Christmas wouldn't feel the same without the classic black and white sentimental, heartwarming film.
There are numerous examples, with perhaps the most renowned being the 1946 film 'It's a Wonderful Life' featuring Jimmy Stewart. In the movie, he is visited by a guardian angel named Clarence Odbody, who intervenes as Stewart's character considers suicide, showing him the impact he has had on many lives and how things would be without him. This is loosely inspired by Charles Dickens' classic 1843 book A Christmas Carol, where Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who change his life and make him realise how, in his later years, he has become a miser who detests Christmas. By reflecting on the past, present, and future, he acknowledges his mistakes and takes on the the spirit of Christmas, reconnecting with his nephew, being kind to his employees, and caring for the ailing Tiny Tim. Personally, I think the best depiction of this story is the 1951 film 'Scrooge' starring Alistair Sim—a delightful and uplifting movie, especially the part where Sim joyfully dances around the room on Christmas morning upon realising he still has time to correct his wrongs.
A less renowned film from the same era is the 1947 production of The Bishop's Wife, featuring Cary Grant, David Niven, and Loretta Young. This story also revolves around individuals who have lost their direction, with Dudley, an angel, descending to earth to remind the protagonists of the motivation and moral drive they once had, urging them to reignite it.
This film belongs to a rare group featuring characters with the surname Brougham. Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) was attempting to raise funds to construct a grand cathedral but was facing difficulties, having become so engrossed in this task that he neglected his family. Professor Wutheridge (skillfully portrayed by Monty Woolley) struggled to write the history book he had promised everyone, lacking the inspiration and confidence needed to make a start. Confidence was also instilled in the Bishop's wife, Julia Brougham (Loretta Young), and the taxi driver, Sylvester (James Gleason), allowing them to ice skate and rekindle their sense of joy and laughter. Additionally, the wealthy widow, Agnes Hamilton (Gladys Cooper), wished to donate $1 million to the Bishop's cathedral fund, but only under the condition that it be done her way and in memory of her late husband, whom she had married solely for his wealth. She and the Bishop with the help of Dudley soon come to understand that the cathedral they ought to be building is not one of stone and mortar, but rather one that supports the lives of those in the community who genuinely need assistance with housing and daily living. As lives are transformed through the revival of their earlier confidence and moral purpose, Dudley takes his leave.
The movie is filled with pleasant, heartwarming emotional warmth. However, like many films of this kind, there's a risk of making the essence of Christmas overly sentimental. Bishop Brougham's sermon at the conclusion serves to remind us of the manger and the birth of Jesus, the true reason we celebrate Christmas.
Who though can resist a classic black and white film? If you enjoy old black and white movies from the 1940s and 50s, be sure to check out The Bishop's Wife available on BBC iPlayer over Christmas 2024 and YouTube.
What caught my attention while channel surfing was the name Brougham—I had to rewind to confirm I heard it correctly. Not only was it Brougham, but it was pronounced the way I would pronounce it. In the village of Brougham in Cumbria, it's pronounced "Broom," which most people use. How refreshing that Hollywood got it right this time - "Brawm".
Films featuring Brougham characters are rare. Another example is the 1963 dark thriller The List of Adrian Messenger, with Kirk Douglas portraying the killer George Brougham, pronounced Broom, alongside George C. Scott, Dana Wynter, and Clive Brook. This film is filled with intrigue and unexpected twists.
The 1948 film Affairs of a Rogue, also known as The First Gentleman, features Mr. Brougham (Ronald Squire) in a minor role, advising the young Princess Charlotte about her wish to marry Prince Leopold, despite her father's intention to arrange her marriage with more suitable and noble individuals. This historical drama, loosely inspired by actual events, depicts the relationships and marriage of the Prince Regent, George, and his interactions with other family members. The film, derived from the 1945 play, The First Gentleman, did not receive favorable reviews.
I'm not aware of any other films with Brougham characters - please get in touch if you know otherwise.