Classic Film Secret Santa 2018

For the second year in a row, checking my mail box held extra excitement. In addition to the Christmas cards and presents making their way from family and friends to me, I was expecting any day a package from a possible stranger, I knew we had at least a love of classic film in common.

This is my second year participating in Classic Film Secret Santa. Like the name suggests, it’s a gift exchange with classic film as the focus. Kristen Lopez, film journalist and former TCM Backlot Sacramento Chapter president, organizes the event annually.

She solicits participants, who fill out surveys about their favorite movies and performers. Then gift givers are randomly matched with recipients, whose surveys provide the clues and inspiration for picking the perfect presents. Lopez sets no price limits, but no one is expected to be extravagant.

This Year’s Survey & My Answers

What are the five classic films you’d take on an island with you?: Les Vampires, Ball of Fire, Vertigo, Born Yesterday, & anything Busby Berkeley

Favorite Classic Film Actors: Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, Joel McCrea, Buster Keaton, Charley Chase, Robert Montgomery, William Holden, & William Powell

Favorite Classic Film Actresses: Carole Lombard, Rita Hayworth, Joan Fontaine, Louise Brooks, Susan Hayward, Colleen Moore, Joan Blondell, Glenda Farrell, Joan Crawford, Clara Bow, Thelma Todd, Zasu Pitts, Judy Holliday, & Mary Astor*

Favorite Genres: Screwball, Pre-code, Noir, Silent, Melodrama, Horror, Thrillers, Drama, & Comedy

Favorite TCM Host: Robert Osborne & Illeana Douglas–felt funny not to list a current host!

Favorite TCM Theme: Trailblazing Women

5 Classic Films (or Items) You Already Own: King of Jazz, The Lady Eve, The Complete Hall Roach Thelma Todd & Patsy Kelly Comedy Collection, Charley Chase at Hal Roach Volume 1, & Thelma Todd & Zasu Pitts The Hall Roach Collection 1931-33

Do You Have an IPhone or Android: iPhone

Have You Been Or Do You Plan to Attend the TCM Classic Film Festival: Yes & Yes!

Do You Have a Blu-Ray Player: Yes

What is Your T-Shirt Size?: Varies. Men’s large usually. Women’s can range from L to XXL.

Do You Have a Classic Film-Centric Wishlist? (Feel free to provide a link): http://a.co/56h0g5Y

Are You on Social Media? (Feel free to share your handles/links): Yes! Twitter @missbethg, Instagram @msb3thg

Anything Else Your Secret Santa Should Know: My current mailing address is–REDACTED

What My Secret Santa Sent Me

This year my gift arrived before Christmas, and I was surprised to see that my “TCM Secret Santa” lives so close to me! Davis is about forty-five minutes away from Rio Vista. My first thought was that if he or she is not a member of my local TCM Backlot chapter, then I should encourage him or her to join.

Inside the Priority Mail box, I found a gift bag. I wasn’t expecting anything big or even more than one present, so I was intrigued to see what was inside.

I found a cute card with a jingle bell that sounds like one people put on cats’ collars to protect the birds that otherwise might be pounced on. Inside the card was a surprise!

My gift giver is in my TCM Backlot chapter! I’ve recently become president of the group. I couldn’t remember any member saying he or she lived in Davis, so my Secret Santa’s identity is a mystery I hope to solve.

I’d like to thank him or her for getting me this DVD set from my Amazon wishlist. JEWEL ROBBERY (1932) is in my top five of favorite pre-codes. William Powell and Kay Francis play off of each other delightfully, and the mature script they work from is filled with great lines.

The DVD itself would have been enough, but I found a scarf with a film noir feel at the bottom of the bag. I’m guessing my gift giver is a woman because I don’t think a man would’ve included a scarf. Whoever you are, Secret Santa, thank you very much for such great presents! I hope to thank you again in person!

*I can’t believe I left Barbara Stanwyck off my list of favorite actresses!

Leave or Read Comments.