Celia Therapy

Even though the “Good Old Days” weren’t always good (remember the Great Depression and several wars between 1900 and now), they bring out a longing for an era where life was much simpler and less stressful than our own. The following movies were
 made during a bye-gone era when neighbors knew and helped one another and children played in the streets without worry or danger. Christmas was more than a season for retailers or an opportunity to network and pass out business cards. What’s more, people could wish each other “Merry Christmas” and not feel politically incorrect. Take some time out from partying, shopping and over indulging and view one or more of these “feel good” movies all of which are available on DVD.Christmas in ConnecticutStarring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan and Sidney Greenstreet; directed by Peter Godfrey and first released through Warner Brothers on August 11, 1945.Two Navy sailors, Jefferson Jones (Morgan) and “Sinky” Sinkowicz, have been floating for days after their boat was sunk by German U-Boat. Rescued and recovering in the hospital, the two can only think about food. Jones cajoles his nurse, Mary, to bring him a delicious meal, giving her the impression that he wants to marry her. He wants to make sure he gets red meat not baby food but later gets cold feet. Mary writes to the publisher of her favorite magazine, SmartHousekeeping, and asks Alexander Yardley (Sidney Greenstreet) if Jones can spend Christmas on the farm of Smart Housekeeping columnist Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck). Mary hopes that Jones will see how wonderful family life really is and keep his promise to her.Elizabeth Lane writes a monthly feature describing her life in an old farm house in rural Connecticut with her husband and baby. The highlight of her monthly column is a fabulous menu complete with gourmet recipes. Yardley agrees to Mary’s plan but there is one problem he is unaware of: Elizabeth Lane doesn’t live in the country, isn’t married, doesn’t have a baby and can’t cook. Elizabeth visits Mr. Yardley and tries to change his mind but only succeeds in having him invite himself, too.