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Our movie guy, James Finnegan, picks the best films to watch on TV between now and Christmas Day…
We thought we might have a look at what was on offer on ‘terrestrial television’ over the festive season, in a fond remembrance of when the Christmas TV film selection was a major news event and we had to play with the bunny ears as well as actually get out of our chair to change the channels!
‘Chaplin’ — 9.30pm TG4, Monday December 21,
A biographical comedy drama about the life and times of Charlie Chaplin, played by Robert Downey Jnr, garlanding the actor with numerous award nominations.
Produced and Directed by Richard Attenborough, it also stars Marisa Tomei, Dan Ackroyd, Kevin Kline and Penelope Ann Miller.
It tells the story of the famous comedian from his early life in the slums of London’s East End to Hollywood and World Success. It also features Chaplin’s daughter Geraldine, playing her own grandmother.
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‘Casablanca’ — 2.15pm BBC2, Wednesday, December 23
Directed by Michael Curtiz, this World War Two Drama sees Rick (Humphrey Bogart), a nightclub owner in Casablanca, agreeing to help former lover Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman) and her husband escape the Vichy controlled city.
However, old feelings are resurrected. Regularly placed at the top of the all-time favourite films list, this tale of familiar characters, iconic lines and a memorable theme song make it a perennial Christmas favourite.
‘The Man Who Invented Christmas’ — 9.40m RTE One and 18.55 More4Christmas Eve December 24
London 1843 – After three unsuccessful novels, writer Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) finds himself in serious financial difficulties.
He needs another hit like Oliver Twist, and slowly the story of Ebenezer Scrooge begins to come to him, bringing his characters to life, as well as making him face up to his own unhappy family situation.
‘Some Like It Hot’ — 1.15pm BBC Two, Christmas Day
Two Jazz Musicians (Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis) witness a mob hit and have to get out of town quick.
Disguised as women in an all female band they make their escape, but when they meet Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe) and Millionaire Osgood Fielding III (Joe E Brown, their troubles are only beginning. Directed by Billy Wilder, this is one of the greatest comedies of all time.
‘The Greatest Showman’ — 6.10pm RTE One, Christmas Day
Loosely based on the life o Showman P.T. Barnum, this is a stormer of a musical staring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya.
Show stopping songs and engaging performances everywhere, this is a perfect Christmas evening film for all the family.
‘A Star is Born’ — 10.20pm RTE One, Christmas Day
The fourth and perhaps the best version of this story of a fading star slowly being eclipsed by the natural talent they find and nurture.
Directed, co-written and starring Bradley Cooper as Jackson “Jack” Maine, the real stand out performance is Lady Gaga as Ally Maine, the singer songwriter found by Jack.
