Movie Reviewed: Christmas in July (1940)

Movie Reviewed: Christmas in July (1940)

Christmas in July is a real screwball slapstick

The story of the movie is riotous in that it depicts the dilemma of an impecunious clerk who mistakenly thinks that he has won $25,000 in a coffee slogan competition and goes on a spending spree on credit. He mainly purchases early Christmas gifts for his friends and family and then proposes to his sweetheart played by Ellen Drew. This movie confirmed that Preston Sturges as the phenomenal one-man hit movie maker. He was the author, scripter and director. This is Dick Powell’s first movie after eight years at Warner Brothers Studio. He displays a lively sense of comedy, and the chemistry between Powell and Ellen Drew is near perfect.

Part of the movie reminds me of the 1960 movie “The Apartment,” especially the office where the Dick Powell works. The scene of Dick Powell celebrating his lottery winnings with friends in the office reminds of the Christmas party in “The Apartment.” This is absolutely a screwball slapstick that is highly enjoyable to watch.