels," and Miracle on 34th Street, which is such a good satire on so many levels, from the law to psychiatry to child development. It's really a very sharp commentary on our times, which makes it more than just a Christmas movie.

Christmas in July 2017: Patrick Manning

 
Christmas in July 2017: Patrick Manning

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

Richard Attenborough, from the Miracle on 34th St. remake. Classy, warm, British - a great combo.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series? 

“The Mike Van Dyke Show,” from season 2 (3?) of thirtysomething. The episode was an exploration of family, faith, and appreciating what one has, along with a nice homage to The Dick Van Dyke Show, both in style and content.

3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays?

Year-round, but only on a “happen to catch it” basis (e.g., Big Bang Theory broadcasts a Christmas episode, etc.). I have pulled DVDs out in summertime occasionally for “Christmas in July” movie parties – but not every year.

There are some movies that remain sacrosanct – I will ONLY watch these during the holiday season: White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, others.

4) How do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

Satellite broadcasts; DVDs and VHS tapes (I still watch Ebenezer (Jack Palance) from my taped VHS recording, as the DVD version is impossible to find (cheaply); DVDs from the library; Amazon Prime.

I make an effort to buy 2-3 new Christmas DVDs each year for my personal collection. So far this year, I’ve added The Office Christmas Party and Arthur Christmas.

1970's Scrooge with Albert Finney.

5) If you were to be stranded on an island, what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

This is a difficult question to answer – far too many worthy candidates.

The Homecoming (The Waltons pilot, 1971) – I grew up watching this movie every year on CBS, until they stopped broadcasting it. I found a DVD copy about 10 years ago, and it is our 2nd movie watched following Thanksgiving every ever since (the 1st movie each year is White Christmas, my wife’s tradition).

A Charlie Brown Christmas – How can you not have this one?

Scrooge (musical version with Albert Finney, 1970) – I own about 10 versions on DVD, but this one retains its charm. A nice balance of seriousness, humor, and music. Try saying “Thank You Very Much” in December without someone finishing the lines in song.

Christmas in July 2017: Drew Flowers

 
Christmas in July 2017: Drew Flowers, Co-Moderator for ChristmasMusicandMovies Facebook and Yahoo page

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

It would be extremely difficult not to chose Edmund Gwenn from Miracle on 34th Street. He is lovable, full of spirit and Christmas joy, it is rather impossible not to become attached to him as Santa Claus.

Art Carney in The Twilight Zone.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

This would have to go to the Twilight Zone episode "Night of the Meek." Art Carney does a wonderful job playing a derelict Santa Claus that is fired on Christmas Eve, he finds a mysterious bag that gives out presents and then sets out to fulfill his one wish- to see the less fortunate inherit the bounties of Christmas. A must every Christmas season.

3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you
only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

I tend to save the Christmas entertainment for the holiday season. I usually will break out the Christmas music in November but try to hold off with the Christmas films till late November. l like to give it that special feeling you get during the holiday season, build up the excitement of getting to watch these classic films!!

4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

I still enjoy watching the specials as they are televised. It gives me that special feeling I had as a kid seeing the ad in the TV guide anticipating Rudolph, Charlie Brown, Frosty being televised. It feels like I am sharing the moment with others! Of course, there are some specials/ movies that do not get TV time anymore so I have my DVD ready with my favorite specials/ movies to enjoy as well!

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

1) It's a Wonderful Life- This is a must, need to have this with me just for the message alone. I would imagine I would experience frustration and severe loneliness on this island so the all powerful message It's a Wonderful Life provides is a necessity during my time on this island.

2) Garfield Christmas- Still laugh at this special to this day...being on a deserted island I will need a laugh and Garfield's Christmas will provide this on a much needed basis.

3) Mickey's Christmas Carol- I think just for childhood memories alone and the timeless story behind it, this special provides much needed memories and also a reminder of Disney's ability to tug at the heartstrings. I still tear up seeing Mickey Mouse tearing up over the loss of Tiny Tim. Such a classic!

Christmas in July 2017: Donna Bock

 
Christmas in July 2017: Donna Bock

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

I am a BIG Santa fan so this is hard!!!! I love the Santa from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  He is so cute!...Can I name another?  Ok, I will!  I also love the mechanical Santa from Happy Days, "Guess Who's Coming to Christmas."  If you look carefully it's a real person.  I think it's hysterical when Santa lets the package go and hits Chuck in the eye.  I read that was a mistake and it really hurt Chuck....maybe that's why he mysteriously disappeared...

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series? 

Oh, I feel like a broken record....I LOVE Happy Days, "Guess Who's Coming to Christmas."  The Fonz just tugs on my....This episode originally aired in December of 1974 and I remember watching  and loving it.  The following year it was shown but with Fonzi telling Arnold how the Cunninghams took him in that Christmas Eve.

