Christmas in Connecticut (1945) User Reviews (124)

A warm and fuzzy Christmas comedy

[AlsExGal · 8/10 · 16 July 2021]

Barbara Stanwyck could convey merriment, realization, longing and enchantment with a throaty chuckle, a knowing look, a downward glance and a dazzling smile. Boy, does she nail it all in this film. Christmas in Connecticut is one of the most romantic, fun holiday movies with even a cow that nudges the fireworks between Stanwyck, she a food writer with no actual culinary skills and an imaginary farm, and Dennis Morgan as the sailor sent to celebrate a swell ( but trumped up) holiday gathering at her home.

Dennis Morgan singing his gorgeous tenor voice in a spectacular living room overlooking a snowy landscape wishing Stanwyck was his, while Stanwyck decorates the tree, wishing he was hers, is a dreamy, fabulous scene. So is the hoedown on Christmas night as the two glory in promenading and meaningful looks and then escape to a sled, just to sit mind you, while the horse has other ideas and takes them for a ride on a starry night.

The supporting cast is a right-on combo. S. Z. Sakall plays the kindly restaurant owner who supplies Stanwyck with the succulent recipes, who is wise in picking up the vibes between Stanwyck and Morgan and supporting the match - the alternative is Reginald Gardiner, the loyal but boring boyfriend with the farm, who hopes to turn Stanwyck's made-up premise of farm and marriage into the real thing. The ins and outs of the plot are skillful and clever and there are even two babies in the mix adding to the belly laughs. It's a great holiday film that says goodbye to the war years.

The Moonlight and the Snow and the Cow

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 9 December 2012]

The destroyer of Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan) and his partner Sinkewicz (Frank Jenks) is sunk by the Germans and they float adrift in a raft for eighteen days. When they are rescued, they are sent to a hospital and Jefferson has to follow a stringent diet imposed by the doctors. He seduces his nurse expecting to get solid food and she decides to write to Alexander Yardley (Sydney Greenstreet), who is the owner of the Smart Housekeeping magazine where the famous journalist Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) writes a column about recipes and food, asking him to allow Jefferson to spend Christmas with Elizabeth and her family in her farm in Connecticut. The prepotent Yardley sees the chance of free promotion of his magazine and forces Elizabeth to invite the hero Jones.

However, Elizabeth is single, does not have a baby and lives alone in a small apartment in New York and she made-up a perfect married life for her fans. Further, she does not how to cook and the recipes belong to her Hungarian friend Felix Bassenak (S.Z. Sakall), who owns a restaurant in New York. The architect John Sloan (Reginald Gardiner), who has been wooing Elizabeth for a long, proposes to marry her in his farm in Connecticut and she brings Felix with her to help to proceed the farce. The things get complicated when Yardley also decides to spend Christmas with Elizabeth while she falls in love with Jones.

"Christmas in Connecticut" is a delightful and witty comedy of errors about a famous food writer that makes up a fictitious life and has guests to her world. I have just bought this DVD and it was the perfect entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon, with hilarious situations and wonderful performances. "Christmas in Connecticut" is indeed a must- see for the Christmas period. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

A Nice Seasonal Comedy, and Sidney Greenstreet finally gets a good comic role

[theowinthrop · 8/10 · 11 December 2005]

Given the acting roles he played in the 1940s (Casper Gutman, Signior Ferrari, Mr. Peters, Jerome K. Arbutny, Ex-Superintendent Grodman, Count Fosco, Titus Semple) it surprises many of his fans to learn that originally Sidney Greenstreet made a name for himself in comedies in the West End and Broadway. He was usually such a total villain, or serious actor to the public that his comic talents were ignored. In fact he actually did make four comedy appearances (one a spoof of his villainous portrayals with his villainy partner Peter Lorre in a cameo appearance). His best total film appearance in a comedy was probably that of magazine publisher Alexander Yardley in "Christmas In Connecticut" (although his autocratic, half-mad soap tycoon in "The Hucksters" is a close second). Despite some problems with the screenplay, it is a good film, and usually revived in the Christmas season.

Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) writes a column in "American Housekeeping" magazine for Yardley, where she gives household tips and cooking recipes. She is the 1945 version of Martha Steward, except that Ms Steward is a cook and house-owner, and can vouch for trying out and testing what she advocates. Stanwyck can't. Her cooking recipes are those of her friend Felix (S.Z. Sakall), a gourmet chef and restaurateur. The house she describes as her home (a model farmhouse in Connecticut) belongs to her unofficial boyfriend, architect John Sloan (Reginald Gardiner). Gardiner really would not mind marrying Stanwyck, but she is not fully ready to consider a final commitment to him.

As the film begins, an American is shipwrecked by the Nazis. This is Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan), a sailor. He spends two weeks in a raft before being rescued. Sensing publicity value, Greenstreet decides to grant Morgan's wish to have a genuine old fashioned Christmas in Connecticut. He basically tells Stanwyck that she will entertain Morgan and himself at her farm for the holidays. Stanwyck is unable to explain that the columns image of herself (complete with her ability to flip flap-jacks, and raise a baby she supposedly had with her husband) is a lie - if she does she will be fired, as will her immediate boss Dudley Beecham (Robert Shayne). In a moment of depression she accepts Gardiner's proposal of marriage, and then Gardiner finds his Connecticut home is dragooned into becoming the "actual" home of Stanwyck and himself and "their baby".

Of course, aside from putting off Greenstreet's meddling curiosity, Stanwyck and Morgan find that they are falling in love (much to the annoyance of Gardiner - he does actually expect that Stanwyck will still marry him). Complication following complication occurs, as lies piles on lies, and as neighbor's babies succeeds neighbor's babies, before Greenstreet begins to wonder if he is missing something. But it is a comedy, so everything works out well. Even Greenstreet, at the conclusion, is amused by the entire madness - his celebrated hearty chortle mirroring that of Santa Clause for a change. This is not a classic comedy, certainly not a great one, but amusing enough for the season to be worth watching in December.

Pleasing holiday comedy thanks to splendid cast...

[Doylenf · 6 November 2001]

Anyone who has watched the recent remake of 'Christmas in Connecticut' will fully appreciate just how wonderful the slim story was in the hands of Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan and Sydney Greenstreet. No masterpiece, but so much better than the weak remake. The whole film revolves around the mistaken belief by editor Greenstreet that Stanwyck (his favorite Martha Stewart-type of writer) is a homemaker with a house, husband and baby in the country. This, of course, means that the inventive woman has to enlist the aid of others to play out her scheme when Greenstreet invites himself and a ship-wrecked sailor (Dennis Morgan) for the holiday week-end.

The slight comedy develops a few complications along the way--and it all looks very holidayish with the lovely country home in Connecticut--which, thanks to Warner Bros. art decoration, looks like something from a magazine cover. Stanwyck's forte is really heavy drama but here she displays a light enough touch to make her scenes with Morgan and Greenstreet delightful to watch. She gets great support from Una O'Connor, S.Z. Sakall and Reginald Gardiner under Peter Godfrey's light-hearted direction.

It's as unpretentious a confection as a child's homemade Christmas card and just as charming--light and fluffy entertainment that makes no great demands on your viewing pleasure. Worth viewing, especially around the holidays.

My Mother's Favorite Holiday Movie

[Shelly_Servo3000 · 6/10 · 18 August 2002]

My mother loved Barbara Stanwyck; in fact it was the only reason we watched "The Big Valley". But while "The Big Valley" was pure crap, "Christmas in Connecticut" is a heartwarming, fun little movie that I watched with my mother every year in the 80's and early 90's. Now it's difficult to find anywhere. I wonder why?

The gorgeous Miss Stanwyck was as good as usual, and all the other players are great. It ranks right up there with "White Christmas" as a true holiday classic. They should bring it back where it belongs.

The best Christmas gift one can receive!

[jotix100 · 10/10 · 25 December 2004]

This Christmas gift arrived courtesy of TCM. We had never seen the film, even though we have seen most of the films of Barbara Stanwyck. This comedy made us laugh so much, that at times, we had to restrain ourselves, in order to hear the dialog.

This is a movie that should be seen by people suffering from stressful situations, especially around Christmas. It would certainly lift one's spirits by just letting go. The movie would make a perfect gift in the form of a DVD, or a VHS tape.

