Episode 28

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

From Home Alone to Love Actually, Hollywood Christmas movies are as much a part of the festivities as Santa Claus and Christmas trees. There’s nothing quite like watching your favourite seasonal film to get you in the spirit. But what makes them so watchable? In this episode, we unpick some of our favourite festive treats as we find out… how to make a Hollywood Christmas movie.

Guests on this episode:

  • Thomas Ruys Smith, a Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia.
  • Jon Mitchell, an Associate Professor of American Studies at the University of East Anglia. He is interested in late 20th Century US culture, with a particular interest in the representation of gender and sexuality.

Additional resources:

BOOK: The Last Gift: The Christmas Stories of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman by Thomas Ruys Smith

BOOK: Christmas Past: An Anthology of Seasonal Stories from Nineteenth-Century America by Thomas Ruys Smith

If you love this episode, you might also like:

What is the War on Christmas?

How to Make a Hollywood Christmas Movie

What's the History of Christmas in America?

Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:

Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.



About the Podcast

Show artwork for America: A History
America: A History
Making American History Great Again

About your host

Profile picture for Liam Heffernan

Liam Heffernan

Liam's fascination with America grows year on year. Having graduated with a Masters in American Studies with Film, he loves pop culture and has been to Vegas four times which, in his opinion, is not enough.

Support the Show

While we make this show with love, we require actual money to keep this show going, so it is with a hopeful heart and empty pockets that we encourage you to support the show, if you can. Every penny helps us make it the best we can, and your help is greatly appreciated.
Make American history podcasts great again!
A
We haven’t had any Tips yet :( Maybe you could be the first!