Last year when I did a post about the movies I watched on Christmas Day, faithful Daveland readers Lou and Sue suggested “Christmas in Connecticut.” It wasn’t long before I put this one in my Amazon shopping cart for purchase. With Barbara Stanwyck as the lead, how can you go wrong? In a case of fate steps in, Barbara Stanwyck replaced Bette Davis, who had been originally announced as the lead. Good move, Warner Brothers! Previously, Stanwyck had starred in “Double Indemnity” (remember the cheap wig?). Edith Head’s wardrobe impressed the star so much that she insisted Warners hire Head to design her gowns for this film as well. Another good move!
Released in the Summer of 1945, here’s the boiled down plot: Stanwyck’s character, Elizabeth Lane, is the writer of a homemaking column that makes it appear as if she is married with a baby and living the high life on a Connecticut farm. In order to keep her job, she must make all of this come true to fool her publisher (Sydney Greenstreet), who has invited himself and a war hero (Dennis Morgan) over for Christmas dinner.
Directed by Peter Godfrey (“That Hagen Girl”) the supporting cast includes Reginald Gardner and S. Z. “Cuddles” Sakall (“In the Good Old Summertime”). The chemistry between Stanwyck and Morgan is perfection.
Sakall’s character is the lovable chef who makes sure that Elizabeth (Stanwyck) gets the man she wants.
In order to keep picture costs down, the mink coat Elizabeth Lane has rewarded herself with is the same coat Joan Crawford wore in “Mildred Pierce” (1945).
I’m guessing Barbara didn’t get to take it home when the movie was completed!
Greenstreet takes a break from his usual villainous role in this comedy of errors. It is still not a huge deviation for him though, as the bossy nature of the Publisher who won’t shut up long enough to listen to his employees is extremely annoying!
Any suggestions for next year? See more classic movie photos at my main website.
4 comments:
I learned more about insurance from watching Double Indemnity than I did from working in Human Resources.
At least you didn't learn hairstyling - that would have been bad!
Dave, I love old-movie trivia. Thanks for including some fun stuff, in this post. I didn't know about the mink. It sounds like the studio got a lot of mileage out of it.
I also didn't know about Bette Davis originally getting the role. Bette definitely would not fit the role. The only other actress who may have done a better job [than Stanwyck] would be Claudette Colbert, as she was excellent in the old comedy romances.
I'm chuckling about what you said, Dave, about Greenstreet's "bossy nature" role(s)...you are so right. I recall his classic role in 'The Hucksters' - as Clark Gable's boss - SEE HERE!
Dave, I also meant to say 'thank you' for this post!
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