"Christmas in Connecticut" was directed with great panache by Peter Godfrey, based on a story by Aileen Hamilton.

The best thing in the movie is the felicitous pairing of two of the most popular stars of that era: Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan. Barbara Stanwyck always played strong willed women, obviously, this was a change of pace for her. In this film, as well as "Lady Eve", Ms. Stanwyck displays a knack for comedy. She and Mr. Morgan, who played in a lot of musical comedies, make a winning combination.

There are no weak performances in the film. Sydney Greenstreet, an actor notorious for playing 'heavies', is a delight to watch as the rich, and fat, Alexander Yardley, the man who owned a media empire and who knew a good thing when he saw it. Reginald Gardiner, an accomplished English actor, adds luster to the stellar cast behind the two principals.

S. Z. Sakall, is another source of continuous mirth; he plays the Hungarian chef Felix,who has a hard time with his own version of the English language. Also, Una O'Connor makes a perfect Norah, the housekeeper in the Sloan perfect Connecticut farm.

In reading other comments in this forum, it's sad to learn that the glorious black and white cinematography is not appreciated by some people. After all, color was not widely used in the 40s, and most of the classic movies have to be seen in its original format because, what would be accomplished in 'coloring' them?

This film should be a requirement for anyone looking to spend almost two hours of uninterrupted fun at Christmas time because total merriment is assured. Watch it with an open mind and heart an maybe you'd like to see "Christmas in Connecticut" every year.

Good morning; Merry Christmas. I hope I'm in time to see you flip the flapjacks.

[hitchcockthelegend · 6/10 · 29 December 2010]

Christmas in Connecticut (AKA Indiscreet) is out of Warner Brothers and directed by Peter Godfrey. It stars Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet & Reginald Gardiner.

Plot sees Stanwyck as Elizabeth Lane, a successful writer of a love, marriage and food column for popular Smart Housekeeping magazine. As far as her readership is aware, Elizabeth lives in domestic bliss out in the country, tending the family home for her husband whilst raising their bonnie baby. The truth, however, is that she doesn't do any of those things, in fact she's hopeless and lives on her own in a modest Manhattan apartment. A problem now since her boss, who is none the wiser, has invited himself and a war hero fan of Elisabeth's writing, to her "Connecticut" farm for Christmas. Roping in some friends she hatches a plan to not get found out, but it's not going to be easy to pull off, no sir, not easy at all.

Frothy and breezy slice of screwball that does a good enough job at yuletide without really breaking out of its routine chains. Stanwyck is excellent (in a role first offered to Bette Davis), managing to keep the audience on Elizabeth's side in spite of her less than stellar scruples. There's a number of enjoyable set pieces, and enough knock about energy to raise a few laughs. While the makers have nicely played around with the myth of a domestic goddess and the expectation of such from male suitors. The trouble with the film, mainly, is that the direction is not creative enough for the complexities of the story, the deceptions at its core soon become boorish due to overkill. Sure it's lively, but running thru a number of set ups at pace is not enough if the staid dialogue and predictability of it all hangs heavy. One can imagine just what Howard Hawks could have done with this set up. Still, it's a safe recommendation at Christmas time, and certainly a must see for fans of the versatile Stanwyck. But once the end credits have rolled it ultimately feels like a Christmas tree without the trimmings. 6/10

Transporting And Delightful

[jhclues · 10/10 · 20 December 2000]

From the perspective of the hectic, contemporary world in which we live, the so called `good old days' always seem so much more serene and innocent; an idyllic era gone by of which we have only memories and shadows that linger on the silver screen, as with `Christmas In Connecticut,' a warm and endearing film directed by Peter Godfrey. Barbara Stanwyck stars as Elizabeth Lane, a popular `Martha Stewart' type magazine columnist who writes about life on her beloved farm in Connecticut, always with the latest recipe at the center of the story. One of her biggest fans is Alexander Yardley, played by Sidney Greenstreet, the publisher of the magazine for which she writes. Yardley has never visited her farm, and in response to an idea expressed to him in a letter from a nurse, Mary (Joyce Compton), he decides to spend an old fashioned Christmas with Elizabeth, her husband and child and, as a special guest, a certain Mr. Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan), a sailor just recovered from spending fifteen days at sea on a raft after his ship was torpedoed. Elizabeth of course cannot refuse her boss, but there are problems; not the least of which is the fact that she has no farm and writes her column from the comfort of a high-rise in the city. It makes for a precarious situation for her as well as her editor, Dudley Beecham (Robert Shayne), as the one thing Mr. Yardley demands from his employees is total honesty. What follows is a charming and delightfully romantic comedy that transports the audience back to a seemingly more simple time and place, to share a Christmas Past where a warm hearth, good food and kindness prevail.

