Favorite Christmas Movies

[Denny]

Yesterday I watched the Christmas Story movie and Yes, I did see the Algolake in the scene where the Father and Ralphie were at the time changing the tire on the car. There was one other scene in the movie that caught my attention though. The scene of when Ralphie is fighting with the bully if you know what I mean later on in the film. If you look close enough in that scene, several times it would appear that they are showing possibly Lock 7 of the Welland Canal. If that is true, it looks like possibly a ship of some kind is in the lock but, can't be sure and if so what ship it may be? Unless my eyesight is going bad or something, can anyone confirm this or have any information to share? Also, another scene is at the end on Christmas Day when Ralphie wakes up and stairs out of his bedroom window at all of the snow. It is a quick scene but, it looks again like they are showing Lock7 of the Welland Canal at the time. Out of curiosity though, Where was the Christmas Story actually filmed at in 1983? I think some of the scenes were done maybe in Toronto while others were taken near the Welland Canal? Anyone with information on this is appreciated. Thank You.

[Guest]

Yes, it's a Berkshire.

[Wheelsman]

Pete, is PM 1225 a 2-8-4 Berkshire?

[Denny]

Okay boatnerds it is that time of year again and also it being that today is Christmas Eve, they are running the 24 hour Marathon of our favorite movie "A Christmas Story with Ralphie the kid that ask Santa Claus for a Ride Rider Gun!" I have seen this movie many times as I am sure we all have. My questions and point though is where do I look in the movie for the ship and boat scenes that each of us talk about and bring up every year? One I know I have read is during the scene where the Father is changing the tire and also having Ralphie help out. I think the Algolake is in that scene right? Also, at the very end where they show all of the snow from Ralph's bedroom, isn't that the Welland Canal there and are there any ships in that scene? Finally, the Old School I think is still over near the Welland Canal right or did they tear that down many years ago? I think I remember going by and seeing that school in my times at the Welland Canal with my Dad years ago. If anyone can help with the boat ship scenes in the movie I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas to one and all tomorrow!

[Darryl]

I'm can't help but watch at least once a season "It's A Wonderful Life." Must be Jimmy Stewart.

[Pete in Holland MI]

In case anyone was curious about the locomotive in Polar Express, it's based off the Pere Marquette 1225 in Owosso, MI. The whistle & correct number boards are portrayed in the movie. Search for Pere Marquette 1225 on youtube for many videos in action.

[wlbblw]

Nightmare before Christmas is a classic. Christmas Vacation is another good one. Christmas Story has the triple threat tho, Lionel Trains, Lake Freighters, and steel mills. Tuff to best that one.

[Guest]

Like most, my favorite version of A Christmas Carol is the one that stars Alastair Sims. It's from 1951, as I recall.

My favorite Christmas movie is The Bishop's Wife. It stars Cary Grant, David Niven, and Loretta Young. It's from 1947 and in fact is so great that I consider it my favorite movie of them all regardless of season. It's the perfect movie in all respects and hasn't been topped in the 69 years since it first premiered.

Anyone that has never had the pleasure should tune into Turner Classic Movies on Christmas Eve. I believe I saw that it was slated to air that evening on my channel guide.

[garbear]

Funny you should mention Polar Express, Denny. Saw the movie when it was in the theater and I liked it so much I had my kids buy me the DVD. Haven't watched it in years, but an outstanding Christmas movie. It's animated and Tom Hanks is probably the main voice in the movie. The author of the book was from Grand Rapids and the movie mentions some places in Grand Rapids. One was Herpolsheimer's department store. When my sister and I were kids in the summer we'd go to Grand Rapids(actually Wyoming) with our Mom to visit her 2 sisters and we'd go there to shop. Good movie-I'd give it **** out of 5.

[mopar tim]

Not to much into Christmas movies but if you have not seen Polar Express watch it you will not be disappointed. As for my personal favorite it would have to be Christmas Story. Have a great Holiday Denny hope to see you on the river sometime Tim.

[Denny]

Surprised not to hear from anyone regarding their favorite movies at Christmas time! Another movie that I just found out about today that is very popular is the Polar Express. I've never seen or have watched it but, something to do with the train itself and that it is either taken or from the Upper Peninsula? Surely someone will have the answers for this one. I still cannot think of any more good Christmas movies right now. One that comes to mind and I have never seen is A Christmas Carol movie that stars Henry Winkler in it as Scrooge. That is my older brother's favorite Scrooge movie. Maybe next year I need to ask Santa for some Christmas movies!

[Denny]

Hey boatnerds, I got a great and interesting question for you about Christmas movies. Each year we always talk about and are also in discussion about the Christmas Story movie with Ralphie starring in the movie. However, we never seem to talk about other movies out there about Christmas such as Home Alone, Christmas Vacation with the National Lampoons, Christmas Carol and the ones that star Tim Allen in them and the Elf one. I can go on and on but, this is some of the main ones that they show. My question and point is surely you have watched most if all of them, What are some of your favorite Christmas movies and any special parts that you like the most? For me I can watch Lampoon's Christmas forever and always get a laugh! The Tim Allen movies are also good as well and for the Christmas Carol movies, I like the one best with the actor George C. Scott along with the 1938 black and white version. Would be interested in hearing what your favorites movies are? Let's make this a fun and interesting topic and discussion here.