3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

I do enjoy watching Christmas movies and shows year round it always makes me happy.  I watched A Tree Grows in Brooklyn last week and my favorite part is the Christmas scene where the brother and sister catch a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve to bring home.  My soon to be 3 year old grandson also loves Christmas episodes of his favorite shows. I have on my DVR Paw Patrol's "Pups Save Christmas."  Then there's Mickey Mouse's "Mickey Saves Santa," and we usually follow that up with The Elf on the Shelf half hour Christmas show.  I think it's hereditary...

4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

I have cable TV so all of my TV watching is from cable.  I also have many Christmas shows and movies saved on my DVR.  My cable provider keeps sending me notices that I need to update my cable box and I don't want to lose my shows!  I may give in this fall and just record them again when they start airing in November.

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

My favorite Christmas Movie is White Christmas.  I have been watching it since I was a little girl.  When I was very young there was a Saturday Night Movie on network TV.  I loved watching them every Saturday and that is where I saw White Christmas for the first time.  White Christmas would definitely have to make the trip!  Christmas Vacation would have to come with me also, I would need a good comedy and all the crazy family drama would make me happy I was stranded and alone.  Last but maybe not least, I'd have to take my Rudolph with me, I could not be happy on any island if I couldn't watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer a few times a year.

Christmas in July 2017: George Prentice

 
Christmas in July 2017: George Prentice

1. Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

December 25, 1964 – The Flintstones (ABC).  Fred Flintstone fills in for “Santa” at Macryrock’s department store. When the real Santa recruits Fred to fill in on Christmas Eve (due to Santa’s illness), Fred delivers toys across the world, but forgets to bring his own presents home to the family. Countless sitcoms have borrowed the same storyline, but the Flintstones really did it best. Best of all, The Flintstone family breaks the fourth wall in the final scene to wish all their viewers a Merry Christmas. 



 
2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

December 20, 2000 – “Noel” on The West Wing (NBC). Josh (Bradley Whitford) struggles with severe PTSD in the wake of being shot during an assassination attempt on the president. And when Christmas music, being played at The White House, triggers Josh’s anxiety, he explodes into fits or rage but ultimately accepts professional help. The episode is bittersweet and includes very adult themes; but, in large measure, The West Wing found its soul in this Christmas story. It also propelled Whitford to an Emmy award. 



3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

Absolutely. When a film or TV episode/special isn’t competing with holiday shopping, parties and tinsel for our attention, the best shows and movies always shine, no matter what time of year it is.



4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment? 

All of the above. I subscribe to a lot of services but watch just as much content through antenna and cable. But when it comes to Christmas shows and special, I’ve got a rather robust personal collection of DVD’s and files. I’m happy that my collection includes a number of gems that haven’t yet surfaced on broadcast or web platforms.



5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

Wow. Great question.
No. 1, without exception, is the December 24, 1966 episode of The Jackie Gleason Show (CBS) where the Great One, as the Poor Soul dreams that he’s an honored guest in a fantasy world inhabited by characters from Mother Goose’s book of nursery rhymes. The entire show is performed in pantomime. And in the final scene, as a melody of Greensleeves pays, The Poor Soul is granted a key to the kingdom. It’s nearly impossible to watch without getting sentimental.

No. 2.  December 21, 1967 – The Dean Martin Show (NBC).  Dean has his usual fun, but with a very personal touch. Martin has his entire family on the episode, along with Frank Sinatra and all of Frank’s kids. Dean usually sleepwalks through many of his show’s episodes, but he’s fully engaged here and even gets a bit serious in some rare moments. This one’s a winner and is rarely seen since it first aired (due to some major disagreements with Dean’s last wife who isn’t thrilled with the fact that this episode features Dean’s first wife).

No. 3, Any Christmas episode from The Late Show With David Letterman (CBS). This tradition went on for years on Letterman’s late night show, and the format was repeated each year. On CBS, the Christmas episode always aired as the final first-run episode to air before Christmas Eve (usually on December 23rd or on a Friday night if Christmas Eve was on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday). Dave would usually have one celebrity guest for a brief interview to plug a new movie or special, but everything else in the hour followed this format:  Bandleader Paul Shaffer would usually offer an impression of Cher singing “Oh Holy Night” from one of her variety shows (it’s a classic impression). Then, Dave would have a nearby pizzeria drape a big pizza pie around the top of a Christmas tree. Then, someone from a nearby gift shop would put a souvenir Empire State Building atop the Christmas tree. Then, Rupert from the nearby deli would place a meatball atop the Statue of Liberty. Then, either a well-known football player or comic Jay Thomas would try to knock the meatball off of the top of the tree. Thomas would also repeat the same hilarious joke each year. It involves marijuana, the Lone Ranger and a traffic accident (you can find it on YouTube and it’s priceless). Ultimately, singer Darlene Love would come out and sing “Christmas, Baby Please Come Home” as fake snow fell on the stage and audience. This production became bigger and bigger as the years progressed, with more musicians and singers added to the song.

