Christmas — Season 8 — The Black Case Diaries

How the Case Stole Christmas (2000)

Dr. Suess is one of the most famous children’s authors of all time. His wacky plotlines, made-up words, and iconic illustrations made his books into bestsellers. It would be hard to find a kindergarten classroom without any reference to his work, whether it’s the ever popular Green Eggs and Ham, or the challenging Fox in Sox. Suess’ work was known to illustrate difficult topics in a simplistic way, a skill he perfected while working as a political cartoonist. He addressed racism in The Sneetches, environmentalism in The Lorax, and war in The Butter Battle Book. But possibly Suess’ most celebrated creation is the Grinch, a lonely outcast who watches the Whos of Whoville from his isolated mountain, despising Christmas.

Due to the story’s popularity, it seems only natural that a film based on How the Grinch Stole Christmas was inevitable. Dr. Suess was reluctant to turn any of his books into full-length films, but at the urging of longtime friend Tex Avery, he did agree to help produce the animated special of the same name. When Dr. Suess passed away in 1991, his widow acquired the rights to his stories. She was willing to let studios purchase the rights, with a few stipulations of course. Just 9 years later, The Grinch would make his unforgettable big screen debut.
So, strap on your antlers and let’s make our way down Mount Crumpit! It’s time to learn How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Case of the Hallmark Christmas Movie

There are some films that go hand in hand with the holiday season. These are movies that we watch every year with our families because they remind us of our childhood and the spirit of Christmas. But in the past couple decades, a different kind of holiday movie has taken the season by storm. They’re known for their cheesy lines, simplistic plotlines, and by-the-numbers predictability. Many fans claim to watch these made-for-TV movies as a guilty pleasure, while others have fully embraced their comforting tropes. We’re talking, of course, about Hallmark Christmas movies.

You know the deal: He’s a small town business owner of some kind (Christmas trees/coffee shop/bakery) and she’s a successful woman from the city with a vague job title. Why don’t we know what she does? Well, that’s because it doesn’t matter; she’s quitting that job by the end of the movie. They were lovers once, or maybe she left him at the altar, and this Christmas, they may just find their way back to each other again. Each Christmas, these cookie cutter movie plots dominate social media because they are an easy target. But this got us wondering, when did it all start? Over the last twenty years or so, Hallmark essentially invented their own genre, which is honestly pretty impressive. So today, we’re getting a better look at the history of Hallmark Christmas movies and discussing the formula that has made them so successful.

So grab your favorite movie snack and cuddle up next to a roaring TV, it’s time to talk about Hallmark Christmas movies!

Christmas, Film History, PodcastBlack C. DiariesDecember 18, 2023Hallmark, Christmas

The Case of The Holiday (2006)

This year, we decided to start off December with an episode all about one of our favorite Rom-coms. This mid-2000s gem is a Christmas movie that we don’t mind watching any time of year! It’s a wonderfully cheerful film about finding love in an unexpected place. We’re talking about the 2006 Nancy Meyers film, The Holiday!

This film is the Christmas rom-com that most Hallmark movies wish they were. It plays on romantic tropes in a delightful way, with enough audience-pleasing predictability to make it a relaxing film to watch. Although it focuses on two couples meeting and falling in love, the movie takes its time letting the stories play out. This film isn’t just about people “getting together,” it’s a story about moving on from unhealthy relationships and finding out who you are.
So, let’s head to LA…or Surrey…and fall in love with The Holiday.

The Non-Christmas Movie Case

We’ve all seen and heard the arguments about what makes a movie a Christmas film. Does the whole movie have to take place around Christmas? Should it be about the holiday? Was it a holiday film when it first came out, or did it somehow become one as time went on?

This week, we each chose a movie that both could and could not be considered a Christmas classic. All three mention Christmas or take place during Christmas, but could be enjoyed at any time of the year. We’re going to learn a little bit about each one and maybe we’ll be able to decide if they are Christmas movies or not!

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Case

Picture it: it’s the mid-1970s and The Muppets have taken over TV. In the first few months of its premiere, the wacky variety show pulled in 14 million viewers and would soon air in 100 countries. The world had fallen in love with the puppets from Jim Henson’s creature shop, and audiences were asking for more. Soon, Henson’s team would begin working on the incredibly ambitious Muppet Movie. But before they could try their hand at a full-length feature, the puppeteers tested the waters on a heartfelt holiday special called, Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas.

A Christmas Story Case

This episode marks the beginning of not only the Christmas season, but also season 8 of our show!! This December we’re celebrating the four year anniversary of the BCD with episodes featuring some of our absolute favorite Christmas stories, including, of course, A Christmas Story. So, slip on your bunny pajamas and try not to shoot your eyes out, it’s time for A Christmas Story!