The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

Probably the seventh or eighth time I've seen this film -- never gets old. Not even Margaret Sullavan's weird voice can ruin the delightfully tart dialogue. And, although it culminates on Christmas Eve, that's no reason to confine viewing it to the holiday season.

"You've Got Mail" was a remake of this classic and, while that movie's charming in its own right, I much prefer this version. I mean, it's not difficult to choose between 1) Jimmy Stewart as a hardworking, put-upon shop clerk with very little cash but a heart full of ardor and 2) Tom Hanks as the jerky owner of a small business-killing mega-chain.

A-