Barbara Stanwyck absolutely sparkles as Elizabeth, with a smile and presence warmer than anything the grandest hearth could provide, and totally convincing as a city girl entirely out of her element on the farm. Morgan also fares well as the somewhat naive sailor, whose trust in his fellow man is admirable. Even with the deceptions being played out around him, he's the kind of guy you know will somehow land on his feet, and in the end it's Elizabeth you really feel for. One of the true delights of this film, however, is Sidney Greenstreet. His Yardley has a gruff exterior, but beneath you know without a doubt that this is a man with a heart as big as Texas. It's a straightforward, honest portrayal, and it's a joy to watch him work; the most memorable scenes in the movie belong to him.

The supporting cast includes Reginald Gardiner (John Sloan), the terrific Una O'Connor (Norah), Frank Jenks (Sinkewicz) and Dick Elliott (Judge Crothers). A feel-good movie that plays especially well during the Christmas Season (though it would work any time of the year), `Christmas In Connecticut' is a memorable film that never takes itself too seriously, is thoroughly uplifting and will leave you with a warm spot in your heart and a sense of peace that makes the world seem like a good place to be. It's a true classic, and one you do not want to miss. I rate this one 10/10.

Hunky Dunky!

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 12 December 2022]

This romantic comedy stars Barbara Stanwyck as Elizabeth Lane, a woman who writes a lifestyles column for a popular magazine. Her publisher commands that she host and prepare a dinner for Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan), a sailor who was lost at sea for eighteen days. Because Miss Lane's own lifestyle is a literary fabrication, she resorts to an elaborate ruse. Her deception has consequences that complicate matters, leading to both romance and comedy.

There is a strong supporting cast, including "Cuddles" Sakall and Sidney Greenstreet, who is fun to watch in a comedic role.

Stanwyck and Morgan display a convincing chemistry that is the focus of the film.

A Yuletide Man's Favorite Sport

[bkoganbing · 9/10 · 6 December 2006]

It finally hit me watching my VHS of Christmas in Connecticut what other film this one reminded me of. If it weren't for the fact that the other was done 20 years later, I'd say it was a remake.

Just as Rock Hudson was a phony fishing expert for Abercrombie&Fitch who had to get some on the job training at a fishing tournament, Barbara Stanwyck plays an forties version of Martha Stewart.

Stanwyck's a cooking columnist who's built up this whole image of living on a small Connecticut farm with husband and baby cooking all these marvelous delicacies. Trouble is she's unmarried, childless, writes her column from her apartment in New York and doesn't know how to boil water. But her writing is a hit with the public.

Trouble comes when she's hijacked into cooking a home Christmas dinner for a war hero sailor played by Dennis Morgan who gets to sing a couple of songs as well. Got to keep up the image at any cost. And her publisher Sidney Greenstreet likes the idea so well that he invites himself to the dinner.

So with borrowed farm, baby, and Reginald Gardiner who'd like to make it real with Stanwyck she tries to brazen it through.

Christmas in Connecticut's now a Yuletide classic and deservedly so. The leads are warm and human and they get great support from the assembled players. S.Z. Sakall as the Hungarian restaurant owner/friend of Stanwyck from whom she gets her cooking information and Una O'Connor as the housekeeper have a nice chemistry between them. Reginald Gardiner and Stanwyck have no chemistry at all, obvious to all but Reggie and he's funny in his stuffed shirt way.

Most people remember this film as one of Sidney Greenstreet's few ventures into comedy. If he's not an outright villain, a cynical observer of life or a tyrannical tycoon, Greenstreet is few other things on screen. Christmas in Connecticut gave him a rare opportunity to burlesque his own image and he made the most of it.

