1) It's a Wonderful Life--Is it? Do you remember seeing it for the first time?

This is one of my all time, most favorite movies in the world...one of a few Jimmy Stewart films that fills that list. I might never had had a crush on him like RM, but I admired the characters he portrayed. There are things about it that drive me crazy (Uncle whatsizdoodle is so hammy it's like he's in a different movie), but I do love it so. And need I say that colorization of this film should be criminalized?

2) Miracle on 34th Street--old version or new?

See, here I'm at a dilemma. Natalie Wood was the original little girl and Mara Wilson is the new one. Of the two, Mara is clearly the better actress. As the mother, Maureen O'Hara isn't quite as compelling as Elizabeth Perkins (but does seem more human). As the future daddy, John Payne can't hold a candle to Dylan McDermott. But when you get to Santa, I'm sorry, Richard Attenborough just isn't in the same league with Edmond Gwynne. And a pre-Lucy Bill Frawley as a smarmy political hack is just gravy. I've got to hand the prize to the original, by a nose...but if Dylan wants to take me to dinner to convince me otherwise, I'll certainly consider it. :-)

3) Do you have a favorite incarnation of Mr. Scrooge?

I've already answered this one...George C. Scott, but I also must give major props to the brilliant Alistair Sim in the 1951 film, called "Scrooge." His is the standard against which all others are measured. The musical is not one of my favorites...

4) Why should it be a problem for an elf to be a dentist?

Elves believe that it is an abomination before the Kringle to associate with one whose hands touch teeth. While manuodentophobia is clearly a social disorder based on prejudice, most fundamentalist elves still cling to this tired old belief. Sadly, Santa, whose recorded speeches and letters are filled with inclusive generalities, says absolutely nothing about his feelings re: elves who mend molars.

5. Who's the scariest character in Christmas specials/movies?

When I was a kid, I would have said the Burgermeister Meisterburger because he looked and sounded like my Sunday School teacher. Today, either Clay Aiken in the Clay Aiken Christmas special that was rerun night before last on Bravo...or..(more to the point) the 'heart two sizes too small" Grinch before his coronary expansion...gives me the willies just looking at him...

And how about you?