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| Star In The Night - 1945 |
Coming up next is 1945's "Star In The Night", a short-film that sees a "modern day" telling of the Nativity story set in the deserts of the American west.
The film's cast includes J. Carrol Naish, Donald Woods, Rosina Galli, Lynn Baggett, Anthony Caruso, Irving Bacon, Claire Du Brey, Dick Elliott, and Virginia Sale.
In the American West, three cowboys are riding through the desert heavily laden with gifts they've just purchased. Not really knowing why they purchased them in the first place, they set off into the night.
They see a flash of light coming from a huge star in the distance. Curious about its origin, they decide to ride towards it.
The star is actually a light advertising the Star Auto Court, a place where weary travelers can come and rest, rent a cabin, and have some hot food before continuing their journeys.
The proprietor, Nick, is tired of selfish people always out for themselves. This has made him indifferent to Christmastime and the joys of the season. He tells a hitchhiker as much when the man comes and asks for a cup of coffee to warm him up.
A flurry of demanding, rude, and grumpy guests serves to illustrate Nick's point. He thinks that there is no true goodness left in people, and if they are nice, it's only because they want something for themselves.
A young couple arrives at the auto court. Jose and Maria Santos need a place to stay badly. She is going to have a baby soon. However, having just rented the last cabin, Nick has nowhere to put them, and there is no other place for many miles around.
Nick's wife Rosa strikes upon an idea. There is one place left. It's not much, just a shed that looks like a little barn. It's not a cabin, but it will be soft and warm. Jose and Maria are very grateful.
When the circumstances are explained to the other auto court guests, they decide to all pitch in and help. They give of their own possessions and comforts so that the young couple can have their baby. Seeing the goodness in the guests, Nick is truly moved.
The cowboys eventually make it to the shining star. They find out that a baby is going to be born and decide to give all the things they've bought to the newborn.
Eventually, the baby, a little boy, is born. Everyone congratulates Jose and then rushes out to see the little one.
Staying behind to clean up, Nick is drawn to the calendar and sees an illustration of the first Christmas, which makes a deep impression on him.
As everyone gathers around the new baby, Nick looks out the window and reflects on the message of peace, love, and brotherhood that Christmas brings.
Cast rundown:
J. Carrol Naish................................Nick Catapoli
Donald Woods.................................Hitchhiker
Rosina Galli....................................Rosa Catapoli
Lynn Baggett..................................Maria Santos
Anthony Caruso..............................Jose Santos
Irving Bacon...................................Mr. Dilson
Claire Du Brey................................Traveler's Wife
Dick Elliott.....................................Traveler
Virginia Sale...................................Miss Roberts
And that's it for Star In The Night. This film won the Academy Award for Best Short Subject. I think it's very beautifully done and should be a part of everyone's Christmas film-viewing tradition.
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