Spitgrrl

1. Favorite Holiday Film--I guess I would probably have to go with "A Christmas Story" because it always manages to make me greatly lament the fact that being an adult during the holidays is significantly less fun than being a child during them. Another film that fills me with festive happiness is "The Thin Man" which my father and I watch every Christmas Eve since the movie takes place during the holidays. 2. Favorite Holiday TV Special--"How the Grinch Stole Christmas." It's a yuletide tale of good vs. evil set within a bizarre but delightful community of zany characters. AND it's narrated by Boris Karloff. What more could one ask for? 3. Favorite Holiday Tradition--I know this sounds cheesy since this is a TCM message board and all, but my favorite thing to do during the holidays is to curl up in the living room with my parents and watch old movies. For some reason, the Marx Brothers movies always seem just a little bit better when I'm watching them with my Papa, sitting near a fully-lit Christmas tree. 4. Favorite Holiday Radio Song--I really like the Ella Fitzgerald Christmas album. I like my Christmas music peppy and snazzy. 5. Favorite Gift--I could never pick out an all-time favorite gift. I'm always touched whenever I receive anything.

Claude Rains! So talented an actor, but so overlooked and under-loved, in my own humble opinion. While not really a "leading man" type of actor, his supporting performances in movies such as "Now Voyager", "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Casablanca" are flawless and inspired. Also, I wouldn't complain about a month devoted to Peter Lorre, another amazing actor who probably doesn't get all the acclaim he deserves.