In the true holiday spirit, and taking a page from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and would like to share with you some Christmas day releases, past, present, and future. These are just a few of the highly acclaimed films released on one of the most coveted days of the year. These films hold a very special place in our hearts and we and our family of studios are very proud to have been part of their creation.
No bah-humbugs here. Only gorgeous color and award-winning films.
The Thief of Bagdad (1940)
This multi-award-winning film, including three Oscars for Best Effects – Special Effects, Best Art-Direction, Color, and Best Cinematography – Color, is told in flashback, mimicking the style of the Arabian Nights. It is the story of Ahmad, the Sultan of Bagdad, who is convinced by the evil Grand Vizier, Jaffar, to go into the city disguised as a poor man to get to know his subjects. Jaffar then has Ahmad thrown into a dungeon where he encounters a young thief named Abu who arranges their escape. Full of magic, a beautiful princess, a genie, and a magical flying horse, this tale is a cross between Arabian Nights and Aladdin.
Directed by Ludwig Berger, Michael Powell and Tim Whelan
Color by Technicolor
Old Yeller (1957)
This Laurel Award Winning Film tells the story of a boy and a stray dog in post-Civil War Texas. Based on the Newbery Honor-winning book by Fred Gipson, this family-friendly dog tale is reminiscent of Lassie and paved the way for future canine features such as Benji, Beethoven, and Marley & Me.
Directed by Robert Stevenson
Based on the novel by Fred Gipson
Cinematography by Charles P. Boyle
Color by Technicolor
My Fair Lady (1964)
Based on the 1913 Lerner and Loewe stage musical Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, My Fair Lady depicts the transformation of a poor Cockney flower seller named Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) into a lady of high society through elocution lessons from Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison). This delightful musical comedy was named the 91st Greatest American Film of All Time by The American Film Institute and took home an astounding eight Oscars for: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Cinematography – Color, Best Art Direction – Set Decoration, Best Sound, Best Costume Design, and Best Music – Score.
Directed by George Cukor
Based on the play Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw
Cinematography by Harry Stadling Sr.
Color by Technicolor
The Sting (1973)
This American caper film set in 1936 centers around two professional grifters (Paul Newman and Robert Redford). Based on real-life cons perpetrated by brothers Fred and Charley Gondorff as described in a novel by David Maurer entitled The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man, The Sting was nominated for an astounding 10 Oscars, winning seven! Those Oscars were: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Writing – Story and Screenplay based on material not previously published, and Best Music – Score/Original Song.
Directed by George Roy Hill
Cinematography by Robert Surtees
Color by Technicolor
Reds (1981)
This historical drama was co-written, produced and directed by Warren Beatty. It centers on the life and career of John Reed, a journalist whose book, Ten Days That Shook the World, chronicled the Russian Revolution. This multi-award-winning film took home three Oscars for Best Director, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best Cinematography – Color.
Co-written, Produced and Directed by Warren Beatty
Cinematography by Vittorio Storaro
Color by Technicolor
The Prince of Tides (1991)
This American romantic drama based on the novel by Pat Conroy starred Nick Nolte and Barbara Streisand, who also directed the film. The film explores the long-lasting psychological damage inflicted by dysfunctional childhoods and the struggle of individuals to overcome and heal the memories that haunt us. This multi-award winning film was nominated for seven Oscars.
Directed by Barbara Streisand
Based on the novel by Pat Conroy
Cinematography by Stephen Goldblatt
Color by Technicolor
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
This acclaimed American romantic comedy explores mental illness and the connections people make in their journeys towards wellness. Opening on Christmas Day, this film went on to win 88 industry awards and an Oscar for Jennifer Lawrence as Best Actress in a Leading Role opposite Bradley Cooper.
Directed by David O. Russell
Based on the novel by Matthew Quick
Cinematography by Masanobu Takayanagi
Color by Technicolor
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