One of the most interesting Christmas films of all time was “Christmas 1944,” a short film produced exclusively for release to U.S. military bases during World War II. The film is relatively simple in concept but is deeply impactful in its execution.
Orchestra leader Leopold Stokowski is joined by the Westminster Choir from New Jersey’s Westminster Choir College for a 15-minute presentation of Christmas music.
“Wherever you are, we are celebrating you,” Stokowski tells the viewers, asking if they could “let us be part of your Christmas.” Stokowski leads the choir in a rousing rendition of “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” and then follows with an appropriately solemn version of “The First Noel.” Stokowski urges the viewers to sing along, and the carol’s lyrics appear as subtitles on the screen.
What happens next is truly remarkable. The great contralto Marian Anderson is introduced and she walks out and shakes hands with Stokowski, whom she refers to as “Stokey.” After a brief anecdote recalling Christmas music during her childhood school days, Anderson then launches into a rendition of Schubert’s “Ave Maria” that might be the most miraculous vocal achievement ever captured on film. Words cannot do justice to this performance – one can feel the presence of the holy in Anderson’s brilliant voice.
After Anderson exits, Stokowski leads the choir and urges the viewer to join in boisterous renditions of “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells.” The film concludes with two Christmas trees serving as closing theatrical curtains that come together and end the show.
In retrospect, the film is daring not only in having Anderson interact with Stokowski in such a friendly manner, but in presenting an interracial choir with Black and Asian participants – this was being viewed by a segregated military audience. But back in 1944, having any entertainment that connected the frontline troops with the holiday protocols of home must have been welcome, and this presentation succeeds with a glorious offering of beloved holiday tunes.