We all have our favorite holiday movies we watch this time of year. Sure, there are the classics (Miracle on 34th Street, I'm pointing my finger at you) but there's a treasure trove of underappreciated gems that'll get you in the spirit of the season. Here are 4 Charlotte and I will be watching between now and New Year's Eve.
The Man Who Came to Dinner
This 1942 film written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart is the screwball comedy at its best. When curmudgeon critic Sheridan Whiteside slips on the front steps of an Ohio businessman's home and injures his hip, he and his entourage take over the house indefinitely.
Terrific performances from Bette Davis, Monty Woolley, Ann Sheridan (King's Row) and a wonderful cameo by Jimmy Durante.
Holiday
Another great screwball comedy (do you see a trend here?) made in 1938. Cary Grant is a young man who falls in love with a girl from a rich family. His wild plan to go on holiday for the early years of his life is met with skepticism by everyone except his fiancé's eccentric sister (Katherine Hepburn) and drunk brother. The supporting cast includes the always wonderful Edward Everett Horton.
Christmas in Connecticut
This film from 1945 features Barbara Stanwyck at the top of her comedic game. She plays a food writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife. She's in a real jam when her boss and a returning war hero invite themselves to her home for a traditional family Christmas. Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greenstreet (Maltese Falcon) round out the cast.
Holiday Affair
This is a 1949 Christmas-season romance of a young widow and a sales clerk who is unemployed AND a WWII widow. Don't let the intro fool you - there are plenty of laughs in this movie with a BIG message and an even bigger heart. The all-star cast features Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh and Wendell Corey (trust me, you've seen him in a lot of films).
Related
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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