#1:
"I want to live again!" from It's a Wonderful Life (1946, dir. Frank Capra)
I know it's cliched to pick something from the final part but I'd bet you're surprised I picked this moment.
I, of course, love the final scene at George Bailey's (James Stewart) house and the "Atta boy, Clarence!" scene. But I love the beginning of George's new lease on life at the bridge. In particular, I love when his face is down, the snow starts to fall, and the music cuts off. Those small moments really help solidify how he got his life back. It's a great happy moment that leads to some of the happiest moments in film history.
#2:
Speaking Dutch/Signing in Miracle on 34th Street (1947, dir. George Seaton) (1994, dir. Les Mayfield)
I seriously couldn't decide which of these I loved more so I picked both. They both similar and get the same point across - Kris Kringle will find a way to make a kid's day.
the 40s version is very fitting for the time with Kringle - played by Edmund Gwenn in an Oscar-winning performance (yes, Virginia. Santa has an Oscar)- has him meeting a Dutch refugee who doesn't speak English but knew that Santa would be able to talk to her. And she was right. This scene is also special because it can easily resonate with today's audience.
In the '94 version, we have a deaf girl and Kris (Richard Attenborough) speaks to her through sign language. Different kind of language barrier but the charm of the scene still stands. By the way, I love hearing stories of actual mall Santas signing to kids.
It doesn't matter where you're from or what language you speak, Santa loves you.
#3:
Scrooge's Second Chance from Scrooge (1951, dir. Brian Desmond Hurst)
When it comes to tellings of A Christmas Carol this version reigns as one of my favorites and features one of my favorite portrayals of the old miser - Alistair Sims.
One of the reasons why I love his portrayal is how he acts on Christmas morning. The sheer giddiness on display from him is amazing! And my favorite moment is when he just randomly goes, "I must stand on my head!"
By the way, what I'm about to say applies to all black and white movies and such: Do not get the colorized version! Colorized versions of black and white movies look butt ugly and should not exist!
#4:
The ending monologue in The Twilight Zone: The Night of the Meek (1960, dir. Jack Smight)
My words aren't needed for this. Listen/read Rod Serling's words and be ready to have your heart touched.
"A word to the wise to all the children of the twentieth century, whether their concern be pediatrics or geriatrics, whether they crawl on hands and knees and wear diapers or walk with a cane and comb their beards. There's a wondrous magic to Christmas and there's a special power reserved for little people. In short, there's nothing mightier than the meek."
#5:
"Maybe it just needs a little love!" from A Charlie Bown Christmas (1965, dir. Bill Melendez)
I know people like to choose Linus's speech about the meaning of Christmas but for me, this is a great moment because it summarizes a lot of what the season is about. Just give a little love especially to those that may need a little extra.
Stay tuned for part two!
Honorable Mentions here
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