In a biography of Barbara Stanwyck, she mentions she enjoyed making Christmas in Connecticut as a welcome change from some villainous parts like Double Indemnity she'd been doing recently. One of the things that made doing the film so enjoyable was that between takes, director Peter Godfrey and Greenstreet would do some impromptu entertaining of cast and crew with English Music Hall numbers. Made for a relaxed and warm set and the cast responded accordingly.

Now if only someone had been filming those numbers.

Stanwyck generates a little bit of fun

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 21 December 2014]

Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) is a single NYC food writer who is famous for her articles about her fictional Connecticut farm and family. She doesn't know how to cook. Her friend chef Felix Bassenak (S.Z. Sakall) gives her the recipes. The publisher Alexander Yardley (Sydney Greenstreet) insists that Elizabeth host a Christmas dinner for returning war hero Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan). Her editor Dudley Beecham (Robert Shayne) fears being exposed. In desperation, Elizabeth reluctantly agrees to a loveless marriage to the insistent John Sloan (Reginald Gardiner) and somehow get a baby before the dinner.

The story is rather boring until Stanwyck starts faking in Connecticut. The war hero isn't very compelling. Dennis Morgan is not that special as a leading man. It takes awhile for the movie to set up the premise and there are no good jokes in that section. The loveless marriage is kinda sad. The movie finally gets to Connecticut after 30 minutes and it takes awhile for the comedy to pick up. Stanwyck has some fun as she fakes a modern-day Martha Stewart starting with changing the baby.

Who "Elizabeth Lane" was REALLY based on.

[edalweber · 9/10 · 18 November 2006]

At the time that this movie was made most housewives knew exactly who Barbara Stanwick was parodying.Today only some women over 50 probably remember Gladys Taber,whose column "Butternut Wisdom" ran in Family Circle Magazine from before World War II until the 1970's.She lived on Stillmeadow Farm in Conecticut,and her columns were collected into a number of books,Stillmeadow Seasons, Stillmeadow Daybook, etc. The lines that Barbara Stanwick recites as she types them for her column are quite typical of the ones that began a typical Gladys Taber column.Besides cooking and country living,she got rather nostalgic and philosophical at times.She talked a lot about her favorite dogs, mostly cocker spaniels.You might say that Martha Stewart is the Gladys Tabor of today.

Christmas is Connecticut may not be any cinematic masterpiece,but it is pleasant,lighthearted entertainment,soothing to the stressed out mind,and that is good enough

When the Christmas tree is up watch this film with your family

[patryk-czekaj · 7/10 · 9 November 2012]

A lighthearted, joyful comedy that gives the new, superbly comedic, meaning to a traditional Christmas party. Very amusing and hearty, Christmas in Connecticut presents a wonderfully cheerful love story with many slapstick elements.

When a war hero Jefferson Jones comes back home and wants to spend the Holidays in a nice, homely atmosphere, fate sends him to the doorstep of a well-known food critic Elisabeth Lane. Unfortunately for her, she has lied for a long time to her readers about having a loving family and a house in the countryside.And now is the time for a perfect set-up. With the help of a few friends she arranges a drastically improvised make-believe ceremony.

As one can imagine, from the beginning nothing seems to go as planned and after a few laughable moments everything goes amusingly berserk. Love takes over, and Elisabeth - despite having a still unwed, fake husband - falls in love with her handsome guest. The whole mystification goes out of control and the Christmas in ruined for the amusement of some, and for the disgust of others.

With an enchanting feel and many hilarious sequences, Christmas in Connecticut is a screwball comedy that will definitely appeal to most viewers, more so during the annual family gatherings.

Not Enough To Be A Christmas Classic

[sddavis63 · 5/10 · 5 January 2008]

"What a Christmas" is the closing line of this movie, coming from the lips of Alexander Yardley (Sydney Greenstreet) - a magazine publisher who's just experienced what probably would indeed have been his most confusing Christmas ever. Unfortunately, the last line just didn't quite capture my feelings about the movie.

It's not that this is a bad movie. Quite the contrary - it's a very pleasant seasonal film, but that may be its biggest problem. It's up against some pretty stiff competition in terms of Christmas films, and there was nothing in particular about this that would make me want to watch it again and again. We have certain holiday traditions in our home, some of which do revolve around watching certain movies. "A Christmas Carol," "Miracle On 34th Street," "It's A Wonderful Life." They're all annual events. Even a more recent piece of comedy such as "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" shows up in our house every year. "Christmas In Connecticut" was fun to watch once, but I can't see doing it every year.

