I don't know what it is about the 1940's, but some of the brightest and best films ever made were produced during America's darkest days. I'm not talking exclusively about saccharine-sweet sentimentality (finger wag at you, It's a Wonderful Life).
No, there were plenty of witty, insightful, inspiring and laugh-out-loud films that stand up seven decades after they were made. I'm betting there are several here you've never seen.
During the holiday season I urge you to search Turner Classic Movies, Netflix streaming, Hulu or Apple TV for these gems. Trust me, they'll put you in the Christmas spirit and won't leave you with a sugar hangover.
1. I'll Be Seeing You
1945 - This Christmas classic stars Ginger Rogers, Joseph Cotten and a grown up Shirley Temple. It's a strangers-on-a-train tale of a wounded soldier and convict on Christmas furlough. The pair meet and their mutual loneliness turns to romance at the worst possible time of their lives. It's a story about second chances and never knowing what burden is carried by the "other guy". The non-Hollywood ending will leave you satisfied and teary-eyed (at least it has that effect on Charlotte).
2. Christmas in Connecticut
1945 - This film 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 superb cast.
3. The Man Who Came to Dinner
1942 - Written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, The Man Who Came to Dinner is 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 (Santa, in Miracle on 34th St.) Ann Sheridan (King's Row) and a wonderful cameo by Jimmy Durante.
4. Holiday Affair
1949 - This is a Christmas-season romance of a young WWII widow and sales clerk who she gets fired. 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).
5. Remember the Night
1940 - It's just before Christmas and Lee Leander (Barbara Stanwyck) is caught shoplifting. She winds up being prosecuted by John Sargent (Fred McMurray) and since it's the holidays, he postpones the trial. In the spirit of the season he pays Lee's bail and ends up taking her home to his mother for some Christmas cheer.
Surrounded by a loving family, a romance blossoms - but there's this pesky matter of a criminal trial hanging over their heads when they return to the city. Thanks to a sparkling screenplay by Preston Sturges (The Palm Beach Story) this classic is sentimental but never sappy. And the untraditional ending will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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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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