Christmas in July 2017: Clifton Barnes

 
Christmas in July 2017: Clifton Barnes from North Carolina

1) Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

The one on Mary Richards' desk.
As for a real person, Cameron Grant on I Love Lucy.

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

The Mary Tyler Moore Show – "Christmas and the Hard Luck Kid"
This changes from year to year. Lol.

3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

Only during the holidays. I don't want to dilute the feeling when Christmas comes. Want it to be rare and special.

4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

I watch on antenna, satellite, old VHS tapes, DVDs and various stations on Roku, including Youtube, Netflix, Amazon Prime.

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you.

Charlie Brown Christmas
It's a Wonderful Life
And one of the variety Christmas Shows from 1966-1971 (Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Perry Como). Would have to research more for the best one to have.

Christmas in July 2017: Johnny Holmes

Christmas in July 2017: Johnny Holmes from Radio Once More and The Holmsey Blog

1)  Who's your favorite Santa Claus?

Santa Claus.......so many different portrayals, and I love so many of them.  However,
I'll go with Edmund Gwenn's Academy Award winning performance of Kris Kringle in the 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street. This is one of my favorite films ever, and Gwenn's performance is warm and charming.  His sincerity and kindness shines through throughout his memorable performance in this classic film.  After the touching ending of this film, one can't help to believe that Edmund Gwenn is truly the one and only Santa Claus. 

from 1968's Christmas episode of Family Affair

2) What's your favorite Christmas episode from a TV series?

Well, again, so many memorable Christmas episodes from classic TV series that I love including The Honeymooners, Happy Days, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and The Twilight Zone among others, but the extremely touching and emotional Christmas episode from Family Affair tugs at my heart every year.  It demonstrates the importance of the true gift of friendship and also how insightful children can be.  I have a personal connection to this episode, many years ago I was sick and in the hospital Christmas Eve, and I got the best Christmas present when I was discharged Christmas morning.  Circumstances of life certainly help put things into the proper perspective. This touching episode reinforces this.

3) Do you enjoy watching Christmas entertainment year round or do you only like watching it during the holidays? And, why?

Yes, I admit that I do occasionally watch Christmas entertainment year round, although more sporadically.  I may watch a particular show that pops up in my memory, and I will throw it on for a quick view.  Also, some musical number may play in my head, such as some of the great musical numbers from Rankin/Bass that many of them I can listen to year round.  One of my very favorites is the delightful "Put One Foot in Front of the Other" musical number from the Rankin/Bass classic Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town.  Once Christmastime rolls around, then it's full throttle with Christmas programming!!!

4) This is the 21st century--how do you watch TV and/or Christmas entertainment?

I love the idea of accumulating my own personal collection of Christmas programming on DVD/Blu-Ray discs.  I have purged myself of all of my VHS tapes, so the collection consists of DVD's and Blu-Ray's.  I even keep them all in a big decorated box that I store on the top of my DVD shelf.  When it's time to decorate, I pull down the box and set it up on as small table for the holiday season.  Many of these I have ripped as digital files and have archived them on a hard drive for my own use throughout the house.  This allows my DVD/Blu-Ray's to sit safely in the box and I can create my own creative Christmas play list and play them on my TV via my laptop in our basement TV room or up in my office, without all the muss and fuss of spreading discs all around the house and shuffling all of the Christmas discs in and out of the cases.  Sometimes technology can do some cool stuff!!!!!        
           

5) If you were to be stranded on an island (maybe Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean!), what three Christmas movies, specials, or episodes would you like to have with you?

Choice number 1 for my island Christmas viewing is the 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street as mentioned in question #1.  Choice number 2 is the classic holiday film, It's a Wonderful Life.  I love that film, I watch it each and every year at least once if not twice.  It is so touching, and teaches us to appreciate what we are blessed with.  We do not realize how blessed we are, until we don't have it anymore.  Way to go George Bailey!!!!  Choice number 3 is the delightful Rankin/Bass classic Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town.  I love the story, the humor of Burgermeister Meisterburger, and as I mentioned in question #3, I love the wonderful musical numbers in this wonderful Rankin/Bass classic.  This will allow me to "Put One Foot in Front of the Other" and walk across the entire island along with my fellow castaways!!!!  Merry Christmas in July everybody!!!!