Mark Kermode's Christmas Cinema Secrets
Mark Kermode unwraps a glittering selection of Christmas cinematic treats, from much-loved classics to hidden gems, from Hollywood blockbusters to international films.
In a special seasonal edition of his acclaimed series, film critic Mark Kermode celebrates one of the most perennial of all genres: the Christmas movie. Mark unwraps a glittering selection of Christmas cinematic treats, from much-loved classics to hidden gems, Hollywood blockbusters to international films, and reveals the film-making techniques and storytelling secrets that make them so successful.
Mark demonstrates how, as with all great genres, a key to the success of the Christmas movie lies in its adaptability. Christmas cinema embraces a remarkable range of styles and themes, from fairy tale fantasy to high-octane action, family drama to horror. But a great Christmas movie does more than simply set its story in the festive season. It captures something magical – the Christmas spirit – and in this programme, Mark shows you how.
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Clips
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Good ghosts of A Christmas Carol
Duration: 02:34
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Dark Santas: Movie Santas can have a scary side
Duration: 01:07
Music Played
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Mychael Danna
In The Season of Hope
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Alan Silvestri
Who Was That Lying Dead?
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Dean Martin
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Remastered)
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Dean Martin
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
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The Brain Setzer Orchestr
Jingle Bells
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Angelo Badalamenti
The City of Lost Children
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Mychael Dann
A Star Shall Come Forth
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Monty Python
The Wise Men at The Manger
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Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby
White Christmas
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Judy Garland
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
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Bill Nighy
Love Is All Around
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Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs
Wooly Bully
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John Williams
Mom Returns and Finale
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Vaughn Monroe
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Mark Kermode |
| Writer | Kim Newman |
| Writer | Mark Kermode |
| Executive Producer | John Das |
| Producer | Nick Freand Jones |
Broadcasts
Featured in...
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Christmas TV 2020
2020's Christmas TV on the BBC.
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The Art of Christmas
A collection of immersive festive shows and performances, and the stories behind them.
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Christmas TV 2019
Festive telly treats from 2019.
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Festive Documentaries
From historical festivities to the world of the snow wolf, all the stories of the season.
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Christmas on BBC Four
From historical festivities to the Christmas number one, the festive season covered.
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A Trip to the Cinema
Take a walk down the red carpet and discover the magic of film.
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Christmas Specials
Cosy festive films and Christmas editions of your favourite shows.
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Arts Unwrapped
A selection box of festive fare - from yuletide traditions to TV classics
