Beyond Christmas

Beyond Christmas (also known as Beyond Tomorrow) is a romantic fantasy film directed by A. Edward Sutherland that positioned itself as a modern fairy tale when it was released in the 1940s. The film is recognized for its heartwarming touch that contrasts with the contemporary cynicism of other films of the period. What makes this version of the film special is that it has been colorized, providing a new aesthetic to the classic.

The story opens with three wealthy businessmen: George Melton (Harry Carey Sr.), Allan Chadwick (C. Aubrey Smith), and Michael O'Brien (Charles Winninger). They are elderly bachelors who have lived together for forty years in a grand, albeit lonely, New York City mansion. They are quite different in character, Melton being somewhat grouchy, Chadwick being the well-mannered English gentleman, and O'Brien being the affable Irishman. The story gains momentum on a snowy Christmas Eve when they decide upon a unique way to broaden their social circle.

In a delightful sequence, the distinguished men put their wallets in wallets, each with a contingent business card, and throw them out of the window, deciding that whoever returns the wallets will be their guests for dinner that evening. As luck would have it, two young people, both kind-hearted and honest, come across these wallets. They are James 'Jimmy' Houston (Richard Carlson), a struggling but talented singer, and Jean Lawrence (Jean Parker), a comparative stranger to New York City, who works as a secretary.

The elderly men become endeared to this young couple they’ve fatefully entwined into their lives, acting almost as fairy godfathers. They play a significant hand in Jimmy's rise to fame and subtly nudging their romantic connection. These clever interventions and the adorable relationship that forms between the old men and the young couple make for some delightful moments that tugs at the heartstrings.

However, Beyond Christmas cannot be categorized strictly as a romance film. There's a supernatural twist that jolts the narrative into an entirely different direction. The story makes clever use of the ghost motif, generating a sense of wonder and surprise.

Maria Ouspenskaya plays an important part in this part of the story, portraying Madame Tanya, a Russian countess who was once rich but now manages the house for the gentlemen. With her psychic acuities, she introduces a spectral element into the plot which adds another layer to this sweet tale. The film beautifully intertwines these supernatural events with the emotional journeys of the characters.

Beyond Christmas intelligently navigates its shift from a charmingly simplistic story about Christmas camaraderie, to a much larger narrative, deeper themes interweaving love, loss, and the journey beyond death. Each actor offers exceptional performance, creating memorable characters whose struggles and joys leave an impact on the audience.

Harry Carey Sr. proves himself a pillar of the film, bringing quiet dignity to the role of George Melton. C. Aubrey Smith's portrayal of Allan Chadwick is also noteworthy, giving the character a certain charm and grace reminiscent of a bygone era. This, combined with Charles Winninger's jovial portrayal of Michael O'Brien, makes for a heartwarming trio. Richard Carlson and Jean Parker convincingly express the vibrance of youth, combined with a certain vulnerability that one can't help but empathize with.

However, it is the distinct, dream-like world that director A. Edward Sutherland creates that sets this film apart. The cinematography is unexpectedly impressive for its time, exuding a nostalgic aesthetic that still appeals to a modern viewer. This is further enhanced in the colorized version, which breathes new life into the film and offers viewers a different visual experience.

Beyond Christmas (Beyond Tomorrow) is a film that traverses the ordinary and the extraordinary realms, making it an intriguing blend of romance, whimsy, and supernatural drama. This often-overlooked gem from Hollywood's Golden Age, now in color, holds the potential to enthrall audiences again with its timeless tale of love, friendships, and the power of belief.