Christmas in Connecticut
Movie Details:
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance |
| Release date | July 27, 1945 (New York City) August 11, 1945 (United States) |
| Running time | 1hr 41min |
| Age rating | Approved |
| Starring | Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet |
| Directed by | Peter Godfrey |
| Screenplay by | Lionel Houser, Adele Comandini |
| Story by | Aileen Hamilton |
| Produced by | William Jacobs |
| Cinematography by | Carl E. Guthrie |
| Edited by | Frank Magee |
| Music by | Frederick Hollander, Color process, Black and white |
| Art Direction by | Stanley Fleischer |
| Set Decoration by | Casey Roberts |
| Costume Design by | Milo Anderson |
| Production Company | Warner Bros. |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. |
Cast & Characters:
- Barbara Stanwyck as Elizabeth Lane
- Dennis Morgan as Jefferson Jones
- Sydney Greenstreet as Alexander Yardley
- Reginald Gardiner as John Sloan
- S.Z. Sakall as Felix Bassenak
- Robert Shayne as Dudley Beecham
- Una O’Connor as Norah
- Frank Jenks as Sinkewicz
- Joyce Compton as Mary Lee
- Dick Elliott as Judge Crothers
Storyline:
While recovering in a hospital, war hero Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan) grows familiar with the Diary of a Housewife column written by Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck). Jeff’s nurse arranges with Elizabeth’s publisher, Alexander Yardley (Sydney Greenstreet), for Jeff to spend the holiday at Elizabeth’s bucolic Connecticut farm with her husband and child. But the column is a sham, so Yardley hastens to arrange a publicity ploy by setting up single, nondomestic Elizabeth on a country farm.
About Christmas in Connecticut Movie:
Christmas in Connecticut is an American Christmas romantic comedy film directed by Peter Godfrey, featuring a screenplay that centers around themes of deception, love, and holiday spirit. The film stars Barbara Stanwyck as Elizabeth Lane, Dennis Morgan as Jefferson Jones, and Sydney Greenstreet as Alexander Yardley.
Plot Summary
The story follows Elizabeth Lane, a successful New York City magazine writer known for her lifestyle column that portrays her as a devoted farm wife and mother living in Connecticut. In reality, Elizabeth is single, lives alone in an apartment, and lacks any real cooking skills—her recipes come from her friend Felix Bassenak (S.Z. Sakall), who is a chef.
When her publisher, Alexander Yardley (Greenstreet), insists that she host a Christmas dinner for returning war hero Jefferson Jones (Morgan), who has been reading her columns while recovering in the hospital, Elizabeth finds herself in a predicament. To maintain her charade and avoid scandal, she agrees to marry her friend John Sloan (Reginald Gardiner), who owns a farm in Connecticut.
As the holiday approaches, Elizabeth enlists Felix’s help to create the illusion of her life as a perfect homemaker. However, when Jefferson arrives at the farm for Christmas, the situation becomes complicated. Sparks fly between Elizabeth and Jefferson, leading to comedic misunderstandings and romantic tension.
The film culminates in a series of chaotic events involving mistaken identities and secrets being revealed, ultimately leading to Elizabeth’s confession about her true life. The story concludes with Elizabeth and Jefferson realizing their feelings for each other after overcoming various obstacles.
Reception
Upon its release on December 9, 1945, Christmas in Connecticut received positive reviews for its charming performances and lighthearted humor. It has since become a holiday classic, often revisited during the Christmas season for its warm-hearted narrative and comedic elements.
Legacy
Christmas in Connecticut remains notable for its portrayal of post-war American life and the evolving roles of women during that era. The film’s blend of romance and comedy continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a staple of classic holiday cinema.
Budget & Box Office Collection:
| Budget | $864,000 |
| Worldwide Collection | $3–4.132 million |