The story had the potential to be funnier than it turned out to be. Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) is a magazine columnist, who offers cooking and homemaking tips from the perspective of her life as a wife and mother on a Connecticut farm. The problem is that she has no kids, she isn't married and she lives in an apartment in the city. Everything about her column is a lie, but her boss Yardley doesn't know that, and he arranges to have a sailor who spent 18 days in a life raft after his boat was shot out from under him (Jeff Jones, played by Dennis Morgan) spend Christmas with Lane and her "family" so that he can experience a real family Christmas. How to pull this off without Yardley figuring out the truth becomes the plot.

It's mildly funny, and Stanwyck and Morgan had a great chemistry. I also enjoyed the performances from S.Z. Sakall as Felix and Una O'Connor as Nora, and spent at least part of the movie wondering if those two would hook up. There's nothing really wrong with this, except possibly to note that at the very beginning of the film Jones and his buddy look awfully healthy for two guys who had been stuck in a life raft all that time! As I said, it just doesn't match up well to the classic Christmas competition.

Lightweight But Pleasant Holiday Feature

[Snow Leopard · 30 November 2004]

This lightweight but pleasant holiday feature makes the most out of a pretty slim premise, thanks to a solid cast and some resourceful writing. Not meant to be taken very seriously, it provides easygoing entertainment with some simple but upbeat themes.

Barbara Stanwyck was an interesting choice as the lead, and she makes it work well enough. The premise of Stanwyck's writer character trying to fool everyone and maintain her image is more suited to screwball comedy than to a holiday feature, but the tone is kept light and funny while having just enough of the holiday atmosphere to be believable. The supporting cast helps out, with the likes of "Cuddles" Sakall and Sydney Greenstreet getting some good moments.

This kind of light but worthwhile feature is not as easy as it looks - as witness the string of crass, barely watchable holiday features of recent years. While hardly anything deep or brilliant, "Christmas in Connecticut" holds up well enough to be among the more enjoyable movies of its kind.

Not One Of My Favorites

[iamyuno2 · 6/10 · 28 December 2013]

This movie has inexplicably become a Christmastime favorite but I don't get it. Full of preposterous turns of events, poor acting likely due to direction since it involves such otherwise great actors, boring scenes, an overly long story line that never seems to end and the miscasting of Barbara Stanwyck as a romantic lead (sorry, I don't see her in that role and in fact this movie shoots her face in ways that makes her look the least attractive I've ever seen her in a movie), this movie disappoints. (Stanwyck has ugly looks on her face, in fact, in the sleigh ride scene and I wonder why these were not re- shot.) The one saving grace in this movie is S.Z. Sakall; this movie showed off his talents well. But others did not fare so well, in my humble opinion. For example - Sydney Greenstreet's final lines (delivered with an unnecessarily extreme camera close-up) were not delivered well nor was his facial expression flattering. I would have re-shot those moments or - better yet - given the film a better ending. It was kind of lame. The love story, in the final analysis, in all its twists and turns, does not ring true. Not believable. I must be wrong though - since Robert Osborne, the noted film historian, thinks this is a great film. My bad. But, personally speaking, this is one movie I could not stand to see ever again. I found it excruciatingly dull and improbable.

Ultimate Christmas movie

[lindaog · 10/10 · 30 November 2004]

I first saw this film about 15 years ago, and I have been enchanted by it ever since. It is such a feel-good experience, that I could happily watch it at any time of the year. However, to me, it is the ultimate Christmas movie.

The fact that it is in B&W is irrelevant - although I often wonder what it would be like in colour. You can just get that warm, glowing feeling watching the Christmas events unfold.

Stanwyck and Morgan are perfect together, and Greenstreet is the antithesis of his usual character, Sakall is a blustering joy to watch.

It is light relief and certainly does not tax the brain, but leaves you feeling glad that you saw it.

I can't wait for it to become available on DVD in the UK. I shall certainly be at the front of the queue to buy it.

