The idea of snuggling up on the couch and popping in a holiday-themed movie during the winter months isn’t an uncommon visual – but the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills has been taking its weekly screenings to a more festive level and will continue to do so even after Christmas Day.
Through Jan. 4, the Center will be screening “holiday treats from [its] collection” over the weekends, providing the viewers with an exclusive bit of film history with each showing.
By compiling Christmas-related clips during this season, the media center has cleverly utilized the resources that the Paley is generally known for – its extensive archives of film and television programs – and has made it culturally relevant to the time of year.
This upcoming weekend will be the last of the Paley holiday screenings for this season. On Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4, Paley visitors can catch some interesting and historical clips from films and shows past and have the option to choose from a couple of screenings.
At 2 pm, there will be a series of “holiday highlights,” which feature specifically musical clips from specials and variety shows through the decades. Spotlighting household names, the seasonal favorites will include rare clips such as the “Annie Christmas Show” with the cast of the 1977 Broadway musical.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy Dinah Shore singing a Christmas song penned by Judy Holliday, a tribute to Macy’s by Bob Hope, a number with Robert Morse and the 1960’s musical sitcom “That’s Life” cast, and Leslie Uggams on “Holiday Sing Along with Mitch.” More musical legends like the Carpenters and “Singing in the Rain”-famed Gene Kelly can be seen together as a part of this 85-minute holiday highlight reel.
An hour and a half after, there will be good news for Charles Dickens fans: the 70-minute “Christmas Carols: A Scrooge Mash-Up” will be screened at 3:30 pm and further take full advantage of the historical resources that the media center has access to.
As the Paley’s own take on Dickens’s classic tale, the screening will consist of 21 different motion picture and television adaptations of “A Christmas Carol,” allowing viewers to soak in all kinds of perspectives of the timeless story.
From animation to musical to traditional versions, the famous Ebenezer Scrooge can be experienced through a variety of actors and even cartoon characters, including Albert Finney, Kelsey Grammer, Mister Magoo, Yosemite Sam, Patrick Stewart, and others.
Through such unique screenings, visitors can opt for an interesting, family-friendly way to soak in the last remains of this year’s holiday season.
“The screenings have been a hit, especially with the presence of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus at the Paley this year,” said Rene Reyes, director of public programs and festivals. “It’s a great opportunity for families to come out, take advantage of Beverly Hills, and really make a day out of it.”
Tickets are free for Paley Center members. For non-members, the price is included in the general admission fee. Tickets are not sold in advance and can only be bought at the door.
The Paley Center for Media is located at 465 N. Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills.
For more information, call 310.786.1000 or visit paleycenter.org.
