hogTV is back this Thursday at 5pm with a jam-packed X-mas special!
I’ll be showing 2 films, starting with the Laurel and Hardy feature, March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934).
Having never watched a Laurel and Hardy film I cannot tell you if it’s any good… but it does include a nightmarish depiction of Micky Mouse.
Afterwards, a personal favourite of mine, sure to melt your hearts and induce a tear or two – A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945) – Elia Kazan’s first feature film and an adaptation of Betty Smith’s coming-of-age novel.
In amongst the lot there’ll be the usual smattering of stuff – some vintage toy commercials, songs (including an extraordinary rendition of Jingle Bells by some singing dogs), season’s greetings by various Santas, Christmassy idents and a brief appearance or 2 by a certain real hedgehog…
(Schedule subject to change)
17:00 – Joe Pera Talks With You – Joe Pera Helps You Find The Perfect Christmas Tree
17:10 – Tim and Eric Nite Live! – Tom Hanks, Greenday
17:40 – Christmas Toyshop (1945)
Two children dream about meeting Santa Claus and he tells them a story about what happens in the toy shop when the toy maker goes home for the day.
17:50 – March of the Wooden Soldiers [aka Babes in Toyland] (1934)
A Laurel and Hardy Christmas feature. In order to get rid of a debt, Stanley and Ollie decide to take money from their employer. Hilarious situations unfold after their boss is not convinced to offer them the money.
19:10 – Don Charles’ Singing Dogs perform Jingle Bells
19:15 – Tiny Toons – It’s a Wonderful Tiny Toons Christmas Special
19:40 – Courage the Cowardly Dog – Snowman’s Revenge
19:55 – Dexter’s Laboratory – Dexter Vs. Santa’s Claws
20:10 – real.sonic.xmas.part.001
20:11 – A Christmas Dream (1946)
A delightful 1945 Czechoslovak short directed by visionary filmmaker Karel Zeman and Bořivoj Zeman.
20:20 – real.sonic.xmas.part.002
20:22 – Theatrical Trailer & 2 Merrie Melodies animated shorts
The Captain’s Christmas (1938) & Toy Town Hall (1936)
20:40 – Good Will to Men (1955)
Hannah & Barbera MGM animated short.
20:50 – The Night Before Christmas (1946)
Castle Films live-action short.
20:55 – A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945)
Set among Brooklyn tenements circa 1912, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a portrait of the Nolans, an Irish-American family living in financially challenging circumstances, often made worse by father Johnny’s drinking and employment problems. But matriarch Katie keeps the family together during all of the obstacles, caring for son Neeley and daughter Francie, as well as Katie’s outspoken, oft-married sister Sissy. But just as Francie’s gift for writing opens up new avenues, more tragic developments test the family’s resolve.
Directed by Elia Kazan (On the Waterfront, A Streetcar Named Desire, East of Eden)
23:05 – Schlesinger Productions Christmas Party (1930s)
Films shown at the Christmas parties of Schlesinger Productions (which later became the Warner Bros. Cartoons studio), essentially a proto-Christmas tape.
23:30 – Musical Medley
Featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Nat King Cole, Michael Bublé, Kunt & The Gang and The Cheeky Girls.
23:45 – A CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL CLASSIC
I’ll allow the audience to pick from the following:
– Judy Garland Christmas Show (1963)
– Dean Martin Show Christmas (1968)
– The Johnny Cash Christmas Special (1977)
– Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (2020)
00:30 to 00:40 – Outro
