Christmas Film Favorites
Airing on
Probe Radio
Nov. 30-
Dec. 4 |
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Todd Kappelman — In this article we will examine several classics of film and television that have become perennial favorites during the Christmas season. We'll start with a review of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The 1938 Metro Goldwin Mayer version is our primary reference, although there are several remakes and versions that would be worthy of our attention. Dickens' A Christmas Carol remains one of the all-time favorite seasonal films and is worthy of an annual viewing for a number of reasons.
The primary reason that the Carol is still important is that Christmas has become a commercial disaster that tends to focus our attention on the material aspects of the season and neglect the spiritual and humanitarian dimensions. A Christmas Carol must be understood as the loud cry of a Victorian prophet sounding the warning of the evils of poverty. The settings in Dickens' stories, illustrating the abysmal conditions in nineteenth century England, have long been understood to be a valuable reminder of the social inequities during the industrial revolution. This is the background of the famous Christmas tale.
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| MEET THE AUTHOR |
 TODD KAPPELMAN
"As a film critic for many years, I am glad to offer my perspective on these movies to Probe readers and listeners. As you watch these holiday films, you'll have a good chance to use your discernment skills in separating Christian values versus mere humanitarian sentimentality."
Todd is a field associate with Probe Ministries. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Dallas while remaining a popular philosophy professor at Dallas Baptist University. Todd and his wife Deana are owners and directors of the Veritas House, a private study center for undergraduate and graduate students in Dallas. They coordinate weekly film groups, books groups, art groups, and Bible studies.
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