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Christmas has always been a source of inspiration to many artists, including those in the film industry. Over the years, filmmakers have created an array of Christmas movies and television specials, many of which have become beloved staples during the holiday season all over the world.    One of the earliest examples of Christmas-themed films is Santa Claus (1898), a British short directed by George Albert Smith, featuring Santa visiting a house on Christmas Eve. As a trick film, it was groundbreaking at the time for showcasing the use of parallel action. In the United States, A Christmas Carol (1910), produced by Edison Studios based on Charles Dickens' 1843 novella of the same name, further highlighted the sentimental value of Christmas themes. It was not until the 1940s, however, that Christmas movies truly cemented their place in cinematic history. With the horrors of World War II, audiences needed to be reminded that there was still good in the world, and ...

Joan Crawford dressed as Santa Claus ready to go down someone's chimney and deliver some presents (1926).   Janet Gaynor decorating a Christmas tree (c. 1930).     Eve Arden with an armful of presents (c. 1950).      Baby Liza Minnelli eating ice cream a children's Christmas party in the home of comedian Edgar Bergen (1948).   Shirley Temple sitting by her Christmas tree with a bunch of presents (1936).     Cyd Charisse with a model of Santa Claus (c. 1950).    Anna May Wong during the gathering of international film stars at the Christmas tree celebration in the Christy Hotel in Hollywood (1932).   Priscilla Lane standing next to a Christmas with an armful of presents (1941). Rosemary Lane (sister of Priscilla) with a pile of Christmas presents under the tree (1939).   Deanna Durbin dressed as a Christmas tree fairy (1945).   Arlene Dahl stepping out of a Christmas box (1947).     Gloria DeHaven sitting n...

Today is Frank Sinatra's 110th birthday. Regarded as one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century, he forged a highly successful career both in music and in film. He recorded 59 studio albums and 297 singles, and has sold over 150 million records worldwide. He appeared in over 60 films, as well as several television shows, including his own variety series. He won an Academy Award, four Golden Globes, eleven Grammys, and many other honours throughout his career. He was a workaholic and a womanizer. He was temperamental, brash, and struggled with mental health. He had an immaculate sense of style and was obsessed with cleanliness. He was friends with mobsters, owned a casino, and was put under surveillance by the FBI. He was generous, outspoken against racism, and fought for desegregation and equal rights. He was a complex man, a musical genius, and the greatest singer who ever lived. To celebrate the «Chairman of the Board,» let us take a look at his life in pictures.  ...