Not A Great Christmas Film But Quite Watchable Due To The Assembled Cast

[AudioFileZ · 6/10 · 5 November 2016]

There's some things I certainly love about Christmas In Connecticut, but Barbara Stanwyck really isn't at the top of the list. I've always found Ms. Stanwyck to be a bit too cold to be sweet, a bit too melodramatic to be truly vulnerable to the point of one burning to save her, and polarizing in her beauty which, to me at any rate, was different from either a classic beauty or the girl next door. But, Ms. Stanwyck was without doubt a good actress that could make you watch even if you didn't particularly think she was the lead you wished for. I guess that puts her in a kind of "rare-air" actress league?

Anyway, this is a simple story with good parts played by an all-round decent cast. It's suppose to be a romantic comedy, but it is light on both the romance and the comedy. Neither gets particularly showcased, but it isn't for lack of trying. A war hero spends weeks on a raft and is celebrated upon coming home. A single-minded magazine business magnate sees an opportunity. His star columnist is a kind of Martha Stewart of the day. Only thing Elizabeth Lane, the columnist, isn't a homemaker, she's just a fine writer of "fiction" you might say as she weaves her life to be the consummate cook, homemaker, and mother, none of which is true. It sells a lot of magazines however.

This sets up our main story which is the magazine owner insists Mrs. Lane entertains the war hero, Jefferson James played by Dennis Morgan, over a long Holiday weekend. Mr. James will be treated to life with the nation's top homemaker for festive eats, entertainment, and a taste of the American Dream he's fighting for. Well, it's a major predicament and to pull it off Ms. Lane will go to some lengths which include borrowing several infants of different sex, hair color, and size to stand in for her one child.

The Christmas element here is kind of incidental in providing a vehicle and it really isn't a movie that celebrates the season too awfully much. I like old movies from this era and as much as anything this is why I like Christmas In Connecticut. The other reason is the always fun to watch Sydney Greenstreet and S.Z Sakall who steal most every scene they appear in. I'm surprised this movie is rated as high as 7.5 (circa late 2016), I feel it's more modest and only as good as a 6.5 because of not the story, but the cast. Not a must see of the Christmas Season, but a nice one for fans of 40's comedies.

Heartwarming comedy delightful change of pace for Stanwyck

[mlraymond · 10/10 · 20 December 2007]

Barbara Stanwyck is a sheer delight in this wartime comedy, about a sailor invited to spend Christmas with a popular magazine writer's family, at her farm in Connecticut. The problem is she has no husband, baby, or farm, as she writes about in her column, and she can't even cook; her wonderful recipes being provided for her by her good friend " Uncle" Felix, owner of a Hungarian restaurant in New York City.

Things get even more complicated when her strict publisher boss invites himself along for Christmas. A scheme is hastily planned, with her stuffy fiancé providing an actual Connecticut farm, neighbors providing a borrowed baby, and a quick wedding planned when the publisher isn't looking. But when the handsome young sailor arrives on Christmas Eve, romantic complications ensue, as the supposedly married author falls like a ton of bricks for the nice guy Navy man and vice versa.

This is a charming, warm film that deftly balances humor with sentiment and is a wonderful showcase for Barbara Stanwyck to display her considerable comedic talent, aided by such marvelous character actors as Sydney Greenstreet, Una O'Connor, S.Z.Sakall, and many others. A Christmas night dance at the town hall is a toe tapping delight to see, and the unexpectedly sweet and feminine side of Stanwyck is a wonderful surprise, for viewers who have seen her mainly as tough, bitchy women in femme fatale roles. Truly a wonderful film that has stood the test of time.

Fine actors, contrived story

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 7/10 · 25 December 2013]

I found this movie disappointing. Which surprised me, because I like most of the actors and they do a decent job here. So what's the problem? Well, it all just seems too contrived.

Barbara Stanwyck is fine as the female lead, although I don't see this as one of her outstanding performances (and there were many). Dennis Morgan is pleasant, as he always was; I typically enjoy him in a film. Nice to see Sydney Greenstreet taking one of his lighter roles. Reginald Gardiner, not always one of my favorites, is fine here as the husband to be (?). S.Z. Sakall plays S.Z. Sakall (he was no actor...always played the same role...but was adorable). And, Una O'Connor was as delightful, as always. So, the problem is not the actors.

