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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...

Directed by King Vidor, Stella Dallas (1937) tells the story of Stella Martin (Barbara Stanwyck), the daughter of a mill worker in a factory town in 1919 Massachusetts, who is determined to better herself. She sets her sights on Stephen Dallas (John Boles), a minor executive at the factory whose family was once wealthy, and catches him at an emotionally vulnerable time. Stephen has broken his engagement to his long-time sweetheart, Helen (Barbara O'Neil), fearing that his current lack of money and social position will hinder her. He planned to marry Helen once he was financially able to support her, but, as he reaches his goal, he learns that she is to wed another man. As a result, Stephen decides to marry Stella instead. After their daughter Laurel (Anne Shirley) is born, Stella becomes bored with her life and begins to exhibit social behaviour that Stephen finds unsuitable. He also strongly disapproves of her continuing friendship with the vulgar Ed Munn (Alan Hale). Meanwhile...