As I write this, I have just turned to the incomparable Ms. Cicely Tyson in the less than spectacular remake of “A Christmas Carol” called “Ms. Scrooge” on The Hallmark Channel. This movie was made a little over a decade ago to give us our own spin on Christmas (how else can you explain the character’s name Ebonita). Sure it’s a made for television movie, but it is doesn’t reach that “It’s A Wonderful Life” status any more than “A Diva’s Christmas Carol,” which starred singer/actress Vanessa Williams just three years later. Any of course, her name was Ebony.

Anyway, it made we wonder where the heartwarming film featuring an African American cast is that we can turn to year after year like that Jimmy Stewart classic. I am talking about the kind of movie you watch every time it airs even though you probably know every line. And although it may be corny you find the ending immensely satisfying. Well unfortunately, I can’t think of an old film that qualifies. Maybe because back in the day audiences of color went to see “Christmas in Conneticut” (where Bing Crosby sings “White Christmas”) with the rest of the viewing public.

So that means we have to look at more modern fare to find a film that will speak to us. Sadly, I can only think of two films that meet the criteria: “This Christmas” the satisfying ensemble flick from last year and “The Preacher’s Wife”, the Denzel/Whitney powerful pairing that was both a romantic and spiritual dramedy from can you believe it…1996. 

Okay, I know that “This Christmas” isn’t in the same league as “The Preacher’s Wife” but I have included it here because it so sooo much better than last year’s other offering “Perfect Holiday.” (But I went on and on about that before in my post about Gabrielle Union). What makes it worth a yearly rotation is the stellar cast led by Loretta Devine and Delroy Lindo with strong showings by our sister-friend Regina King and the easy-on-the-eyes Idris Elba. And of course there’s Chris Brown, a draw for the teen/tween set. The story is a bit soap opera-ish and it is more about the family dynamics than it is specifically about Christmas. But it is a throughly entertaining experience.

But “The Preacher’s Wife,” which is a remake of the Oscar-winning “The Bishop’s Wife” and starred Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young, is more fully focused on the spiritual meaning of the season (with a hint of romance thrown in). Watching Whitney Houston banter with Denzel Washington and belt out most of the soundtrack is sure to make you hope and pray she can make a comeback. But the story has all the smarmy elements that make “It’s A Wonderful Life,” so attractive: a loving couple who is challenged, a business (in this case, a church) in dire straights, a villian with his own agenda (Gregory Hines), and an angel who plays a significant role in the story (Denzel’s Dudley instead of the wingless Clarence). Plus, as I said earlier it is vintage Whitney on the soundtrack. Priceless.

Until someone else decides to make a real holiday film for us, these two will do just nicely. If you want to get yourself in the holiday mood check them out soon.

Meanwhile, check out Whitney singing a couple of the songs from the soundtrack live on this video:

If you liked this post, we think you might like these too:

1. Dreaming Of A Black Christmas? Here Are Nine Soulful CDs for The Season
2. Discovering a Chiseled Life: Edmonia Lewis, First internationally acclaimed African American Sculptor
3. Sisters Are Scarce in a Post Apocalyptic World….
4. Embracing a New Destiny …
5. Keyshia Cole and Jamie Foxx Share Adoption Stories For Holiday Special