BBC Radio 2 has unveiled its official 'Twelve Films of Christmas', as voted by listeners, with the 1951 adaptation of A Christmas Carol starring Alistair Sim crowned the ultimate festive film. The list, curated by film expert James King, features a mix of classics and cult favourites, including The Polar Express and Santa Claus: The Movie.
Sim's portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge was praised by King as 'the benchmark by which all others should be measured'. The film, directed by Brian Desmond Hurst, was originally deemed too grim for family viewing by US theatre management, but has since become a Christmas staple.
Santa Claus: The Movie, starring David Huddleston and Dudley Moore, secured a place despite initial casting difficulties. Producers approached Harrison Ford, Dustin Hoffman, Burt Reynolds and Johnny Carson for the role of B.Z. before John Lithgow accepted. King noted the film's lavish production and growing popularity over time.
The Polar Express, based on Chris Van Allsburg's book, features Tom Hanks in five roles using motion capture technology. King described it as an 'exciting and inspiring Christmas adventure', despite some dated animation. Other films in the top twelve include White Christmas, starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, which follows army buddies turned entertainers.
The full list was revealed on BBC Sounds, with King whittling down hundreds of entries to a shortlist of 25 before the public vote. The final twelve represent a diverse range of festive cinema, from critical triumphs to beloved cult classics.