The problem is the script. Sort of a screwball Christmas story...but not quite. Disappointing in terms of romance. It had its funny moments, but not that many moments strung together. The only thing that really comes together in the story are the contrived circumstances.

I'm not saying it's a bad movie. It's okay. Pretty average. But as much as I love a good Christmas movie, this just didn't light my Christmas tree. Okay to watch...once.

A SPARKLING Christmas CLASSIC!

[kga58 · 8/10 · 17 November 2005]

This film is one of my favorite Christmas classics. Sure, it's fluff, it's not "relevant", but when did movies being simply entertaining and fun become a bad thing? No, this movie is definitely "A Good Thing" as Martha Stewart(appropriately)would say! Barbara Stanwyck is so appealing in this film and Dennis Morgan perfectly compliments her. Both of them have charm and warmth to spare. They are assisted by a crew of those incredible character actors who seem to have disappeared since the 40's and 50's--Sydney Greenstreet, S.Z.(Cuddles)Sakall, Reginald Gardiner and Una O'Connor among them. Where are characters like this today? Not one role could have been better cast. Bette Davis thankfully refused this role as beneath her and she was right to refuse it. She would have attempted to steam roll over everyone and everything around her and completely destroyed the film. Stanwyck was a strong actress, but had the wisdom to play this lightly. She has seldom been more appealing and is pitch perfect. Morgan is the essence of the nice guy. Because his part is the least splashy there is a tendency to overlook his skill. Just the fact that he could hold his own surrounded by such distinct character actors is an accomplishment in itself, but he too is absolutely perfect as Jefferson Jones. Skip the ill advised(and pointless)1992 remake and watch this bright, sparkling holiday gift!

Mildly amusing, but lacking sizzle

[gbill-74877 · 7/10 · 5 January 2019]

Light, mildly amusing holiday fare. The plot is simple, and most of the characters seem pretty generic. It lacks sizzle and sharpness of wit from other movies of this type, but it does have its moments between Barbara Stanwyck fumbling around with the baby and flirting with Dennis Morgan. "Do I attract you?" she asks looking up into his eyes. Her reaction to the "nice, firm rump" line in the barn is pretty funny too. I enjoyed it as a Stanwyck fan and for S.Z. Sakall's Hungarian character, but if you're new to old movies, wouldn't recommend starting with this one, since it just doesn't have a lot of punch to it.

A film full of holiday fun!

[steveareno · 8/10 · 12 November 2000]

Make sure you make this delightful comedy part of your holiday season! If you admire Dennis Morgan or Barbara Stanwyck, this film is a fun one to watch. They really work well together as you would see in this movie. The whole cast was very entertaining. Since I'm a Dennis Morgan fan, this film was a real treat! But...everyone can enjoy it! Recommended!

As long as you don't expect a Christmas movie

[beveric · 7/10 · 29 December 2020]

This is a good screwball comedy but it really doesn't have much to do with the feeling of Christmas.

Stanwyck & Comedy Do Not A Perfect Yuletide Combo Make

[strong-122-478885 · 5/10 · 1 November 2013]

If nothing else, this decidedly silly, light-weight RomCom from 1945 will certainly entice you with all of its talk (as well as its presentation) of food-glorious-food. Your mouth will water at the sight of some of the delectable meals that are placed before your famished eyes.

But, with that said, I found this somewhat screwy Chick Flick wasn't exactly the sort of cold-climate story that's guaranteed to warm your heart, nor put you into the Christmas spirit, or anything like that, at all.

But, still, this film does have its entertaining moments, even though its plot was just a wafer-thin "Girl-Gets-Boy-To-The-Altar" story with a predictable, token "happy ending" conveniently tacked on for good measure.

This piece of airy fluff has Barbara Stanwyck playing character Elizabeth Lane, a chic, NYC writer for Smart Housekeeping magazine, who's got her naive readers believing her to be the most ideally perfect homemaker on the face of the planet (but, in reality, she's far from being that).

This standard studio corn has Miss Lane cornered into entertaining both a dashing, young war veteran and her overbearing boss in a cozy, but posh, Connecticut home for the holidays.

Filmed in b&w, this offering from Warner Bros. has a running time of 100 minutes.